Story of ‘Miraculous Medal’ still resonates today

Lisa Janusa
NOLA Catholic Parenting

You may have heard of something called the “Miraculous Medal,” but don’t know anything about its history or its so-called miraculous power. Here’s why I think that all of us who are looking to live a holy life would want to embrace this great gift!

A young Catholic girl named Zoe grew up in a region of Burgundy, France in the early 1800’s. Her holy parents had 17 children and lived on a farm. When Zoe’s mother died at age 42, Zoe became the mistress of the house. When she turned 18, she had a mysterious dream while in her parish church attending Mass being celebrated by an elderly priest.

At the closing prayer, the priest gazed directly at her with his brilliant eyes and motioned for her to draw near. Afraid, she left to visit a sick person.

The priest found her outside and told her, “My daughter, it’s good to care for the sick. You may be running from me now, but one day you’ll be happy to come to me. God has plans for you. Do not forget this!”

Zoe began to ponder entering religious life, but knew no order would accept her if she was illiterate. She persuaded her father to send her to a boarding school to be educated.

One day, she visited a house of the Daughters of Charity. In their parlor was a picture of their founder St. Vincent de Paul. Zoe recognized him from her dream. At age 23, she was received as a postulant for the Daughters of St. Vincent de Paul. Her religious name became Catherine Laboure. On July 18, 1830, the sisters’ directress, Mother Marthe, spoke on the eve of St. Vincent’s feast about his great love for the Virgin Mary, and she gave each of the sisters a tiny piece of his surplice (linen vestment). With expectant faith, Sister Catherine took the piece and swallowed it before falling asleep, praying that St. Vincent would obtain for her the grace of seeing the Blessed Virgin.

That night, at a little past 11 p.m., she heard someone calling her name.  “Sister, sister!” Startled, she woke to see a child dressed in white about 4 or 5 years old who said to her, “Get up promptly and come to the chapel. The Blessed Virgin is there waiting for you.”

Suddenly, she found herself next to a chair where Mary was sitting. Mary told her “My child, the good Lord wants to entrust you with a mission. You will have plenty of suffering, but you will overcome it through the knowledge that what you do is for the glory of God.”

On Nov. 27, as she was in prayer in the chapel, she beheld the Blessed Virgin standing dressed in white with great beauty. Her hands were resplendent with three rings on each finger – each adorned with precious stones that flashed brilliant streams of light onto the large white sphere of earth below her.

At that moment, Catherine heard the Virgin say, “I pour out these graces upon those who ask them of me.” An oval frame formed around her and written were the words in gold, “O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee.” Then the image revolved to show a reverse side. An image of a cross above “M” appeared, and below it, the two Hearts of Jesus and Mary – the first crowned with thorns and the second pierced with a sword. Twelve stars encircled the entire oval tableau.

Mary told her: “Have a medal struck after this model. All who wear it will receive great graces; they should wear it around the neck. The graces will be abundant for those who wear it with confidence.”

This medal became known worldwide and, because of its countless stories of conversion and various miracles, would be renamed as the Miraculous Medal. I hope you will obtain one for you and each family member and therefore be blessed!

Lisa Janusa is a mother and grandmother in New Orleans and has been a St. Dominic Catholic Church parishioner with her husband for 50 years. A big part of her life has been spent serving God through various music ministries in St. Dominic Church and School. She is proud of her Catholic faith and is happy to share her knowledge and experiences in her life with the readers.