On November 27th, we celebrate the feast of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal, the day that she appeared to St. Catherine Laboure on Rue de Bac in France. It was 1830. A brief story and explanation of the medal can be read here: The Miraculous Medal | Kolbe Mission.
The medal of the Immaculate Conception, better known as the Miraculous Medal, was given to us by Our Lady herself. This precious gift serves as a reminder that she is always with us, and the symbolism offers us a mini catechesis on her role in our redemption as the Mother of the Lord. Furthermore, it has been used as a great instrument for evangelization. Just to name a couple, Mother Theresa was known to pass them out to those she cared for, and St. Maximilian made wearing it a part of the MI movement. He also called the medal his “silver bullet” by which he “struck the enemy (that is evil)” and thus “rescued the soul”.
Many people across the globe have joined these two saints in spreading Jesus’ and Mary’s love. Of these are Fr. Kolbe Missionaries and their collaborators, who give away anything from a few in a year to hundreds (and hundreds) in that same time span. Reactions to the medal are quite varied. It’s true that sometimes the medal is rejected by those who do not know Jesus or Mary, but a prayer lifted up for that person makes it all worthwhile. Often, surprisingly to some, the medal is accepted – if not for its spiritual value – for the fact that someone cared enough to give the person a gift.
Sometimes our collaborators share their stories, and while not extravagant, they tell the story of people’s need for the love of a Mother. Some see the medal as an answer to prayer, or as a gift directly from Our Lady. Some regard it as a calling to trust more in her Immaculate Heart, or as a confirmation that Jesus has all their troubles in His Heart. Perhaps the greatest change we see is in the collaborator’s themselves as they share how humbling it is to be used by God to share His love and even change someone’s life by bringing them to Jesus through Mary. It is very beautiful.
Why not try to share a miraculous medal this advent season? A simple gift to someone you know and love, or to a complete stranger. You never know when the gentle nudge of the Holy Spirit will come, so carry a few in your purse or wallet!
O Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee!
