Miraculous Medal Miracles

MIRACLES OF THE MIRACULOUS MEDAL

Each year, people from all over the world visit the Notre-Dame de la Medaille Miraculeuse (Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal) chapel in Paris, France. The pilgrims flock there because they know what a special place it is. It was there, on November 27th, 1830, that Blessed Mother appeared to Saint Catherine Labouré and graciously gave her the gift of the Miraculous Medal, so that she could share it with the world.

Although November 27th, 1830 was not the first time that the Mother of Our Lord had appeared to St. Catherine Labouré ― who was then a young nun ― it was the date when she manifested a perfect vision of what the Miraculous Medal should look like. The humble saint saw the Blessed Mother standing on a globe, while crushing a serpent under her feet. Our Lady’s hands were open, and brilliant rays of light streamed from jeweled rings on them. An oval soon formed around Blessed Mother, and a gold inscription read “O Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee.”

The vision then rotated, so that the young nun could see what the back of the medal should look like. In that portion of the apparition, there was a letter “M” below a cross. There were also two hearts below the “M”. One was crowned with thorns, and the other was pierced with a sword.

Of the rays of light that flowed from her hands, Blessed Mother told the young nun that they were graces that she poured out on those who asked them of her. The young nun also heard Mary say “Have a medal made according to this model. For those who wear it with confidence, there will be abundant graces.”

With the permission of the Catholic Church, the first medals were made and distributed in Paris in 1832. Although it was originally known as the Medal of the Immaculate Conception, it was associated with so many miracles and blessings, that it became known as the Miraculous Medal. And many Christians who have them, today, still experience grace-filled blessings and miracles. We are living in such increasingly terrible times where only the miraculous intervention of Heaven can save us from many of the calamities that are on our doorsteps!

Here are just some of the countless miracles that have been attributed to the amazing power behind the Miraculous Medal. The accounts of the miracles in Europe, in the 1800s, are listed by none other than the spiritual director of St. Catherine Labouré―Fr. Adel. Many of the other accounts come from the Hospital Sisters of the Religious Order that St. Catherine Labouré joined―the Daughters of Charity. The 20th century accounts come from varied sources.

THE WIDOW’S MIRACLE
Saint-Maur, France, 1834

In 1834, only two years after the first copies of the Miraculous Medal were made and distributed in Paris, news of the Medal had traveled throughout France. One person who heard about it was a 70-year-old impoverished widow, who had entered the nursing home of Saint-Maur, after a terrible fall in August 1833. Not only did she have to drag her left leg, she needed assistance to walk, and she had difficulty sitting and getting back up. When she heard about the medal, in January 1834, she requested one and was filled with hope.

As soon as she received it, in March of that year, she went to Confession. The next day ― which was the first Friday of the month ― she received the Holy Eucharist and began praying a novena to the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary. She also venerated the medal, which she wore around her neck, 20 times a day. She was suddenly free of her pain on the seventh day of the novena. Everyone at the nursing home was shocked when she began walking without assistance. After having received the miraculous cure, she was even able to climb stairs and kneel.

Father Bégin, an eyewitness to this cure that took place in Saint-Maur where he was chaplain, wrote a report in which he attested to the following facts:
● that the sick person was gravely ill;
● that she was cured on March 14th, 1834; and
● that she declared that she only used the medal and prayer.

One hundred witnesses from the nursing home signed this document. The Bishop of Châlons also added his signature to the document: “We certify that the testimony of Father Bégin should be taken as wholly trustworthy, as well as that of the nuns and so many others, who were eye -witnesses and spoke according to their consciences, without any other interest except that of stating the truth. Châlons, May 30th, 1834 + M.S.F.V., Bishop of Châlons.”

Mrs. C.H., a 70-year-old widow, had been admitted in impoverished circumstances to the nursing home of Saint-Maur because of a bad fall that occurred on August 7th, 1833. She walked with great difficulty and even with the help of a crutch needed someone’s arm for support. She also found it hard to sit and only with great difficulty was she able to rise again. It was almost impossible for her to climb stairs, as she had to hold on to whatever she could to do so. She could not bend down or kneel, and had to drag her left leg, as that was where the problem lay.

At the beginning of January, 1834, she was told of a medal that was reported to be miraculous. Described as having, on one side, Mary crushing the infernal serpent and on the reverse of the medal were depicted the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary and the letter “M” with a cross on top, she also heard of marvelous things that had happened to those who wore it with confidence.

From that moment she felt her heart enkindled with the consoling hope of finding some relief that the wearing of this medal promised to her, and she could not wait for the moment she would receive one. Finally, on March 6th, she received the much longed-for medal as a gift from Heaven. She then went to confession in order to dispose herself to receive the favor she desired.

The following day, the first Friday of the month, after receiving Holy Communion, she started a novena to the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary. She venerated the medal, which she wore around her neck, twenty times a day. In a short while, she obtained a happy answer to her requests. After only seven days of the novena, she felt free from the painful infirmities she had suffered so cruelly for seven months.

We cannot describe the surprise and admiration of everyone on the morning of March 14th upon seeing this woman walk about unaided when the previous evening she had been crippled. She was able to bend down, kneel, go up and down stairs. Everyone cried out: “Miracle!” and was greatly edified by such a prodigious cure. They congratulated her on such a great grace from God and Mary Most Holy.

The Mother Superior, who had taken care of her innumerable times since she had been taken ill and daily witnessed her sufferings, wanted a Te Deum to be sung by the whole community in the house chapel to celebrate solemnly this extraordinary grace. The sick lady remained cured and no longer felt the effects of her former infirmity.

SAVED FROM DEATH, CURED FROM PNEUMONIA AND CONVERTED FROM SIN
Italy, 1836

By 1836, news of the medal had spread throughout Europe. In January of that year, a priest in Italy secretly slipped a medal into the pillow of a 27-year-old man who had become indifferent about his Faith. Even though he was dying from pneumonia, he didn’t want to turn from sin and return to his faith and family. Since the priest and a chaplain had failed to convince him to do so, the priest hoped to return after giving the young man time to reflect on what they had said. Before the priest returned, the young man reconciled with his mother and asked her to call the priest, because he wanted to reject the sins of his past and return to his Faith. When the priest showed him the medal and gave it to him, the young man began devoutly kissing the medal. With remorse, he confessed his sins and received absolution, and he also received the Last Rites. But to everyone’s astonishment, he began feeling better and made a full recovery within a few days. He kept the medal and frequently kissed it with great devotion and gratitude to God and Blessed Mother.

Testimony of the parish priest of Bologna on February 8th, 1836.
“There was a young man in my parish, 27 years of age, who lived a dissolute life. In order to have fewer impediments to his excesses, he had left the family home. Sometime later he became gravely ill with pneumonia. Dr. Giovanni Pulioli, a distinguished doctor, treated him; but the illness was stronger than the medicine of the day.

“The youth was left in a lamentable state, unable to move. By then he was living scandalously with a woman and had declared, from the beginning of the illness, that he would not consent to a priest being called.

“My chaplain went to visit him and exhorted him to put an end to the scandal through marriage; but he failed to convince the young man. I went there and spoke with him about legitimizing the union, rather than breaking it up; but I found him to be in a state of complete religious indifferentism.

“Despite my every effort to persuade him, I also failed. I then thought it better to allow him to reflect a little while and to return another day to find out his decision. In the meantime, I asked him to have recourse to the Most Holy Virgin, refuge of sinners; and, without telling him, I placed a Miraculous Medal in his pillow and departed.

“I did not need to return to the house of my own accord; the sick youth himself called me through his mother with whom he had already reconciled himself. He told me that he had reasons, which were justified, for not speaking personally with the woman with whom he had been living, and requested I ask her to leave. The unfortunate woman condescended and left.

“Once I had accomplished this, I told the sick youth how happy I was. When I presented the medal to him, he began to kiss it with feelings of sincere gratitude, even though the state of his health was extremely grave. He then showed signs of sincere repentance and confessed his sins, received the Holy Viaticum and Extreme Unction, because we expected him to die at any moment. This took place on January 19th, 1836.

