Miracles of a medal from Paris
The grand altar stands at a cove, with a huge statue of the Mother of Mankind with a gleaming crown of lights that reflects the rays of the sun, reminiscent of her radiant apparitions in the past.
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The grand altar stands at a cove, with a huge statue of the Mother of Mankind with a gleaming crown of lights that reflects the rays of the sun, reminiscent of her radiant apparitions in the past.
A facade detail of the Chapel of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal | Photo by Guilhem Vellut (CC BY 2.0)
The Chapel of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal | Photo by Ketounette (CC BY-SA 4.0)
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF Public Domain | SAINT Catherine Labouré.
The incorrupt body of Saint Catherine Labouré
The Miraculous Medal | Photo by Xhienne (CC BY-SA 3.0)
The altar of the Chapel of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal | © Peter Potrowl (CC BY-SA 4.0)
A wax effigy of Saint Louise de Marillac
There's a small chapel in the center of Paris which I visit without fail every time I find myself back in the city. The trip happens, no matter if it's for crucial work or a laid-back holiday, regardless of the changing seasons and the length of stay. It is but imperative I drop by as a thanksgiving pilgrimage for safely bringing me back to one of my favorite destinations.
Situated in the historical less-than-a-kilometer-long street named Rue du Bac, it seems to have an enigmatic yet magnetic force that pulls me to a right turn to face the welcoming arch, where I once again lay my eyes on the Chapel of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal. With the famed address of #140, it used to be a part of the Hotel de Châtillon, the once-upon-a-time home of French nobility and aristocracy.
Formally called The Chapel of Graces of the Miraculous Virgin, it was dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and served as the Motherhouse of the Order of the Daughters of Charity of Saint Vincent de Paul.
Colored with a storied past, the most popular association with the house of prayer is Catherine Labouré, a simple farmer's daughter. She was just nine years old when her mother passed on. It is said that she, whenever she passed by a favorite statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary, kissed it while uttering the words, "Now you will be my mother."
At age 24, the then-novice of the order, Labouré received three visits from Mary the Mother of God. The last apparition was revealed on 27 November 1830. During her evening meditation, Mary with a ray of light in her hands appeared inside an oval frame, standing upon a globe, with the words, "O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee."
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As the image rotated, a depiction of 12 stars, a large letter M surmounted by a cross, and the stylized Sacred Heart of Jesus and Immaculate Heart of Mary underneath likewise manifested.
Our Lady then requested the dear Sister to "Get a medal struck after this model. Those who wear it when it is blessed will receive great graces, especially if they wear it about the neck. Graces will be abundant for those who have confidence."
Adrien-Jean-Maximilien Vachette, an official jeweler of Louis XVIII's court, was tasked with this monumental task. He began with a modest batch of 2,000 medals.
The Daughters of Charity started to don these more-than-just-a-talisman and handed them out to the elderly and sick. In quick succession, miraculous cures and healings swept the community. This caused a clamor for this coveted object not only in France but throughout the world. Not long after, it has been dubbed the Miraculous Medal.
Upon hearing these stories, the Archbishop of Paris requested the first-print run, while Pope Gregory XVI notably placed one on his desk crucifix.
During the World War II, 10 million civilians and military members signed up to be a part of Mary's Kneeling Army of Prayer, who all wore the medal as they prayed for peace and protection of America's defenders. Those who returned from war have credited their well-being to this act of grace.
Here are five details you should appreciate during your visit to the hallowed ground:
Reimagine Visions: Altar's Fresco
Situated on an arc just above the main altar, the painting shows the Virgin Mary sitting on a chair, talking to the young Labouré herself, as both are surrounded by angels in a starry evening backdrop.
Miracle Bringer: Mary's Chair
The postulant Sister witnessed the Mother of God in her regal flowing robes on a chapel seat. This red-lined chaplain chair remains in the church, where it has become instrumental in several miracles.
Whisper Prayers: Gilded Altar
The grand altar stands at a cove, with a huge statue of the Mother of Mankind with a gleaming crown of lights that reflects the rays of the sun, reminiscent of her radiant apparitions in the past.
Pay Respects: Labouré's Remains
See the golden glass coffin with the incorrupt body of Saint Catherine Labouré, which has not decomposed. Above is another sculpture of the Virgin atop some clouds while holding a globe.
Religious Pilgrimage: Marillac and de Paul
The bones of Saint Louise de Marillac are contained in a wax effigy, while a reliquary carries the heart of Saint Vincent de Paul. They both co-founded the Daughters of Charity of Saint Vincent de Paul.
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