Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal and Our Lady of the Green Scapular

The Story:

Although Paris is known for housing some of the world's greatest treasures, the city is spiritually richer than any financial measurement could calculate. At the Daughters of Charity Convent on Rue de Bac in Paris, the Blessed Virgin Mary revealed two of the greatest treasures in Catholicism, the Miraculous Medal and the Green Scapular. These gifts from our heavenly mother were revealed to two nuns chosen to spread these devotions and therefore many graces, throughout the world. The first treasure, the Miraculous Medal, was given to St. Catherine Laboure, a novice at the convent. The Blessed Mother first appeared to St. Catherine on July 18, 1830. The Virgin then told the young nun, "My child, the good God wishes to charge you with a mission.” During a subsequent apparition of Our Lady, on November 27, 1830, Mary gave her the mission. She appeared as if standing on top of a globe, with her arms and hands outstretched and rays of light emanating from rings on her fingers. Around her was written, "O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee". The vision turned around, and showed what was to be imprinted on the reverse of the medal. Twelve starts encircled a large “M” which had a cross arising from its center. Below the M were two hearts – the hearts of Jesus and Mary. Our Blessed Mother told St. Catherine, "Have a medal struck after this model. All who wear it will receive great graces; they should wear it around the neck. Graces will abound for those who wear it with confidence.” The devotion spread rapidly and in 1836 a canonical inquiry in Paris declared that the apparitions were genuine. The "Miraculous Medal", the name later attached to it, has earned the reputation of converting the hardest of hearts and bestowing many graces upon whoever wears it with faith.

The gift of the Green Scapular was revealed to the novice Justine Bisqueyburu on January 28, 1840 at the same convent where the revelation of the Miraculous Medal occurred. During her first retreat the young sister was favored with a celestial vision. Our Lady appeared to her and requested that the Daughters of Charity distribute the Green Scapular. This scapular would help contribute to the conversion of souls, especially unbelievers and obtain a happy death for them. Bearing a picture of the Blessed Virgin Mary on one side, the scapular shows an image of the Immaculate Heart pierced by a sword with the words of the Green Scapular Prayer encircling it. Between the two pictures is a piece of cloth, symbolizing the intercession of the Virgin Mary before the throne of God. The words printed on the scapular are "Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us now and at the hour of our death.” It was approved by Pope Pius IX in 1870. It is especially powerfulregarding prayers for healing or conversion.

Transportation: The Shrine of the Miraculous Medal is located at 140 Rue de Bac, Paris, in the 7th Arrondissement. It can be reached via the Paris Metro: Sevres-Babylone (lines 10 and 12). Bus lines: 39-63-70-84-97-94.

Location: Paris, France