“The young man felt the greatest tranquility, which he attributed to the Most Holy Virgin. From then on he started to feel better and had totally recuperated within a few days. He still perseveres in his good resolutions and is full of love for his Heavenly benefactress whose medal he keeps as something precious, frequently kissing it with great devotion.

“I myself witnessed this fact and I write not only with the young man’s approval, but at his request, so that it may serve for the greater glory of God that, through the intercession of Mary Most Holy, this miracle took place. To this written testimony I have appended the medical report proving the sickness and the cure.”

BLINDNESS CURED
Belgium, 1836

On November 9th, 1835, Rosalie Ducas from Jauchelette, near Jodoigne, suddenly lost her sight. She was only four and a half years old, in perfect health with no signs of illness. Any light or breeze disturbed her to the point of having to cover her face with a cloth folded in four. The pains the child suffered day and night caused everyone much grief.

At this point, Realizing that the child needed help from above, the parish priest of Jodoigne-la-Soveraine gave the girl’s mother a Miraculous Medal. The mother took it and started a novena. She put another medal around the girl’s neck on June 11th, 1836 at about 6:00 p.m. By midnight the girl had stopped complaining of pain. Then, on the fourth or fifth day of the novena, Rosalie opened her eyes. The parents felt so hopeful that they prayed even more to the Most Holy Virgin. On the ninth day in the afternoon, the girl regained her sight completely to the great surprise of the neighbors and all those who witnessed the event.

The parish priest of Jodoigne-la-Soveraine, who had given the medal to the family, went to see the girl who lived only a mile and a half away, and testified that she had recovered her sight completely. No pain whatsoever was left. These facts are known by everyone and attest to the honor we owe to the Virgin Mary.

MIRACLE OF THE MIND
Ho-Nan, China, 1837

By the end of 1837, people throughout the world had learned about the Miraculous Medal. And around that time, a woman in China received a miracle. She was given the medal by Saint John Gabriel Perboyre, a holy priest who was on mission in Ho-Nan.

The saint ― who was later imprisoned, tortured for about a year and martyred in 1840 because of his Catholic Faith ― was told about the woman by other Catholics living in Ho-Nan. They told the priest that she desperately wanted him to hear her confession, even though she had been mentally disturbed for about eight months. Although it was almost impossible for her to make a coherent confession, he compassionately agreed to hear her. Although she didn’t know what it was, the saint gave her the Miraculous Medal, so that she could be under the protection of Blessed Mother. Only four or five days later, he was amazed at the healing that had taken place. Her mental suffering and anguish had been replaced by peace, common sense and joy.

MENTAL CONFUSION REMOVED
China, 1838

Father Perboyre told the next story on August 10th, 1839.

It is interesting to mention that this missionary was taken prisoner one month later out of hatred for religion. He confessed the Faith generously for a whole year amidst horrible tortures and then had the joy of receiving the martyr’s palm on September 11th, 1840.

“While I was on mission in the Catholic community of Honan in November 1837, the Catholics there presented a woman to me who had been suffering from mental confusion for eight months. They added that she ardently desired to make her confession to me, even though she was incapable of doing so, and implored me not to deny her this consolation that she had so much at heart.

“Her unfortunate state really made the exercise of my ministry appear futile. But I heard her confession out of compassion and as she departed I gave her a Miraculous Medal so she would be under the protection of the Virgin. She did not understand the value of this holy remedy, but she soon recognized its virtue as she started to get better.

“Her progress was such that she was another person after four or five days. Her mental confusion, her worries that had caused her mortal anguish—in which I had noticed a diabolical influence—gave way to common sense, tranquility and happiness.”

LIBERATION OF BOY POSSESSED BY THE DEVIL
Macau, China, 1841

Letter from a missionary in Macau dated August 25th, 1841.

“A widow, who had been brought up as a pagan, had only one son. One day she saw him come under the power of the devil―in other words, possessed by the devil. Everyone fled from him as he wandered through the fields making fearful cries. If someone dared to grab him, the boy would immediately throw the person to the ground.

“The poor mother was full of pain and sorrow, but Divine Providence had pity on this unfortunate family. One day the boy was more tormented than ever, not knowing where he went and brutally repelling all who drew near. In his wanderings he came upon a Catholic, who, animated by a lively Faith and seeing that the devil tyrannically mistreated the unfortunate boy, told those who were close by to leave. He said that only he was able to calm him down, hold him and return him to his mother. This manner of speaking surprised the pagans. They warned him of the danger, but let him get on with it.

“This Catholic carried a Miraculous Medal and took it into his hand. Drawing near to the possessed boy, he showed it to him, ordering the devil to leave him alone and depart, which happened immediately. The boy, seeing the Catholic with the medal, threw himself to the ground before this image without knowing what it was. The pagans, who had watched him from afar, were astounded.

“The Catholic then said to him that he should rise and follow him. In this manner he brought him to his mother’s house. As soon as the boy saw her he said: ‘Do not cry! I am free! The devil left me as soon as he saw this Medal!’

“Imagine the joy of the mother upon hearing these words. She did not know whether or not she was dreaming. The Catholic certified the truth of what the boy was saying and told her what had happened. He added that her son would be free forever as long as he renounced the idols and became a Catholic. The boy sincerely promised to do so and both of them began removing the false gods from a sort of altar where they were kept.”

CURE OF A LITTLE GIRL (PARIS)—1843
This account was published in the month of January, 1877, by the very person who was cured

“About the 15th of December, 1843, a little girl, Zénobie de M., just one year old, was attacked, at one and the same time, by water on the lungs, a disease of the bowels, and cerebral congestion. Dr. Flandrin, a friend of the family was called in immediately, and gave the child every attention, but his skill was powerless, and the family was plunged in the deepest grief.

“The child’s eldest sister alone cherished a faint hope in the depths of her heart; she had intended consecrating herself to God in a religious state, and had always regarded the birth of this little one as a gift of Providence, sent to take her place in the family, and console her afflicted parents. God will not, she thought, take back the child.

“In her room was a picture representing the apparition of the Miraculous Medal. She knelt before it, begging the child’s recovery, and renewing her promises of embracing a religious life―should the petition be granted. This generous offering she kept a secret.

“A little while after, the doctor came and declared the child’s case hopeless, and moreover, its recovery not desirable as it would remain imbecile, paralyzed or blind. He proposed, however, a consultation with Dr. Blache, physician of the Necker hospital, who prescribed energetic treatment, but said, ‘this child cannot live.’

“The poor mother, deeming it inadvisable to cause the little creature unnecessary suffering, gently laid it in the cradle, saying with the Faith and resignation, seen in none but a Christian mother: ‘The Lord gave her to me, the Lord wishes to take her away! May His holy will be accomplished!’

“In the afternoon, one of the aunts came to accompany the elder sister to church, and whilst their prayers ascended to the Most High, more for the mother than the child, this mother obeyed spontaneously a supernatural impulse, and, taking the Miraculous Medal as a last hope, she applied it to the body of the child, and repeated with confidence the invocation: ‘O Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee!’

The plaintive cries ceased, and when Dr. Flandrin came that evening, to see if the little one were still alive, he was greatly surprised to perceive a faint improvement since that morning―with the whole body covered with a gentle perspiration, and the little paralyzed arm able to move in any direction. ‘But what a pity,’ said he, ‘the child will be blind,’ which indeed it seemed to be already, as a light passed several times before its eyes produced no effect whatever.

“The mother who had not yet mentioned her secret, waited until all had left the room, then taking her dear medal, she lay it upon her infant’s eyes and repeated the invocation. After a sound sleep of about twenty-four hours, little Zénobie awoke, recognizing all around her, and smiling upon all, her sight was restored!

“The child’s father, penetrated with faith and piety, said: ‘Most certainly God alone has restored our child to us! Henceforth, she shall be called Marie, so that she may always bear in mind to whom she is indebted for life.’

“An attack of measles now supervened and finished the work, according to the doctor, by absorbing the water on the brain, and throwing out upon the surface of the skin the heretofore internal malady. A small gold cross, having engraven upon it the memorable date of this miraculous cure, was hung around the neck of little Marie, who is now a Daughter of St. Vincent de Paul.”

