Catherine Labouré was a nun in the Congregation of the Daughters of Charity on Rue du Bac in Paris.  On November 27th, 1830 Our Lady appeared to her and entrusted Catherine with the task of forging of the Miraculous Medal. The Virgin said that the medal would be a sign of love, a pledge of protection and source of grace for those who would trust in it. The Virgin herself showed Catherine what the medal should look like. This medal started being circulated in France. She really did everything she could to get it into as many people as possible. Even the back side had an M for Mary, and a cross, and stars, and two hearts. Took on great popularity. She was canonized in 1947.

What is the role of popular piety in our life? Does a medal help? (A meditation preached at Lyncroft centre by Fr. Eric Nicolai)

Music: Handel Rinaldo opera, aria, Lascia ch’io pianga, arranged by Bert Alink.