What does the Miraculous Medal mean?

The Front Side
Mary stands on a globe, crushing a serpent beneath her feet. Describing the original vision, Catherine said the Blessed Mother appeared radiant as a sunrise, "in all her perfect beauty." Rays shoot out from Mary's hands, which she told Catherine, "... symbolize the graces I shed upon those who ask for them." Words from the vision form an oval frame around Mary: "O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee." Seen as a matrix, the elements of the front design encapsulate major Marian tenets:

Quality of Our Lady As Illustrated by the Medal
*Mother - Her open arms, the "recourse" we have in her.
*Immaculate - The words, "conceived without sin."
*Assumed into Heaven - She stands on the globe.
*Mediatrix - Rays from her hands symbolizing "graces."
*Our Protection - Crushes the serpent (Gn 3:15).

The Reverse Side
*A cross-and-bar surmounts a large, bold "M."
*12 stars disperse around the perimeter.
*Two hearts are depicted underneath the "M," the left lapped with a crown of thorns, the right skewed by a sword. From each, a flame emanates from the top. Again, employing a grid analysis, we can see how the reverse-side design contains great symbolism reflecting major tenets of the Catholic faith.

Design Element and its Catholic Meaning
*The large letter "M" - Mary as Mother, Mediatrix.
*Cross and bar - Jesus' Cross of Redemption.
*12 stars - 12 Apostles, who formed the first Church.
*Left Heart - The Sacred Heart of Jesus, who died for our sins.
*Right Heart - The Immaculate Heart, who intercedes for us.
*Flames - The burning love Jesus and Mary have for us.



Application: Full instructions will be included with your order. The vinyl itself, is made to last up to 10 years outside. I would not suggest placement on a wall, as when being removed, it will removed wall paint/and or more.