CONVERSION OF A CAPTAIN IN THE AUSTRIAN ARMY.
Letter from the Superioress of the Daughters of Charity, at the Hospital of Gratz, Austria, 1860

“After the war in Italy, a Polish regiment passed through Gratz. The captain, attacked by a violent hemorrhage, was obliged to stop at the general hospital, in charge of the Daughters of Charity. Their constant and unremitting attentions did not retard the progress of the disease, and his life was in imminent danger.

“Full of consideration, gratitude and politeness for those who nursed him, he nevertheless expressed great displeasure whenever they approached him on the subject of religion; he had requested to be spared the visits of the chaplain of the regiment, and as to the hospital chaplain, he dared not present himself. It was necessary to keep the patient very quiet, and avoid all worry, for the least excitement might cause a mortal hemorrhage.

“A Sister, who had been watching by his couch one night, left, in mistake, a little book containing an account of favors obtained through the Blessed Virgin’s intercession. The sick man took the book and read a few pages. When another Sister came into his room, he showed her a passage, and said, putting his hand to his forehead with a significant gesture: ‘Here, Sister, just read this nonsense! As for myself, I cannot understand how anyone can write such books—if I may dare, let me beg you to take this away!’

“Vain was every effort to reach his heart by pleasant distractions, by engaging his attention or his interest; he was insensible to all.

“A few days after the occurrence just mentioned, a Sister ventured to offer him a medal of the Blessed Virgin suspended on a cord, so that he might wear it around his neck if he wished. He was too polite to refuse the present, but he let it remain just where the Sister had put it.

“His servant, though a devout Christian, dared not speak to him of receiving the Sacraments, and, although the patient expected to leave the hospital soon, it was very evident to all else that the fever was daily sapping his strength and rapidly conducting him to the tomb.

“Much grieved at his condition, and especially his impenitence, the Sisters determined to make one last effort to save this soul. And what was it? They wrote the Blessed Virgin a note, as follows: ‘Grant that, by some means, most holy Mother, he may accept your medal, prepare him yourself to receive the Sacraments, and assist him at the hour of death. O Mary! conceived without sin, pardon our temerity, we attach this note to your statue, and leave it there till you deign to hear our prayers.’

“The chief physician of the hospital said, one day, to the Sister on leaving this patient’s room: ‘The captain will die without the Sacraments―he seems inflexible!’

“‘Oh! As to that,’ she replied, ‘the Blessed Virgin will not fail to overcome his obstinacy!’

“Three or four days elapsed. One morning, the sick man requested the Sister to put the medal around his neck, which she did most joyfully. In the afternoon, he called her again: “Sister,” he said, “I beg you to send for the chaplain of my regiment to hear my confession, so that tomorrow I may receive the Holy Eucharist and Extreme Unction.”

“The priest was happy to answer the summons. He remained a long time with the sick man, and, next morning, after celebrating Mass at the altar of the Immaculate Conception, he administered to him the Holy Viaticum and Extreme Unction.

“We were all edified at the dying man’s piety. He cherished his medal with religious fidelity, often asking for it and kissing it tenderly. A few days after receiving the Last Sacraments, he rendered his soul to God, saved, as we have every reason to hope, by the intercession of Mary conceived without sin.”

CONVERSION OF A HARDENED SINNER
A letter from the Superioress of the Daughters of Charity at Issoudun, 1862

“In the month of August, 1862, a young man aged twenty-nine, and who had been married several years, was dying of consumption. Vainly did his friends endeavor to turn his thoughts to eternity. Every idea of religion seemed extinguished in his heart, and he positively refused to see the priest.

“An acquaintance informed the Sisters of his deplorable state; one of them went immediately to see him. She was met with a cool reception, but was not the least disconcerted, and spoke to him very kindly, proposing to send him a physician, and adding, that she would supply all necessary medicines and nourishment.

“‘I need neither doctors nor medicines!’ was the reply, ‘I am going to die, and I ask only that you will let me die in peace!’

“His poor wife, who was present, holding their little child in her arms, said to him with tears: ‘Accept Sister’s offer, and perhaps you will recover!’― but he made no answer.

“The Sister, then turning to his wife, endeavored to console her, by promising to send the doctor and return soon herself. The doctor came and met with no better reception.

“In a few days the Sister presented herself again, and was received as before, all her advances eliciting no response save a frigid silence; but naught discouraged, she returned day after day, though her reception was always the same.

“As the young man grew worse, the Sister’s prayers increased, and she felt inspired to offer him a medal of the Immaculate Conception, still hoping that the good God would lead back to the fold, this poor strayed sheep. ‘I accept a medal!’ he exclaimed angrily, ‘And what do you wish me to do with it? It would suit my wife or child well enough, but as for myself, I want no medals!’

“The Sister withdrew from the contest for the time, but not discouraged, she returned to the charge next morning. ‘Ah,’ said she pleasantly, ‘are you going to take the medal today?’

“‘You know what I told you yesterday!’ he answered, ‘Besides, Sister, I am afraid of becoming imbued with your sentiments should I accept it, for I perceive that you are much more unhappy than I care to be.’

“A ray of happiness illumined the Sister’s countenance, for she knew that he who fears is already conquered. After plying her with questions about religion, he concluded thus: ‘After all, death will be a great relief to me! I have twice made an unsuccessful attempt at committing suicide! I suffer so much that I desire nothing but to die as soon possible!’

“Next day, the Sister asked her Superioress to visit him and offer him the medal. She did so, and he not only accepted it, but at last consented to see the priest. When our Sister next saw him he was completely changed, and expressed his joy at the priest’s visit, and his desire of seeing him soon again.

“‘Sister,’ said he, ‘I am too miserable! I wish to be like you!’

“The priest did not delay his second coming, and the poor, suffering creature, having made his confession, asked for Holy Communion, which he had not received for many years, but this favor was denied him, his throat being so inflamed that he could swallow only a few drops of liquid. His last days were sanctified by the most admirable resignation; no one ever heard him utter a complaint, he asked for one thing only, the visits of the priest and Sister, which alone seemed to afford him any consolation. And on the Feast of All Saints, evincing every mark of a sincere conversion, he breathed his last.”

CONVERSION OF AN EVILDOER
A Letter from the Superioress of the Daughters of Charity, at the Hospital of Beuthen, in Prussian Poland, 1865

“There was brought to our hospital, a young man of notoriously bad character. He entered our doors blaspheming, and as the physician had told the Sister that he had but a few days to live, she essayed a few words of piety and consolation, to turn his attention to the state of his soul; but he answered her by maledictions.

“At last, one day she said to him: ‘My friend, since you will not listen to me, I will ask my Superioress herself to come!’

“‘Let her come,’ was his reply, ‘if she were to tell me to hang myself, I would obey her, but as for confession, she may talk about that as much as she pleases, I shall never yield!’

“These words were followed by so many blasphemies, that it was with a very heavy heart the poor Sister sought her Superioress.

“‘Have you given him a Medal?’ said the latter.

“‘A medal?’ was the reply, ‘He would throw it away!’

“‘Ah, well, we must put one under his pillow and trust to prayer, for it is useless to talk to him; tell him only that I say he is not worthy of going to confession, and I forbid his doing so.’

“As soon as the Sister, who was nursing him, left the presence of her Superioress, the latter threw herself upon her knees and began to repeat that beautiful prayer―the Memorare (Remember O most loving Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who had recourse to they protection, implored thy help or sought thy intercession and was left forsaken … etc.).

“In only a few minutes the Sister returned, this time shedding tears of joy. ‘Ah, Sister!’ she cried, ‘He wishes to confess! As soon as I had put the medal under his pillow and recited the “Memorare” prayer for him, I delivered your message!’

“‘Indeed!’ said he, rising from his seat, ‘Well, I would just like to see the person that could prevent it! Tell your Superioress that tomorrow morning at eight o’clock, I am going to pay the priest a visit!’

“The Sisters felt a little troubled concerning a confession apparently dictated by the spirit of contradiction―but their fears were dissipated when the penitent returned bathed in tears. He had just been to Holy Communion―and, asking the Sisters’ pardon for his past misconduct, he begged them to implore the Blessed Virgin to let him live eight days longer, that he might weep for his sins. This favor was granted him, and daily did he soak his pillow with tears. At the end of the eight days he died, blessing God, and pressing the Medal to his lips.”

