The Miraculous Medal is one of the most widely worn Catholic medals in the world. Its design has stayed essentially the same since the first medals were struck in 1832, and every detail on it carries a meaning. This guide explains the story behind the medal, what its front and back represent, and how to wear it, with Miraculous Medal jewelry designed in the Holy Land by Marina.
The Story of the Miraculous Medal
On November 27, 1830, in the chapel of the Daughters of Charity on the Rue du Bac in Paris, a young novice named Catherine Labouré described a vision of the Virgin Mary. Mary stood on a globe, with rays of light streaming from her hands, framed by a prayer. Catherine was asked to have a medal struck in this image, with the promise of great graces for all who wear it with confidence.
With the approval of the Archbishop of Paris, the first medals were struck in 1832. They spread so quickly, and so many graces were reported by those who wore them, that people soon called it simply "the Miraculous Medal." Catherine lived the rest of her life quietly in service of the elderly and was declared a saint in 1947.
What the Front of the Medal Means
The front shows Mary standing on a globe, her hands open and rays of light flowing from them. The rays represent the graces she asks for on behalf of those who pray to her. Around the edge runs the prayer that Catherine saw in her vision:
"O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee."
The date 1830 is often included at the bottom, marking the year of the vision.
What the Back of the Medal Means
- The letter M with a cross stands for Mary, closely united with her Son.
- Two hearts represent the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, a sign of their love for humanity.
- Twelve stars circle the edge, recalling the crown of twelve stars in the Book of Revelation and the twelve apostles.
Miraculous Medal Pendant, English Inscription
$100
The classic medal with its prayer in English, in sterling silver. A traditional first medal and an easy everyday piece.
$140
The same medal as a small sterling silver charm, for a bracelet or a chain.
Miraculous Medal Pendant, Floral Frame
$170
The oval medal inside an open floral frame with small star accents, in polished sterling silver.
Two-Tone Miraculous Medal Pendant
$190
A scalloped silver frame, with Mary's figure and the M, cross and two hearts on the reverse picked out in gold.
Miraculous Medal Pendant, Blue Enamel
$210
Mary in relief against blue enamel, with the prayer border and the year 1830, and blue enamel again on the reverse.
Miraculous Medal Pendant, Gold-Plated
$310
The classic oval medal in gold-plated sterling silver, front and back.
Shop all Miraculous Medal jewelry
The Miraculous Medal and the Immaculate Conception
The words "conceived without sin" express the belief that Mary was preserved from original sin from the first moment of her life. The medal helped spread devotion to this truth, and in 1854 Pope Pius IX formally defined the dogma of the Immaculate Conception.
Two feasts make late autumn the medal's season. Many Catholics celebrate Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal on November 27, the anniversary of the vision, and the whole Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception on December 8. Both are natural times to give the medal or to begin wearing it.
Mary's own words in her song of praise speak to this devotion:
"From now on all generations will call me blessed" Luke 1:48 (NIV)
How to Wear the Miraculous Medal
Most people wear the medal on a necklace, close to the heart. It is also set into rings, charms and earrings for those who want to carry it in a different way. Many Catholics have their medal blessed by a priest. The medal is not a good-luck token; it is a reminder to turn to Mary in prayer and to trust in God's grace.
Explore the full range of Miraculous Medal necklaces, rings and charms in our Miraculous Medal collection.
A Meaningful Gift
The Miraculous Medal is a traditional gift for Baptism, First Communion and Confirmation, and a beautiful Christmas gift in the season of the Immaculate Conception. For more ideas, see our Catholic Christmas gift guide, or read about the meaning of the Star of Bethlehem.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can non-Catholics wear the Miraculous Medal?
Yes. The medal is worn by many Christians as a sign of love for Mary and trust in God. It is simply an invitation to prayer.
Why is it called the Miraculous Medal?
Its original name was the Medal of the Immaculate Conception. People began calling it "miraculous" because of the many graces reported by those who wore it in the years after 1832.
Does the medal need to be blessed?
Blessing is not required to wear it, but many Catholics ask a priest to bless their medal, which makes it a sacramental.
