Pilgrims travel from around the globe to visit this chapel. I’m speaking of the Chapel of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal. This Catholic Marian shrine is located in Paris. It is dedicated to the Virgin Mary. She is known here as the Virgin of Miracles.
The Chapel of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal stands at 140 Rue du Bac. The building itself has a rich history. King Louis XVIII ordered its construction on March 25, 1813. It was once part of the Hotel de Châtillon. In 1815, it was dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. It then became part of the motherhouse for the Daughters of Charity of Saint Vincent de Paul.
This chapel gained fame because of a novice named Catherine Labouré. The Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to her here in December 1830. Mary requested the creation of a medal. This medal of the Immaculate Conception became known as the Miraculous Medal.
Let’s talk about the Marian apparitions that took place here. Catherine Labouré experienced several apparitions in the Chapel of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal. Saint Vincent de Paul showed her his heart three times. Each time it was a different color. White represented peace. Red symbolized fire. Black indicated the misfortunes of Paris. Soon after, Catherine saw Christ in the Sacred Host. On June 6, 1830, Christ appeared as a crucified king.
The Virgin Mary visited Catherine three times in 1830. During the first visit on July 18, Mary asked for the establishment of the Confraternity of the Children of Mary. Later the Virgin Mary requested a medal. The inscription on the medal reads O Mary conceived without sin pray for us who have recourse to thee.
In 1832 a cholera epidemic hit Paris. Nuns spread the Medal of the Immaculate Conception. The epidemic began to recede. Fewer people became infected. Parisians called the medal miraculous. The Chapel of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal was expanded in 1849. It underwent complete renovation in 1930.
Pope Leo XIII granted a decree of pontifical coronation to the Marian image in 1897. The Archbishop of Paris Cardinal François-Marie-Benjamin Richard executed the rite on July 26 1897.
Today, the Chapel of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal is a popular pilgrimage site. It can hold up to 700 visitors. The wax effigy contains the bones of Louise de Marillac. The heart of Vincent de Paul is also kept here. Catherine Labouré’s incorrupt body rests in a glass coffin at the side altar. Only one thing remains unchanged since 1815. It is the 17th-century tabernacle. Catherine Labouré said the Virgin Mary prostrated herself in front of this tabernacle.
The story of the Chapel of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal is one of faith, apparitions and miracles.