CONVERSION OF AN ACTRESS
A letter from the Superioress of the Daughters of Charity, at the Hospital of Beuthen in Prussian Poland, 1865

“Some years ago, a young Protestant woman, belonging to a troupe of comedians, arrived in Beuthen with her company. The good God permitted that she should find lodgings in a Catholic family, with whom she soon entered into controversial arguments.

“‘Mademoiselle,’ said the master of the house, ‘it would be better for you to go see the Sisters about these things! The Blessed Virgin has brought about wonders in their establishments, I am sure you would return fully enlightened on the subject you have been discussing!’

The young girl laughed at such a proposition; but a few days after, impelled by curiosity, she went to the hospital and asked for the Sister-Servant.

“‘Invite her in!’ said the latter, who had already heard of the young actress, ‘No doubt, the Blessed Virgin has something in store for her here!’

“After a few formalities of etiquette, our visitor introduced the subject of religion, and attempted to enter into a controversy with the Sister. ‘Alas! Mademoiselle,’ replied the latter, ‘the poor Daughters of Charity have neither the time nor learning necessary for a discussion of these subtle questions, but they have other arms with which to vanquish you!’― and, smiling, she presented her disputant a little Medal of the Blessed Virgin. ‘Promise me to wear this slight souvenir, it will be a constant reminder that we are praying for you!’

“She allowed the Sister to put the medal on her neck, and retired rather pleased with her visit.

“From this day, the Sisters at the hospital began to recommend the young actress to Mary, conceived without sin.

“Not many weeks after, the priest said to the Sister-Servant: ‘Do you know, Sister, that Mademoiselle M., who spent the most of her time walking with gentlemen and smoking cigars, now comes to me for religious instruction? In a little while she will make her abjuration of heresy.’

“And, indeed, it was not very long before she repaired to the hospital. “Sister,” said she to the Sister-Servant, “I am going to confession today, and tomorrow I make my First Communion. On my first visit here, I was enraged at you. I could have fought you, and cast to the winds this medal that I now kiss. From the very moment you put it on my neck, an unaccountable change was brought about in me.”

“Next day, the church was filled with Protestants and Jews, all anxious to witness a ceremony which had excited so much comment. After her reception into the Church, the young convert, on the eve of her departure, paid another visit to the Sister Servant, and the latter saw by her very countenance what great changes grace had wrought in this soul.

“‘Well,’ said the Sister, just to try her, ‘here is a silver medal to replace yours―which has become very black!’

“‘Oh, no!’ was the earnest, prompt reply, as she tenderly pressed her own medal, ‘I would not exchange this for any other in the world, for it is since I began to wear it my soul has awaked to a new life!’

“Some years later, the Sister received a letter dated from Rome, it was from the young convert, who wrote to her as follows: ‘Sister, God’s Providence has led me to Rome, and it is no longer Mlle. M. you must address, but Sister St.—— of the B. convent. Your desires are accomplished; I now belong entirely to God, as I once did to the world; the Blessed Virgin vanquishes souls with other arms than those of controversy.’

“We must add, to the praise of the young actress, that her moral character was always irreproachable.”

The Superioress of the hospital at Beuthen, in narrating these facts, adds: “I could mention, for the greater glory of God and honor of the Immaculate Mary, numberless incidents of this kind―but lack of time and my weak eyes prevent my giving the details. I will say, however, and that without the slightest exaggeration, that not a week passes without the Blessed Virgin bestowing upon our patients at the hospital some new proof of her maternal kindness. The Medal, so dear to us, is really miraculous, and the instrument by which we snatch from destruction souls that have cost Our Lord so much! Ah! How numberless, in this unhappy land, the snares of the enemy of our salvation to entrap souls; but to vanquish him, I everywhere circulate the Miraculous Medal, and my confidence in Mary is never deceived!”

A DYING SOLDIER AND THE MIRACULOUS MEDAL
New Orleans, Louisiana, United States, 1865

In the hospital of the Daughters of Charity in New Orleans, a nun tried to instruct a Protestant in the truths of the Faith and to dispose him to receive Baptism. However, he did not want to speak about the subject.

One day she showed him a Miraculous Medal and explained its origin to him. He seemed to pay attention, but when she offered it to him, he became annoyed and snapped angrily: “Take that away, this Virgin is just an ordinary woman.” “I will leave it on the table,” the nun replied, “I am certain that you will think about what I said.” He did not answer her, but, in order not to see the medal, he placed his bible on top of it.

Every day the nun, with the pretext of cleaning the table, made sure the medal was still there. Days passed and the sickness became increasingly worse.

One night when he was suffering acutely, he saw a marvelous light around his bed, while the rest of the room was in total darkness. Surprised, he struggled to get up in spite of his frailty and turned up the flame in the gas lamp to see if he could discover what this strange light was. He could find nothing and returned to his bed.

Moments later he noticed that the light came from the medal. He then took it into his hands and kept it there the rest of the night. As soon as the nun’s rising bell rang at 4:00 a.m., he called the nurse and asked him to tell the nun that he wanted to be baptized.

They advised the chaplain immediately who exclaimed: “That is impossible!” He had spoken with the sick man many times and knew how he felt about the matter.

Nonetheless, he went to him and found him perfectly disposed and receptive to him. He baptized him and gave him the sacraments, and a little while later the sick man died, praising God and the Holy Virgin for the graces he had received.

CONVERSION OF A PROMINENT FREEMASON
New Orleans, Louisiana, United States, 1865

Among the patients at the great Charity hospital, New Orleans, was a very prominent Freemason. His hatred of religion was displayed in a thousand ways―not only did he forbid the Sister, who nursed, him any allusion to his salvation, but he even habitually repaid, by harsh and injurious words, her kindness and attention to his physical sufferings.

If others ventured to mention the subject of religion to him, they were received with jeers and mockery. Several times he was at the point of death, and yet, sad to say, his dispositions remained the same.

At last, when the Sister saw that he had but a few hours to live, she stealthily slipped a Miraculous Medal under his pillow, and said interiorly to the Blessed Virgin: “My dear Mother, you know I have spared no effort to touch this poor man’s heart, but in vain; now I abandon him to you, it is you who must save him; I leave him entirely in your hands, and shall try to divest myself of all anxiety concerning him!”

That evening, in making her rounds, she glanced at him and learned from the infirmarian that ever since her (the Sister’s) last visit, he had been very calm and apparently absorbed in thought. On inquiring of the patient himself how he felt, she was astonished at his polite answer, but remembering that she had entrusted him entirely to the Blessed Virgin’s care, she did not venture a word about his soul, and bidding him good night, she left the room.

About 9:00 p.m., he called the infirmarian, and asked for a priest. Knowing his former bitterness, the infirmarian thought it a joke and treated it accordingly. The patient repeated his request―but with no better success. Then he began to weep and cry aloud for a priest. All the other patients were struck dumb with astonishment, and the infirmarian unable to resist such entreaties went for the chaplain and the Sister.

The dying man requested Baptism, which was administered immediately, as well as Extreme Unction, and, before morning, he had rendered his account to the Sovereign Judge. His body was interred with Masonic rites, but his soul, thanks to the powerful protection of Mary Immaculate, had been carried by angels to the bosom of its God.

CONVERSION OF A YOUNG METHODIST
St. Louis, Missouri, United States, 1865

A young man, a Methodist, arrived at the hospital in an extremely weak condition. The physician at once pronounced his case hopeless, and said he had but a few days to live. Consequently, the Sister’s first care was for his soul.

Questioning him, she soon learned that he believed neither in the efficacy, nor necessity of Baptism―and all her efforts to induce him to receive this Sacrament were unavailing. He had no desire for any conversation on the subject, and his invariable reply to all her arguments was: “I believe in Jesus―that suffices! I am sure of being saved!”

The Sister redoubled her prayers, for in them lay her only hope, and time was precious. A good priest visited him every day; once, after a much longer visit than usual, he told the Sister on leaving the room it was impossible to do anything with that man, unless God wrought a miracle in his favor, and they must entreat Him to do so.

