What is the Miraculous Medal? 3 Facts You Probably Didn't Know

The Miraculous Medal is one of the most beloved Catholic sacramentals in the world. Given to St. Catherine Labouré through an apparition of the Blessed Virgin Mary in 1830, the medal has inspired countless conversions, healings, and stories of grace. 

The first time Mary appeared to St. Catherine was in the middle of the night. Catherine was mysteriously led to the chapel in her convent and saw Mary sitting on the altar. Catherine said she knelt at the Blessed Mother's feet and rested in her lap while they had a heart-to-heart conversation for over two hours.

Four months later, Our Blessed Mother appeared to St. Catherine  again in the chapel. This time, she stood upon a globe, radiant rays of light streaming from her outstretched hands. Surrounding the apparition was the inscription: “O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee.”

She spoke to Catherine, saying, “Have a medal struck upon this model. Those who wear it will receive great graces, especially if they wear it around the neck. Those who repeat this prayer with devotion will be, in a special manner, under the protection of the Mother of God. Graces will be abundantly bestowed upon those who have confidence.”

But the medal was not created immediately. 

Fact #1: It took 2 years for the first medal to be made. 

St. Catherine’s spiritual director had doubts about the apparition. And the Church always conducts thorough investigations of reported apparitions. And so, it wasn’t until 2 years later that the archbishop approved the production of the first medal. 

The first medals were created in June 1832 by Adrien-Jean-Maximilien Vachette, one of the official jewelers of Louis XVIII’s court.

Fact #2: The medal was originally called the Medal of the Immaculate Conception.

It was first called the Medal of the Immaculate Conception, because of the inscription provided by Mary herself.

However, because of the numerous miracles experienced by those who wore it, as well as how fast its popularity grew (remember, there was no social media back then), people began calling it the Miraculous Medal. And the name stuck.

Meanwhile, St. Catherine Laboure continued to quietly work as a nun anonymously. She was loved and admired by her fellow sisters, but no one knew that she was the visionary who brought the Miraculous Medal to the world.

Forty-six years after the apparition, when she knew death was near, she finally told one of her sisters who she was.

Fact #3: At the time of her death, over 1 billion medals had been made.

Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal, pray for us!

Why Catholics Wear the Miraculous Medal Today

Catholics wear the Miraculous Medal as a reminder of Mary's maternal protection and intercession. The medal contains rich symbolism, including the cross, the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the Immaculate Heart of Mary, and the prayer, "O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee." Many Catholics wear it daily as a sign of trust in Our Lady's guidance and care.

If you're looking to carry this devotion with you, our Saintly Stack bracelet was inspired by the Miraculous Medal. Dainty, lightweight and waterproof, it's made for everyday wear so you can carry the heart of Mary with you wherever you go.