The Miraculous Medal is an object of faith charged with symbolism and spirituality. Offering a Rue du Bac medal to a loved one means sharing a gesture of love and protection that goes beyond a simple material gift. Whether it's to mark a special event or to accompany someone in their spiritual life, choosing and giving a Miraculous Medal requires a certain amount of preparation. Here is some advice on how to select and give this symbol of divine grace.

Understanding the meaning of the Miraculous Medal

Before choosing a Miraculous Medal, it is essential to understand its meaning. This medal is linked to the apparitions of the Virgin Mary to Saint Catherine Labouré in 1830, where the Virgin promised special graces to those who would wear it with faith. It represents protection, healing, conversion and divine intercession. Offering this medal means offering a spiritual object that embodies Mary's benevolence and God's love. The medal itself is a message of faith: on the front, the Virgin Mary appears with her arms open, rays of light emanating from her hands, symbolising the graces she bestows on those who pray to her. On the reverse, the "M" surmounted by a cross and the two hearts, that of Jesus and that of Mary, symbolise sacrifice and divine love. Giving a Miraculous Medal is therefore offering a message of hope and protection.

Choosing the Miraculous Medal: materials, styles and symbolism

The Miraculous Medal is available in different materials and styles. Your choice of medal will depend on both the meaning you wish to give it and the tastes of the person receiving it.

Silver and Gold: Silver or gold medals are often preferred for their durability and precious appearance. Silver symbolises purity, while gold is associated with divine light and spiritual nobility. They are ideal choices for a lasting gift, often given at events such as christenings or first communions.

Stainless Steel: Steel medals are more affordable and durable, particularly suitable for everyday use. They are also durable and can be worn by people who lead active lifestyles.

Gold or Silver Plated: Less expensive, these medals are ideal for people who want to give a spiritual symbol without investing in a precious metal. They offer a good alternative for a first religious gift.

Styles: Medals can be simple and uncluttered, or more detailed with ornaments. Some also come with small stones or colours, adding a touch of personalisation. If the recipient likes understated jewellery, opt for a sober style; for those who prefer more expressive pieces, a medal adorned with symbolic details might be more appreciated.

Sizes: Medals come in different sizes. A small medal is often chosen for children or to be worn as a complement to other necklaces, while a larger medal may be better showcased if worn alone.

Blessing the Medal: an important step

Before offering it, it is common to have the Miraculous Medal blessed by a priest. The blessing reinforces the spiritual significance of the medal and invites divine grace to accompany the wearer. You can ask for this blessing in a church or shrine, such as the Chapelle de la rue du Bac in Paris, the place where the Virgin Mary appeared to Saint Catherine Labouré.

The blessing is a moment of prayer and recollection that strengthens faith and makes the act of giving even more symbolic. By giving a blessed medal, you are giving a spiritual object that carries within it a power of protection and benevolence.

Giving a Miraculous Medal: how and when?

Giving a Miraculous Medal can be a touching gesture at different times in life, particularly during significant events or in moments of support and comfort.

Baptism, First Communion, Confirmation: These are special times to offer a Miraculous Medal, as it accompanies the important stages of Christian life and symbolises divine protection on the journey of faith.

Birthday or Christmas: Giving a medal on a special date adds a spiritual dimension to these celebrations. It can become a daily reminder of Mary's love and presence.

Difficult Life Moments: The Miraculous Medal can also be given to someone going through a trial or a moment of doubt. It is a sign of spiritual support and a reminder of Mary's intercession.

The Message that Accompanies the Gift

When offering the medal, it is beautiful to share a personal and spiritual message. You can write a card explaining the meaning of the medal and the graces it can bring. A message of blessing or a prayer can also accompany the gift, underlining the intention of love and protection behind this gesture.

Wearing the Miraculous Medal: Meaning and Spiritual Practices

Wearing the Miraculous Medal is an expression of faith and trust in the protection of the Virgin Mary. It can be worn around the neck, hung in a bag or even placed in a car as a constant reminder of Mary's benevolent presence. Some people choose to recite the prayer "O Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to you" every day, as a reminder of the spiritual commitment they are making by wearing the medal. This prayer ritual is a way of strengthening the spiritual connection and experiencing divine grace on a daily basis.

A Gift of Faith and Love

The Miraculous Medal is much more than a piece of jewellery. In giving it, you are giving a symbol of faith, protection and comfort. This gift embodies sincere love and a spiritual intention that touches those who receive it. Whether worn to invoke protection, ask for a grace or draw closer to Mary, the Miraculous Medal accompanies and comforts at every moment of life. 

For those who receive it, the medal becomes a constant reminder of the Virgin Mary's benevolent presence, and a token of the faith shared with the person who gave it. By carefully choosing and offering the Miraculous Medal, you are sharing a gift that goes beyond the material, an invitation to faith and a sign of love and spiritual benevolence.