bar, and below all the Heart of Jesus crowned with thorns, and the Heart of Mary pierced with a sword. A voice said to me: ‘Have a medal struck after this model. Persons who wear it indulgenced will receive great graces especially if they wear it around the neck.’”
The front of the Medal represents Mary standing on the earth, her foot crushing the head of a serpent, and her hands outstretched to all who ask her assistance. The prayer encircling her contains one of her most precious titles: “O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee.” The rays of light from her hands symbolize the graces which she is only too anxious to bestow upon those who confide in her.
When Blessed Catherine related the vision to her confessor, he asked her whether she had seen any writing on the back of the Medal. She answered that she had seen none at all. “Ah!” said the good priest, “ask the Blessed Virgin what to put there.” The Sister obeyed, and having prayed a long time, one day during meditation, she seemed to hear a voice saying: “The M and the two hearts express enough.”
The Medal was made according to Our Lady’s design. It became freely circulated and in a short time was worn by millions. In its wake followed wonders innumerable. Health was restored, sickness banished; bad habits broken, special graces given; dangers averted, blessings bestowed — until the little Medal of the Immaculate Conception became known by the name it bears today, The Miraculous Medal.
