Association of the Miraculous Medal
Devotion to and wearing of the Miraculous Medal is second to the Rosary in popularity among traditional Catholic devotions.
History
In 1830, the Blessed Virgin revealed the design of the Miraculous Medal to St. Catherine Laboure in an 1830 apparition. More information on the apparition and the history of the
Miraculous Medal is available this page.
Numerous healings, conversions and other miracles have been documented by those who have faithfully worn the 'Medal of the Immaculate Conception' as it was
originally called.
Association
There are numerous Miraculous Medal Associations throughout the world. They are united under the
care of the Congregation of the Mission (Vincentians or Lazarists), the religious order founded by St. Vincent de Paul.
Membership contributions (normally a modest 25 cents a year) go to spread devotion to the Virgin Mary and to support
the work of the Vincentians. Each Association maintains a shrine and usually has some type of publication for
members.
Obligations/Practices
Wearing the Medal
The Miraculous Medal is an approved sacramental and allows the the wearer to take advantage of Mary's promise:
"Those who wear it will receive great graces; abundant graces will be given to those who have confidence."
Enrollment in an Association
Anyone, living or deceased, Catholic or not, may be enrolled as a
member and obtain these graces and the spiritual benefit of Masses offered for members (for example, the Central Association in the U.S. offers 2,500 Masses a year).
Investiture
Invested membership involves these obligations:
1. Formally enroll in an approved Association and renew the membership yearly
2. Wear the Medal (around the neck is highly recommended)
3. Have the intention to sanctify oneself and others by means of the Medal
4. Investiture which may be done publicly or privately
Benefits
1. Receive the graces promised by the Blessed Virgin Mary
2. Receive the spiritual benefits of numerous Masses offered for members by the Vincentians
3. Promoters who sign up others receive spiritual benefit from additional Masses
4. Invested members receive an indulgences on the following days:
~ Day of joining the Association
~ August 22 (Feast of the Queenship of Mary)
~ September 27 (Feast of St. Vincent de Paul)
~ November 27 (Feast of the Miraculous Medal)
~ November 28 (Feast of St. Catherine Laboure)
~ Anniversary date of the founding of the Association in which one is enrolled
* The indulgence is plenary under the normal conditions: confession, communion, prayer for the Pope's intentions and freedom from attachment to all sin
Resources
Books About the Miraculous Medal
Miraculous Medal Novena
Free Enrollment Information
Return to Prayers