In 1830, the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of Jesus, appeared to St. Catherine Labouré in France and promised that those who wear the Miraculous Medal, especially around the neck, will receive great graces from Almighty God. The medal was originally called the “Medal of the Immaculate Conception,” but so many miracles were attributed to it, that it became popularly known as the “Miraculous Medal.” The Miraculous Medal is the most widely distributed religious medal in the world, and is said to be instrumental in bringing about, by God's grace, miracles of both a physical and spiritual nature, such as stopping a plague, curing the blind, and bringing about conversions to Jesus Christ and His Church. THE SYMBOLISM: When we understand the symbolism of the Miraculous Medal, we see the Gospel story come to life. The Front Side -Mary stands on a globe, crushing a serpent beneath her feet (Gen 3:15). -Rays shoot out from Mary's hands, which symbolize the graces Mary, through Jesus, wants to shed upon those who ask for them. -Words from the vision: “O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee.” The Reverse Side -Two hearts are depicted underneath the “M,” the left lapped with a crown of thorns, the right skewered by a sword. From each, a flame emanates from the top. -The large letter “M” — Mary as Mother who brings Jesus to us. -Cross and bar — Jesus' cross of Redemption. -12 stars — 12 Apostles, who formed the first Church. -Left Heart — The Sacred Heart, who died for our sins. -Right Heart — The Immaculate Heart, who intercedes for us. Mary prays for us to Jesus. -Flames — The burning love Jesus and Mary have for us.