In 1830 Mary appeared to Saint Catherine Laboure in Paris and described
a medal and asked that it be struck.
Mary promised,
"All who wear it will receive great graces; they should wear it around their neck. Graces will abound for those who wear it with confidence."It is the medal of the immaculate conception, but it is called the miraculous medal because of the many miracles associated with it. The medal summarizes the devotional outlook of the Legion. The medal was designed by Our Lady and described to Saint Carherine. On the front is the image of Our Lady of Grace. We have the statue of Our Lady of Grace at our meetings. Mary is crushing the serpent with her foot. From her hands flow grace upon the world. She is portrayed as Mary Immaculate, Mediatrix of all Graces. 1830, the year of her apparition is engraved on the world. Around the perimeter are the words, O Mary conceived without sin pray for us who have recourse to you.These are the same words we say in the catena. Also, the vexillum contains the miraculous medal. The Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary appear on the reverse side. Both are invoked in our opening prayers. A sword pierces Mary's heart. The cross and the letter M also appear on the back. The letter M is entwined around a bar representing the foot of the cross where Mary shared Christ's passion. There are 12 stars representing the twelve tribes of Israel or the twelve apostles or perhaps the stars in John's vision, "A great sign appeared in Heaven, a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars." (Rev. 12:1)O Mary conceived without sin pray for us who have recourse to thee. |