The poor man persisted, indeed, in refusing all spiritual assistance, though receiving gratefully the attentions bestowed upon his body.

His strength diminished day by day, and he calmly awaited death; one thought alone disquieted him―that of never seeing his mother and dying afar from her. Perceiving himself on the brink of the grave, he called one of his companions, whom he begged to be with him at that fearful moment, and write the particulars of it to his mother.

Whilst he made this request, the Sister slipped a Miraculous Medal under his pillow, confidently believing that Mary would not let this soul entrusted to her perish―even though he was already in his last agony.

Two Sisters watched and silently prayed beside his bed till midnight, when obliged to retire, they left him in charge of an infirmarian and the young man who had promised to be with him at the hour of death. Apparently he had not more than half an hour to live―so, next morning, when the infirmarian came to meet the Sister, she was prepared for news of the patient’s death, but to her astonishment the infirmarian exclaimed: “Come Sister, come see him, he is restored to life!”

He then told her that the patient, to all appearances, had been dead for about an hour; that the friend and himself had rendered all the last duties to the body, having washed and dressed and prepared it for the grave―then the young man went to bed, and he alone remained with the corpse.

After watching near it some time, he approached to bandage the jaws, but what was his fright whilst thus engaged, to see the dead man open his eyes! The Sister heard no more, but eagerly hastened to the spot, and found the man still breathing.

With a great effort he said: “Oh! What a blessing that you have come!”

In reply, she exhorted him to receive Baptism, and told him that he was indebted to the Blessed Virgin for this prolongation of his life.

“I wish to be baptized,” he said.

When the Sister replied that the priest would come, his pitiful answer was: “Oh! That will be too late!”

The other patients now joined their entreaties to his, and the Sister, after reciting aloud the acts of Faith, Hope, Charity and contrition, which the dying man endeavored to repeat, with hands clasped and eyes raised to Heaven, baptized him.

Whilst the regenerating waters flowed upon his soul, transports of love and thanksgiving escaped his lips. Half an hour later, he closed his eyes, never to open them here below.

All that the infirmarian related of his first death, was confirmed in the most positive manner, by the Protestant friend who had assisted in preparing him for the grave.

INCURABLE SCABS
New York, 1866

A girl, some twenty years old, came to the hospital covered with the most repugnant scabs which the doctors had said were incurable. The nun, who cared for her wounds, one day told her that the Most Holy Virgin had the power to cure her and that, if she wanted to wear the medal and ask for a cure, she would obtain it.

Knowing the doctors had given up, she answered roughly: “I do not believe in your Holy Virgin, nor do I want a medal.”
“Very well then,” the nun answered, “in that case, keep your wounds.”

Some days later, she asked for the medal and placed it around her neck, and prepared to be baptized. Shortly thereafter she left the hospital in perfect health, to the great astonishment of the doctors, who had been unanimous in considering her sickness incurable.

CONVERSION OF A SICK PROTESTANT
New Orleans, Louisiana, United States

At the same hospital in New Orleans, a Sister for a long time had vainly endeavored to convince a Protestant of the most essential truths of religion, that he might receive Baptism, but he was deaf to all her persuasions.

One day, she showed him a Miraculous Medal and related its origin. He appeared to listen somewhat attentively, but, when she offered it to him, he said in a tone of great contempt: “Take it away! This Virgin is no more than any other woman!”

“I am going to leave it on your table,” was the Sister’s reply, “I am sure you will reflect on my words!”

He said nothing, but to put it out of sight, placed his Bible over it. Every day, under the pretext of arranging and dusting his room, the Sister assured herself that the medal was still there.

Several days elapsed, during which the patient grew worse. One night, whilst lying awake racked with suffering, he perceived a brilliant light around his bed―though the rest of the room was enveloped in darkness. Greatly astonished, he succeeded, in spite of his weakness, in rising and turning up the gaslight, to discover if possible, the cause of this mysterious light.

Finding none, he returned to bed, and a few minutes after, he perceived that the luminous rays escaped from the medal. He then took it in his hands, and kept it there the remainder of the night.

As soon as the Sisters’ rising bell rang at 4:00 a.m., he called the infirmarian, and begged him to tell the Sister that he desired Baptism. The chaplain was immediately informed. “Impossible!” he exclaimed―for by having had frequent conversations with the sick man, he was well aware of his sentiments, and could scarcely believe him.

Nevertheless, he obeyed the summons, and finding the patient really disposed to profit by his ministry, he administered the Last Sacraments, and shortly after receiving which the poor man died, blessing God and the Blessed Virgin for the graces bestowed upon him.

CONVERSION OF A PROTESTANT GIRL
New Orleans, Louisiana, United States

A poor young Protestant girl, brought to our hospital to be treated for a grave malady, had so great a horror of our holy religion, that, at the very sight of a Catholic near her, she acted like someone possessed.

The presence of a Sister was especially irritating, and one day she even went so far as to spit in the Sister’s face, but the latter, nothing dismayed, and ever hoping that the God of all mercy would change this wolf into a lamb, continued her kind attentions, the more disrespectful her patient, the more gentle and considerate the Sister.

The latter was at last inspired with the thought of slipping a Miraculous Medal between the two mattresses; she acted upon the inspiration, and, the following night, the Immaculate Mary’s image became an instrument of salvation and happiness to a guilty soul.

Pitching and tossing upon her bed, by reason of a high fever, the patient, in some unaccountable manner, found the Medal, and the Sister’s astonishment next morning at seeing her clasping it in her hands, and covering it with kisses, was second only to that she experienced on perceiving the wonderful transformation grace had wrought in this poor creature’s soul.

A supernatural light had revealed to her the sad state of her conscience; her criminal life filled her with horror, and, penetrated with regret for the past, she sighed only for holy Baptism.

After the necessary instruction, she was baptized; and, during the remainder of her sickness, which was long and tedious, her patience and fervor never faltered. She persevered in these edifying sentiments, until a happy death placed the seal upon the graces she had received through the intercession of Mary Immaculate.

CONVERSION OF A PROTESTANT
New Orleans, Louisiana, United States

A Protestant gentleman had spent four years at the hospital, sometimes in one hall, sometimes another. As his malady had not been very serious, no one had considered it necessary to speak to him concerning his soul. However, when his condition became more aggravated, the Sister, after invoking the Blessed Virgin’s assistance, told him the physician considered his case dangerous, and she thought he ought to receive Baptism, without which no one could be saved.

He listened attentively, then turning to her, said: “Sister, if I were to ask you to become a Protestant, would you comply with my request?”

“No!” was the decided answer.

“Well, then,” he continued, “rest assured that it is just as useless for you to attempt persuading me to become a Catholic.”

In spite of this positive refusal, she let no occasion pass without enlightening him, were it ever so little, upon some of the truths of religion.

One day, showing him a Miraculous Medal, she told him he would confer a great favor on her by reciting the little invocation: “O Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee!”

“What, Sister? A Catholic prayer! That is impossible! I cannot do that!”

She said no more, but slipped the medal under his pillow, and there it remained untouched for several days, during which time she redoubled her attentions to the physical necessities of the poor patient, who gradually grew weaker.

At last, one evening she said to him: “Well, Henry, are you not going to do what I asked you?”

“Yes, Sister, I most earnestly desire to become a Catholic.”

The chaplain was called immediately; he had barely time to administer Baptism and Extreme Unction, when the dying man’s regenerated soul was carried by angels to be judged by God.

CONVERSION OF Mr. F—--
St. Louis, Missouri, United States

A Protestant named F—— was brought to our hospital in an advanced stage of consumption. He detested the Catholic religion most heartily, and received the Sisters’ services with extreme repugnance.

His physical strength diminished perceptibly, but his mind retained its energy and clearness. By degrees, the odor escaping from his decayed lungs, became so intolerable that all abandoned him.

Fr. Burke, a missionary priest and the Sisters, being the only persons who had the courage to go near him, and pay any attention to his comfort. Yet neither priest nor Sister dare mention religion. They contented themselves with putting a Miraculous Medal under his pillow, and invoking Our Lady, who so often deigns to display her power in favor of those who deny it.

