This post is a special edition of Feast Day Fun for the two Feast Days that occurred in the last week of November: Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal (November 27th) and the Feast Day of St. Catherine Laboure (November 28th) who received apparitions of Our Lady. I just happened to have the privilege of visiting the Chapel of the Miraculous Medal, so I thought I’d share some pictures.
My husband needed to attend a conference this fall and it brought us to Paris, France! We had a 6 day adventure and while he attended seminars and meetings, I hopped on the Hop-On-Hop-Off Tourist bus and visited some awesome places!
Chapelle Notre Dame de la Medaille Miraculeuse
On our first main day to travel together, we ventured to Rue du Bac to see the Chapelle Notre Dame de la Medaille Miraculeuse: the Chapel of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal where Our Lady appeared to St. Catherine Laboure! At the moment we walked into the Chapel (after picking up some holy medals in the gift shop), Mass began! We were seated near the side altar with the tomb of St. Louise and the actual chair Our Lady sat in when she appeared to St. Catherine. You can see my excitement and my attempt at discreet photo-taking in the way I lopped off the legs of the chair, but this is still the best picture I took.
If you’d like to learn more about the Miraculous Medal, I’d recommend this book by Donna-Marie Cooper-O’Boyle:
The Miraculous Medal: Stories, Prayers and Devotions*
This is a summary of the History of the Medal and The Medal A Gift published by the Chapel of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal:
As a young novice, Catherine was led to the chapel in the middle of the night, by a child dressed in white. Expecting to find the chapel in darkness, Catherine was surprised to find the chapel illuminated; all the torches and candles were lit. The child (her guardian angel) led her to the sanctuary to the priest’s chair and Catherine knelt down. Her guardian angel announced the Blessed Virgin and Catherine looked up to see the beautiful lady sitting in the chair. Catherine rushed towards her, resting her hands on Our Lady’s knees and the Blessed Virgin began to speak to her. Four months later, Our Lady appeared again to Catherine holding a globe in her hands. Our Lady expressed to Catherine how she would lavish graces upon those who prayed to her.
“O Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee.”
Catherine heard a voice: “Have a medal struck on this model. All those who wear it round the neck will receive many graces. The graces will be abundant for those who wear it with confidence.”
In the first ten years after the apparitions, there were more than 10 million medals already made. Through its rich symbolism, the medal summarizes the mysteries of Christian faith. It relates the mysteries of the Incarnation and Redemption, Mary’s unique position in God’s plan, the love of the Hearts of Christ and Mary for all men, Mary’s universal motherhood, the mystery of the Church and the relationship between heaven and earth. Chapel of the Miraculous Medal
St. Catherine’s incorrupt body is in full view within the Chapel. I couldn’t get very close to it to take a picture discreetly so I borrowed a picture from this website.
Looking for a Miraculous Medal Craft ?
Catholic Icing has got you covered!
Image used with permission from Catholic Icing
Check out these unique Miraculous Medal Bracelets at Chews Life
*Amazon affiliate link. I receive a small commission from your purchase through this link, but it does not inflate the price you pay. Thanks for your support!
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