According to the story that has been passed down through generations of Catholics, Catherine Laboure was a French girl who lost her mother when she was nine years old. Not wishing to be without a mother, she reverently removed a statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary from a shelf and said to it, "Now, dear Blessed Mother; now YOU will be my Mother."
Catherine was a devout and obedient girl who cared for her father and siblings. When she was old enough, she became a postulant in the Daughters of Charity in Paris, France. She fervently prayed that someday she would see the Blessed Mother face to face.
The Blessed Mother granted her prayers on July 18, 1830 when she appeared to Catherine and said to her, "God wishes to charge you with a mission. You will be contradicted, but do not fear; you will have the grace to do what is necessary." She also warned of great turbulence and persecutions around the world. Then she disappeared.
On November 27, 1830, the Blessed Mother appeared to Catherine again. This time, she ordered her to "have a medal struck after this model [the Blessed Mother standing on a globe]. All who wear it will receive great graces."
As word spread and people began wearing the medal, great blessings began to shower down on its devotees. The medal was soon called the "Miraculous Medal."
Catherine Laboure became St. Catherine for her obedience and devotion to the Blessed Mother.
What can WE do to spread devotion to Mary and her Son, Jesus Christ, around the world?
Prayer to the Miraculous Medal
O Virgin Mother of God, Mary Immaculate,
We dedicate and consecrate ourselves to you under the title of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal. May this Medal be for each one of us a sure sign of your affection for us and a constant reminder of our duties toward you. Ever while wearing it, may we be blessed by your loving protection and preserved in the grace of your Son. O Most Powerful Virgin, Mother of Our Savior, keep us close to you every moment of our lives. Obtain for us, your children, the grace of a happy death; so that in union with you, we may enjoy the bliss of Heaven forever.
Amen.
Dawn Pisturino
November 2, 2020
Copyright 2020 Dawn Pisturino. All Rights Reserved.
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