Miraculous Medal Marks 100 Years
Vincentians Proclaim Jubilee to Foster Devotion to Mary
ROME, JULY 8, 2008 (Zenit.org).- The Association of the Miraculous Medal was given pontifical approval 100 years ago today, and a centenary is beginning to mark the anniversary.
Vincentian Father Gregory Gay, superior-general of the association, announced the centenary that will run through Nov. 20, 2009, when the group will have its third international meeting.
The association, established after the apparitions of the Virgin Mary to St. Catherine Laboure, was recognized formally on July 8, 1909. The miraculous medal was manifested by the Blessed Virgin to St. Catherine in Paris in 1830.
The medal shows Our Lady standing on a globe with her arms outstretched and with the rays of light streaming from her fingers. Framing the figure is the inscription: O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee. The back of the medal has 12 stars encircling a large "M" from which arises a cross. Below are two hearts with flames arising from them. One heart is encircled in thorns and the other is pierced by a sword.
In a letter titled "100 Years of Pilgrimage With Mary, United With Jesus in the Poor Through the Miraculous Medal," Father Gay invited those who follow the spirituality of St. Vincent de Paul to mark the centenary.
The letter recalls the progress of the miraculous medal association in its 100 years of existence. It noted that the principal apostolate has been prayer to promote a greater devotion of the Virgin Mary.
"The association has developed this apostolate of prayer and evangelization by way of the home visits where, in a family environment, persons of faith and good will fall in love with the Lord Jesus through an intimate closeness to his mother Mary," Father Gay explained.
"In the more recent history of the association, a service-apostolate has been developed in imitation of Mary who visited her cousin Elizabeth, giving the consolation that only the God of life can give to anyone in need," he added.
"Without a doubt, it has been Mary, through her intercession, who has blessed this journey," Father Gay stated. "We pray that she continue to accompany us in the jubilee year. […] We invite all the members of the Association of the Miraculous Medal and other members of the Vincentian Family to develop activities to promote a greater devotion to our mother, Mary, and a greater love for the poor, doing all that we do for the greater honor and glory of God."
Vincentians Proclaim Jubilee to Foster Devotion to Mary
ROME, JULY 8, 2008 (Zenit.org).- The Association of the Miraculous Medal was given pontifical approval 100 years ago today, and a centenary is beginning to mark the anniversary.
Vincentian Father Gregory Gay, superior-general of the association, announced the centenary that will run through Nov. 20, 2009, when the group will have its third international meeting.
The association, established after the apparitions of the Virgin Mary to St. Catherine Laboure, was recognized formally on July 8, 1909. The miraculous medal was manifested by the Blessed Virgin to St. Catherine in Paris in 1830.
The medal shows Our Lady standing on a globe with her arms outstretched and with the rays of light streaming from her fingers. Framing the figure is the inscription: O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee. The back of the medal has 12 stars encircling a large "M" from which arises a cross. Below are two hearts with flames arising from them. One heart is encircled in thorns and the other is pierced by a sword.
In a letter titled "100 Years of Pilgrimage With Mary, United With Jesus in the Poor Through the Miraculous Medal," Father Gay invited those who follow the spirituality of St. Vincent de Paul to mark the centenary.
The letter recalls the progress of the miraculous medal association in its 100 years of existence. It noted that the principal apostolate has been prayer to promote a greater devotion of the Virgin Mary.
"The association has developed this apostolate of prayer and evangelization by way of the home visits where, in a family environment, persons of faith and good will fall in love with the Lord Jesus through an intimate closeness to his mother Mary," Father Gay explained.
"In the more recent history of the association, a service-apostolate has been developed in imitation of Mary who visited her cousin Elizabeth, giving the consolation that only the God of life can give to anyone in need," he added.
"Without a doubt, it has been Mary, through her intercession, who has blessed this journey," Father Gay stated. "We pray that she continue to accompany us in the jubilee year. […] We invite all the members of the Association of the Miraculous Medal and other members of the Vincentian Family to develop activities to promote a greater devotion to our mother, Mary, and a greater love for the poor, doing all that we do for the greater honor and glory of God."
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