She did not delay in granting their petition. A few days later, as the Protestant minister left the ward, after making his usual distribution of tracts, the sick man said to the Sister: “Sister, it is done! I am converted!”

“Aha!,” said the latter interiorly, “Our good Mother has accomplished her work!”

And it was indeed true―for the patient requested a priest, was instructed, and in a few days received the Sacraments of Baptism, the Holy Viaticum and Extreme Unction, with inexpressible fervor. The very expression of his countenance was changed; the happiness that inundated his heart beaming from every feature.

“Ah!” he said, “My sufferings are great―but I feel that I am going to Heaven! The truth has made me free!” In these happy dispositions, he expired, promising that in Heaven he would pray for all who had been instruments of his conversion.

CONVERSION OF AN UNBAPTIZED PATIENT
St. Louis, Missouri, United States

Testimony of a Religious Sister:

“A patient―brought to the hospital in a hopeless condition―openly manifested his hatred of Catholicity. Yet, as he was in imminent danger of death, the Sister, profiting by a moment in which he seemed a little better disposed than usual, ventured to ask him if he would be baptized; but he answered roughly: ‘No!’ adding that he scarcely believed in baptism, and not at all in Catholic baptism, that in case of his recovery, perhaps he would receive baptism by immersion, and become a member of some church, but that would never be the Catholic Church. ‘At any rate,’ added he, ‘I am not going to torment myself now about such things!’

“The poor Sister having no other resource than the Blessed Virgin, and seeing that the young man approached his end, stealthily slipped a medal under his pillow.

“Next morning it was picked up by the infirmarian, who, thinking the Sister had dropped it accidentally, was about to return it―but the patient opposed him, for the little image pleased his fancy, and he wanted to keep it himself. To quieten him down, the infirmarian was obliged to ask the Sister if the patient could keep the Medal. The request was granted.

“Towards evening someone came to the Sister with a message from the patient, he wished to see her. ‘Sister,’ he said as soon as she approached, ‘you have told me I could not be saved without Baptism. Let me be baptized, for I wish to be saved!’

“Filled with joy at this news, she began to instruct and prepare him for the ceremony. It took place next morning, and during the course of the day, this soul, now the child of God, went to repose in the bosom of its celestial Father, to bless and thank Him for all eternity for His mercies.”

CONVERSION OF A YOUNG GIRL
Buffalo, New York, United States

A young Protestant girl about twenty years of age came to the hospital, covered from head to foot with a disgusting itch, which the physician pronounced incurable. The Sister who dressed her sores, told her that the Blessed Virgin could obtain her recovery, and would do so, if she wore the medal and relied upon the Blessed Virgin’s intercession.

The poor girl―knowing her case was deemed hopeless by the physician―answered bluntly: “I do not believe in your Blessed Virgin, and I want no medal!”

“Very well,” replied the Sister, “then you may keep your sores!”

A few days after she asked for a medal herself, put it on her neck, received instruction and was baptized, and in a short time she left the hospital perfectly cured, greatly to the astonishment of the physicians, who had all pronounced her malady incurable.

CONVERSION OF A SINNER
Hospital of Gratz, Austria

Testimony of a Religious Sister:

“An artist, whose life had been far from edifying, was an inmate of our hospital. One morning the Sister was greatly surprised at his expressing a desire to confess. Perceiving her astonishment, he said: ‘This morning, Sister, the chapel door was slightly open, and from my bed I could see the Blessed Virgin’s statue.’ (It was a statue of the Immaculate Conception). ‘It appealed so strongly to my heart, that I have had no peace since. I must put my conscience in order!’

“He did go to confession, not once, but several times, and he often expressed great regret for his past life. ‘Ah!’ he would say, ‘what a life I have led, and how sad the state of my soul when Mary came to my aid!’

“When asked what he supposed had attracted Mary’s compassion, he answered: ‘I was merely looking at the statue, no thought of religion was in my mind; when suddenly, recollections of my past life filled me with fear, and Mary at the same time inspired me with a horror for sin!’

“In this instance, repentance and reparation were the immediate consequences of the Immaculate Mary’s merciful and maternal glance.”

CONVERSION OF A GREEK SCHISMATIC
Hospital of Gratz, Austria

A Greek schismatic, attacked by a mortal malady, was brought to the hospital. He declared his intention of remaining attached to the errors in which he had been educated, and the Sisters, seeing his determination, entrusted him to the Blessed Virgin, consecrating him to her by placing under his pillow a Medal, which for him proved truly miraculous.

One day, a Franciscan Father visited the sick, and the young man asked the Sister to bring the good Father to see him. He conversed a long time with the latter, but manifested no intention of becoming a Catholic.

Meanwhile, he grew worse, and, one day, when taken with a hemorrhage, he asked for this Father, “because,” said he, “I wish to embrace the Catholic religion.”

The Sister was surprised, for she had said nothing to persuade him, but the Blessed Virgin had accomplished her work without earthly assistance.

He confessed and made his abjuration of schism. He even requested the Reverend Father to announce, in a loud voice, to the other patients that he had entered the Church of his own free will.

His attacks of vomiting made the priest hesitate to give him the Holy Viaticum, but he insisted so strongly, and had so ardent a desire to receive, that the good God permitted these spells of vomiting to become less frequent, so that he could make his first and last Communion at the same time, which he did with inexpressible fervor and consolation.

Interrogated on the subject of his conversion, he answered: “For a long time I felt that everything earthly was of little value, and I sought for the true and lasting.” During the delirium of his last moments, he spoke continually of a white robe. The grace of Baptism had clothed his soul in spotless raiment, and to Mary’s intercession was he indebted for it.

CONVERSION OF AN APOSTATE
Austria, 1866

In one of the prisons confided to the care of the Daughters of Charity, was a young man belonging to a respectable Catholic family, but whose shame and disgrace he had become. After a short stay in the prison, he fell sick, and his condition necessitated removal to the infirmary. Faithful to his principles of impiety, he absolutely refused all spiritual assistance, and whenever he saw one of the chaplains pass, he either turned away his head, or concealed it under the bedclothes.

All the Sisters begged the Superioress to make one last effort for his soul. She paid him a visit, and was received politely, but to rid himself of her importunity, he avowed himself a Protestant, and related how he came to forsake the Faith, after making the acquaintance of several very bad characters, his companions in crime and his counselors in advising him to become a Protestant.

The Sister asked him if he felt no remorse for such conduct, but he became enraged and exclaimed aloud: “I am a Protestant, and I wish to live and die as a Protestant!”

Seeing it impossible to do anything with the miserable creature, she interiorly recommended him to the Refuge of Sinners, and merely asked him to accept the Medal she offered, to wear it and sometimes kiss it. He seemed quite pleased to get rid of her so easily, and placing all her confidence in Mary, she withdrew.

The poor man passed a sleepless night, our Blessed Mother touched his heart, and very early next morning he sent word to the Sister that he wanted a priest to receive his solemn profession of Faith, in reparation of his scandalous apostasy and crimes.

But his reputation was such that the prison chaplain doubted his sincerity, and would not go to him except upon repeated insistence of the Superioress. He was deeply affected at witnessing the change grace had wrought in this soul, and the consequent compunction with which the prodigal confessed his sins. The dying man then made a public abjuration of his errors, and expired a few minutes after, in the grace of God and under the protecting smile of Mary.

CONVERSION OF A HOSPITALIZED SOLDIER
Cava, Italy, 1866

A young fallen-away Catholic soldier, suffering from disease of the chest, was brought to the Military Hospital of Cava. His first question was to ask if Catholic Sisters had charge of that hospital. On receiving an affirmative answer, he said to himself: “They will pester me about going to confession, so I shall pretend to be a Jew to get rid of them!”― and he was designated as a Jew on the card of admission.

Perceiving the serious nature of his malady, the Sisters to whose especial care he had been confided, visited him as often as possible. One of them offered him a medal of the Immaculate Conception; regarding it with a smile of pity, he said: “I accept it, because it would not be polite to refuse, but believe me, I consider it a mere plaything and nothing more.”

Every time the chaplain visited the hall, to speak a word of consolation to one and another, the poor ‘Jew’ covered his head. The Sister sometimes ventured a few words to him about the good God, but he would never reply, and her approach was the signal for his feigning sleep.

