Did you know that Nossa Senhora das Graças is more than just a church? It is a place where faith meets history. It embodies devotion and miraculous stories.
Nossa Senhora das Graças is also known as Our Lady of Grace. The name is one of the titles attributed to the Virgin Mary. The Catholic Church also calls her Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal. Some call her Our Lady Mediatrix of All Graces.
The devotion began with the apparition of the Virgin Mary. It happened to the French novice Catherine Labouré in Paris. In 1830, Sister Catherine Labouré saw Mary in the Chapel of the Sisters of Charity of Saint Vincent de Paul.
Catherine Labouré said that Our Lady appeared before her. Mary lowered her eyes and said “This globe represents the whole world and each person in particular.” Sister Catherine also heard the saint ask her to create a medal. She guaranteed that all who wore it with devotion would receive many graces.
There were three apparitions of Nossa Senhora das Graças to Catherine Labouré. In each one, Catherine stated that Our Lady made revelations. In the second apparition, Our Lady appeared with rings. These rings held beautiful precious stones. They cast rays in all directions each one more beautiful than the other. Around the Virgin, an oval frame appeared. In gold letters were written “O Mary conceived without sin pray for us who have recourse to thee”. Christians around the world still say this phrase when praying.
In December 1830, the Virgin Mary appeared for the third and last time to Catherine Labouré. On this occasion, Nossa Senhora das Graças presented Saint Catherine with the same luminous rays. This time it was next to the tabernacle. She confirmed her mission to create the medal.
Catherine heard the Virgin say “These rays are the symbol of the graces that I spread”. She added that it was for graces people asked her for. To explain the rings that did not project rays she added “It is the image of the graces that people forget to ask me for.” Sister Catherine heard in her heart “My daughter you will no longer see me but you will hear my voice during your prayers”. This marked the end of the apparitions.
The Miraculous Medal came about from a request by Our Lady to Catherine Labouré. The object would guarantee that all who wore it with devotion would receive many graces and wonders. “All who wear it around their neck will receive great graces.”
With ecclesiastical permission many medals began to be made and distributed. Initially, this was in France and later throughout the world. Thus the Miraculous Medal became known as a symbol of faith. It alludes to Nossa Senhora das Graças.
The front of the medal has the phrase “O Mary conceived without sin pray for us who have recourse to thee”. This confirms the dogma of the Immaculate Conception. It asks for the intercession of the Virgin. The back shows the cross of Christ over the letter M of Mary. It also represents her motherhood to the world. This symbol shows that Mary comes below her son Jesus.
Two hearts are drawn on the medal. They represent the Sacred Heart of Mary and the Sacred Heart of Jesus. One has a sword piercing it and the other thorns. This symbolizes the suffering the mother and son went through.
Nossa Senhora das Graças has a special day. The 27th of November marks the day of Nossa Senhora das Graças. She is the saint of cures and the miraculous medal. The Virgin Mary is considered the bearer of graces.
Nossa Senhora das Graças invites us to reflect on faith grace and the power of devotion. May this visit deepen your appreciation for the stories etched in its walls.