Understanding The Miraculous Medal

The Meaning of the Front Side of the Miraculous Medal

Mary is standing on the globe, crushing the head of the serpent beneath her feet. She stands on the globe as Queen of Heaven and Earth. Her feet crush the serpent to proclaim that Satan and all his followers are helpless before her (Gn 3:15). The year 1830 on the Miraculous Medal is the year the Blessed Mother gave the design of the Miraculous Medal to Saint Catherine. The reference to Mary 'conceived without sin' supports the dogma of the Immaculate Conception of Mary--not to be confused with the virgin birth of Jesus, and referring to Mary's sinlessness, "full of grace" and "blessed among women" (Luke 1:28)--that was proclaimed 24 years later in 1854.

The vision turned and showed the design of the reverse side of the medal. Twelve stars encircle a large "M" from which arose a cross. Below the "M" are two hearts with flames arising from them. One heart is encircled with thorns and the other is pierced by a sword.

The Meaning of the Back Side of the Miraculous Medal

The twelve stars represent the Apostles, who represent the entire Church as it surrounds Mary. They also recall the vision of Saint John, author of the book of Revelation (12:1), in which "a great sign appeared in the sky, a woman clothed with the sun, the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of 12 stars." The cross symbolizes Christ and our redemption, with the bar under the cross a sign of the earth. The "M" stands for Mary, and the interleaving of her initial and the cross shows Mary's close involvement with Jesus and our world. In this we see Mary's part in our salvation and her role as mother of the Church. The two hearts represent the love of Jesus and Mary for us. (See also Luke 2:35)