One evening when he appeared worse than usual, two Sisters went to see him just before they retired for the night. On hearing them approach, he exclaimed: “O Sister, get a priest!” The chaplain was immediately summoned to his bedside, the poor dying man repeating all the while: “A priest! a priest!”

As soon as the chaplain came, the patient made his profession of Faith in a very audible voice. He then confessed, and, just as the priest, in administering Extreme Unction, was anointing the ears, the penitent rendered his soul to God, leaving us the consoling hope that it had found mercy in its Maker’s sight.

CONVERSION OF A WOUNDED SOLDIER
Palermo, Italy, 1866

In 1866, at the Military Hospital of Palermo, was a poor man who had just undergone the amputation of his left arm. His impiety was so great, that the Sister felt constrained to remove a large crucifix that had been placed near his bed, for he covered it with invectives. The miserable man’s bodily infirmities were as hopeless as his spiritual, yet no one could succeed in inducing him to give any attention to his soul, or even to listen to a word about the good God. What could be done in such an extremity?

The poor Sister was in great distress, when one day whilst dressing his wounds she was inspired to slip a Medal of the Immaculate Conception (the Miraculous Medal) between the bandages around the stump of the amputated member.

Next morning, on witnessing the great change that had been wrought in her patient’s spiritual condition during the night, she was less astonished than happy, for she had confidently relied upon the Blessed Virgin. He asked for a priest, who came immediately. He confessed, publicly repaired the scandals of his past life, and received with piety the Holy Viaticum and Extreme Unction.

His few remaining days were spent in blessing that God who had shown him such boundless mercy. “Oh! How good God is!” did he repeat incessantly to his companions, “I have committed multitudes of sins and He has pardoned me all!”

CURE OF AN AUSTRIAN OFFICER
Hospital of Gratz, Austria, 1867

An officer in the garrison at Gratz, suffered from a serious wound in the right arm. He was brought to the general hospital, that he might be more conveniently under the especial treatment of Dr. Rzehazeh, a very eminent surgeon. The latter exhausted all his skill, but in vain―and after a few weeks he saw the necessity of amputation to save the officer’s life.

Learning of the doctor’s decision, the patient was deeply grieved, and his oppressed heart sought refuge in piety. He―who had never spoken of God, who had accepted the offered Medal only out of courtesy―now appeared to experience a genuine satisfaction when the Sisters told him they would implore the Blessed Virgin in his behalf.

During the few days immediately preceding the operation, he felt inspired with a great confidence in his Medal, and frequently repeated the invocation engraven upon it: “O Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee!”

The danger was now imminent, and the amputation, which must not be delayed, was to take place on the next day. One of the Sisters―seeing that the young officer’s confidence expressed itself in continual prayer―suggested that evening that he lay the medal upon his afflicted arm, and let it remain all night. The suggestion was joyfully received.

Next morning she hastened to ascertain her patient’s condition, and get the Medal. He had spent a quiet night―his sufferings being less severe than usual. The Sister, while attributing his improvement to the medicine that had been prescribed, understood full well that the precious Medal had also been instrumental in procuring relief, and that Mary had looked compassionately upon him―but she did not yet realize the full extent of the blessing.

The surgeon came a few hours after, and whilst awaiting his assistants, he carefully examined the wounded arm, he touched it, he probed it, and to his great astonishment, perceived that amputation was not necessary. The other doctors on arriving, confirmed his opinion of this surprising change.

The officer was struck dumb with happiness, and, not until he found himself alone with the chief surgeon, did he impart to the latter, as a secret, his opinion as to the cause of this wonderful change. On leaving him, the surgeon (notwithstanding the injunction of secrecy), could not refrain from saying to the Sister: “I believe the Sisters of Charity have engaged the good God in this case.”

The officer’s arm was entirely healed; a few weeks later he left the hospital, taking with him the precious Medal as a memento of gratitude and love for Mary Immaculate.

CONVERSION OF MR. N—— AT LIMA
Letter from a Daughter of Charity in Lima, Peru, 1876

Mr. N—— had been suffering a long time from hypertrophy of the heart, the physicians having vainly exhausted all the resources of their skill, were forced to tell the family that he was beyond the power of human aid, and should look to the state of his soul, sad news for this father of a family, and a man devoid of religion.

In vain did his relatives and friends, with all possible delicacy, endeavor to turn his thoughts to religion and induce him to receive the Sacraments; he would hear nothing on the subject; a priest, who was an intimate friend of the family, attempted to second their efforts, but he met with no better success; the sick man became exasperated at all allusions to religion, he blasphemed everything relating to it, sparing not even the Blessed Virgin.

One day, after listening to an account of the conversion of Mr.——, of Lima, our patient’s relatives expressed a desire of having recourse to similar means for their dear one’s conversion. “It is very simple,” said the person addressed, “you have only to ask Sister N., of St. Anne’s Hospital for a medal, she got one for M. Pierre, she will not refuse you.”

One of his nephews immediately repaired to the hospital and returned with a medal. A niece offered the medal to him: “Mamma,” said she, “sends you this medal and begs that you will wear it.”
“Certainly,” was the reply, “I will wear it for her sake, but I want everybody to understand that I have no notion and no intention of confessing.”

He spent a quiet night, and was quite pleased next morning to find himself somewhat better. “Euloge,” said he, to one of his nephews, “what preparation should a person make who intends taking a long journey?”

Euloge, who thought he certainly must be in a dream to hear his uncle speak thus, inquired to what journey he alluded.
“Ah!” was the answer, “I speak of the journey to Eternity!”

The poor young man, delighted at such a happy change, replied that the best preparation was to put one’s conscience in order by making a good confession. “I will do so! Send me a priest!” said his uncle.

As soon as the clergyman arrived and heard his confession, he administered the Holy Viaticum. All the assistants were overcome with emotion when they saw the sick man, almost in his last agony, supported by his children, to receive on bended knee, the God who had just pardoned all the sins of his life. A few moments after, he blessed his children, gave them his parting counsel, and died in sentiments of piety rivaling his past irreligion. His family was deeply grateful to Mary Immaculate for this token of her favor.

CONVERSION OF AN UNBELIEVER
Letter from a Sister of Charity in Lima, Peru, 1877

“An old lady whose youth had been pious, having lost her Faith by reading bad books, had not frequented the Sacraments for thirty-five years. The sister, with whom she lived was carried to her grave, after an illness of only five days, and it was natural to suppose that the Christian death of one so dear would have softened her heart. On the contrary, it only embittered her all the more, and she vented her grief in blasphemies.

“A Sister of Charity witnessing this scandal, and not being able to soothe the poor creature, was inspired with the thought of giving her a medal of the Blessed Virgin. The old lady accepted, and wore it for several days, during which she appeared greatly preoccupied, and somewhat less confident in her skepticism. But, having yielded to a diabolical suggestion, that urged her to lay the medal aside―doubtless because grace tormented her conscience with keen remorse whilst the medal was on her person―she fell back into an habitual hardness and melancholy that she called peace.

“The Sister perceived this, and inquired if she still wore the medal. Upon receiving a negative answer, our good Sister represented the danger to which her soul was exposed without it, and the old lady promised to put it on again. Many prayers were offered up for her, and, at the end of fifteen days, the Sister, who was greatly interested in this poor woman’s soul, paid her another visit. Seeing no change in her sentiments, she inquired immediately if the medal had been resumed. The poor woman, who was very uncouth, dared not speak, but made a sign with her head which revealed all.

“‘What have you done with it, and where is it?’ asked the Sister. The old lady replied that it was in her wardrobe, and she had made several unsuccessful efforts to put it on again. The Sister understands that this miserable soul is under some diabolical influence, holding her aloof from anything that was calculated to reclaim her to God.

“She felt that this was the moment for prompt action, and in a tone of severity, said: “Very well, since you will not wear the medal, I abandon you entirely!” These words produced the desired effect. The old lady ran to the wardrobe, and taking up the medal, put it around her neck―this time it to remain there.

