The Virgin Mary medal, which is often referred to as the Miraculous Medal, can be found in an array of gold, silver, pewter, and white gold designs. Sister Catherine Laboure's apparition that inspired the minting of the medal occurred on July 18th, 1830. This young nun supposedly spoke at length with the Virgin Mary, who gave her a very specific mission. Months later, Mary reappeared to Sister Catherine and presented a design for a medallion. The Virgin Mary Medal depicts the sinless Mother standing on top of a globe and firing rays of light from her fingers. Sister Catherine confided her vision to her caretaker, who brought it to the attention of the church governance. After concluding that Sister Catherine's vision was indeed legitimate, the church began striking and distributing Virgin Mary Medals. According to Mary's instructions, as told to Catherine, Catholics should wear these medals around their necks in order to receive "great graces." These popular medallions swept through Paris and offered the downtrodden and faith-hungry a chance to experience collective redemption. Virgin Mary Medals are rich with symbolism. The back depicts 12 stars, which many believe refers to the 12 Apostles of Jesus. A cross symbolizes Jesus Christ, and a heart surrounded by thorns re-imagines the concept of "pain and redemption." Investing in Virgin Mary Medals is a wonderful way both to express your faith and to celebrate a rich religious tradition. You can find these medals in a staggering variety of sizes and mintings. You may compliment your religious jewelry collection by investing in medallions of other saints like St. Christopher and St. Benedict. | 
