Ever notice how some places seem to whisper stories of miracles? The Basilica of Notre Dame of the Miraculous Medal of the Lazarusian Fathers is one such place. Let me tell you its captivating story.
This basilica’s tale is interwoven with faith, apparitions and a small medal that sparked devotion worldwide. It all begins in Paris, France, at the Chapel of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal.
The chapel was built in 1815. It was originally dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. But it was in 1830 that the chapel became forever marked by extraordinary events. The Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to Sister Catherine Labouré here. Catherine was a young novice with the Daughters of Charity.
Between July and December 1830, Catherine had three encounters with the Virgin Mary. Before these apparitions, Saint Vincent de Paul showed Catherine his heart in three colors. White meant peace. Red was for fire. Black foretold misfortunes for Paris.
Then on July 18, 1830, the eve of Saint Vincent’s feast day, Catherine prayed. She wished to see the Blessed Virgin. That night, a child appeared and led her to the chapel. There, she saw the Virgin Mary seated on a chair. Mary told her how to behave toward her spiritual director. She also requested the establishment of a Confraternity of the Children of Mary.
On November 27, 1830, the Virgin Mary appeared again. This time, she stood on a half-globe crushing a serpent. Rays of light streamed from her hands. Catherine heard a voice. It said the rays symbolized graces poured out on those who asked. An oval formed around the apparition. It displayed the words O Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to you. The voice then instructed Catherine to have a medal made. It promised abundant graces for those who wore it with confidence.
The image turned. Catherine saw the reverse side. It showed the letter M with a cross. There were also two hearts. One was crowned with thorns. The other was pierced by a sword.
In December 1830, the image of the medal appeared again near the tabernacle. The Virgin Mary said these rays are the symbol of graces for those who ask. These were the last apparitions.
Catherine told her confessor, Father Aladel, about the Virgin’s requests. He was not receptive. Despite this, Catherine persisted quietly.
In 1832, a cholera epidemic struck Paris. The Daughters of Charity distributed the first medals. These were called the Medal of the Immaculate Conception. As the epidemic waned, people called the medal “miraculous”.
The message on the front of the medal has three parts. It shows Mary’s identity as immaculate from conception. It highlights her power to intercede for those who pray. And it depicts her feet crushing the serpent representing evil.
The back of the medal reveals Mary’s secret. The M and cross show the link between Christ and Mary. The two hearts represent Jesus’ love for humanity and Mary’s love for us. Twelve stars stand for the apostles and the Church.
The Basilica of Notre Dame of the Miraculous Medal of the Lazarusian Fathers is a testament to this story. It stands as a beacon of hope. It reminds us of faith, miracles and the power of a small medal. It is a place where heaven touched earth and continues to inspire. The basilica embodies the enduring message of the Miraculous Medal. It is a call to seek Mary’s intercession. It is an invitation to embrace love and sacrifice.