“Soon experiencing the sweet and powerful influence of Mary Immaculate―so justly called the Gate of Heaven―in a few days she assisted at the Holy Sacrifice and listened to the instruction, and from that time was entirely changed. She confessed and made her Easter Communion, and the deepest compunction and gratitude are now the abiding sentiments of her heart. She wished to remain at the church door, feeling herself unworthy to penetrate further into the sacred building, and it was with the greatest difficulty her friends could persuade upon her to accept a place nearer the altar.

“She never ceases to thank God and Mary; and she told the Sister that, from the moment the medal was on her neck, she knew neither peace nor rest―until she had returned to her religious duties. So great are the power and love of that Virgin who is the sovereign Terror of demons.”

CONVERSION OF A SCANDALOUS SINNER
Moirans, France, 1877

The Superioress of the Sisters of Charity at Moirans, relates as follows a very consoling conversion, redounding to the glory of Mary Immaculate:

“The most important manufacturer of our village, who employed from four to five hundred men and women, has just died, and contrary to all expectations, his death was penitent and consoling. He had been impious and immoral, and the profligate characters in his workshops were a curse to the surrounding country. His rudeness was such, that everybody trembled before him. His wife and two daughters, pious Christians, silently bewailed his misconduct; and as for myself, I had barely sufficient acquaintance with him to render justifiable my calling upon him in any urgent need.

“One morning I received a message in great haste―this person was very sick and wished to see me. I went at once, but the disease was of so serious a character and its progress so rapid, that I saw the poor man on the verge of the grave ere I could find a means of turning his thoughts to eternity. I had told his wife and daughters to give him a medal of the Immaculate Conception, but he refused to accept it, and we were reduced to the necessity of stealthily putting it under his pillow.

“On the third day, as I was about to leave, after rendering him all the care and attention in my power, he wished, in the effusion of his gratitude, to shake hands with me. I profited by the opportunity to tell him how much pleasure he could give me by consenting to receive the priest, who had just come to see him. He made a sign in the affirmative and with a smile that very rarely parted his lips. We went out of the room, leaving him alone with the priest, whom he had welcomed cordially.

“In half an hour the latter returned blessing God, for the sick man had made his confession. He now consented to wear the medal, and that evening he received Extreme Unction, but not the Holy Viaticum, as he had spells of suffocation. I asked his wife to let his employees see him, that they might be edified at their patron’s conduct. The request was granted, but not many came―as the workshops were closed at this hour. Those who did come, prayed a few minutes beside him.

“Next morning his family was greatly rejoiced at his apparent physical improvement, but their hopes were deceived, and very soon his last agony began. He was recommended to the prayers of the parish. The whole village manifested a touching interest in his condition, and his employees all came to see him. The throng around the dying man was renewed every quarter of an hour, and we recited the Rosary aloud, a most appropriate devotion for this occasion, the last moments of one whom the Blessed Virgin had snatched from eternal misery. Amidst this concert of praises to Mary, he expired. The Christian Brothers, to whom he had been very hostile, willingly aided us in rendering to him the last duties of religion.”

MIRACLES ON DEATH ROW
Mississippi Prison, United States, 1943

One of the most incredible Miraculous Medal miracles began in a Mississippi prison in 1943. Twenty-year-old Claude Newman ― who was on death row for shooting his grandmother’s abuser ― asked a fellow inmate what he was wearing around his neck. The inmate threw the medal over to him and told Claude that he could have it. Shortly after the young man had put the medal around his own neck, Blessed Mother ― whom Claude described as the most beautiful woman God had ever made ― appeared to him and told him that if he would like to be her son, he should call for a priest. He did so immediately.

Along with four other prisoners whom he had inspired, Claude prepared to be baptized. When he shared with the priest and the other men insight into the deep forgiveness found in Confession, the priest was surprised that Blessed Mother had visited Claude again. To prove he was telling the truth, he reminded the priest of a 1940 vow, that he had made to Blessed Mother, saying that he would build a church in her honor if he survived a life-threatening situation. While the priest later fulfilled that vow, Claude was baptized four days before he was scheduled to be executed in 1944. Because the young man was so happy that he was going to Heaven, his last request was to have a party.

When he received a two-week stay of execution, Claude was beside himself. To console him, the priest suggested that he pray for the conversion of a prisoner who hated Claude and religion. He took the priest’s advice. Two weeks later, the time for his execution had arrived―and Claude stunned many by being overjoyed while sitting in the electric chair. Later, when the prisoner―whom Claude had prayed for―was in the same electric chair, the prisoner’s anger suddenly turned to fear, and he called for a priest. Together, Blessed Mother and Claude appeared to him and showed him a vision of Hell. He returned to his Faith and was absolved of his sins before he was executed.

ICE CREAM MIRACLE
United States, 1948

Despite the miracles associated with the medal, many people don’t believe it can make such a difference. Fr. John A. Hardon, S.J., was one of those people. Not long after he had been ordained, a Vincentian priest encouraged him and others to promote the Miraculous Medal―because Blessed Mother really does work miracles through it. Although Fr. Hardon ordered a free pamphlet on how to bless the medals and enroll people in the Confraternity of the Miraculous Medal, he didn’t get one for himself.

But later, in 1948, when the United States priest encountered a ten-year-old boy who was in a coma after a sledding accident, he decided to see if it would help. A sister who worked at the hospital found one and a ribbon the priest could use to hang it around the boy’s neck. Even though the boy had been diagnosed with inoperable permanent brain damage, the priest read the prayer that enrolled the boy in the Confraternity of the Miraculous Medal. As soon as he finished the prayer, the boy opened his eyes and asked his mother for ice cream. It was the first time he had spoken in nearly two weeks. New x-rays showed the brain damage had disappeared, and the boy was released from the hospital after about three days. Like the boy and his family, the priest’s life and his belief in the medal were forever changed.

ELEVATOR MIRACLE
Czechoslovakia, 1950s

In the 1950s, in what was then the communist country of Czechoslovakia, a teenage boy received a Miraculous Medal from an underground seminarian. Even though religious beliefs were condemned by the government, the boy decided to wear his medal around his neck when he worked, one summer, at a construction site. When his supervisor told him to take it off, he continued to wear it.

The next day, he fell into a hole that contained the engine – with moving wheels, gears and belts – of an unsophisticated elevator that allowed construction workers to transport materials to upper floors of the apartment building that was being built. His co-workers pulled him out and put him on the ground. But to their surprise, he was uninjured. He was able to get up and continue working. And he fervently believed that it was Blessed Mother’s protection, received through the medal, that kept him safe from harm.

Conclusion
The Miraculous Medal continues to multiply its prodigies even today. We know of countless other impressive stories of conversions, graces of moral regeneration, cures of attachment to vices, and infallible protection against the action of the devil. There are innumerable accounts of cures and relief procured in every kind of illness, as well as assistance to expectant mothers and of astounding protection against assault, robbery, kidnapping, accidents and other dangers. And who can count those who have found employment and resolved financial difficulties by means of this devotion? Even in our days, so lacking in true Faith, the facts that take place never cease to surprise and edify us.

When she revealed the Miraculous Medal, Our Lady clearly promised that “Everyone who wears it, when it is blessed, will receive great graces, especially if they wear it around their neck.” She did not put restrictive conditions; she said “everyone.” And then completed the phrase with: “The graces will be abundant to those who use it with confidence.”

We all need great graces, especially in these difficult and critical times. Let us turn to the Virgin Mother of God in all our needs and concerns, and ask her with a childlike confidence to answer our prayers.

Are you not also in need of a particular grace? Who isn’t!!? Maybe someone in your family is in dire need of one, or one of your friends? It was for people like you that the Blessed Virgin Mary, the best of all mothers, in her unfathomable mercy, gave the Miraculous Medal.

There have been miracles of physical healing, mental healing and spiritual healing associated with the Miraculous Medal. And people have been miraculously protected from harm. While there is no doubt that they are all extraordinary, there is also no doubt that the Miraculous Medals themselves can help us to reflect on the extraordinary glory, power and love of Our Lord. And they mercifully reassure all of us that we can turn to the Mother of Our Lord for help in times of trouble. And, O boy, are we in times of trouble right now! We need a miracle―or many of them! Do not neglect the Miraculous Medal!