Novena of the Miraculous Medal
In 1830, on the Rue du Bac in Paris, Our Lady appeared to the Vincentian novice St Catherine Labouré and asked her to have a medal struck with the invocation: O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to you. The medal — since then called Miraculous — has spread so many graces that it received this name.
Offering Prayer (every day)
O Mary, conceived without sin, Lady of Graces, we offer you this novena in honour of your apparitions on the Rue du Bac and in humble supplication for the grace we entrust to your intercession. You are the Mediatrix of all the graces God gives us through the merits of your Son. Hear us with your accustomed love. Amen.
Invocation of the Medal (recommended every day)
O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee. (three times)
The Nine Days
Day 1 — Young Catherine
Catherine Labouré was a simple peasant girl from Burgundy. In her early twenties she entered the Daughters of Charity in Paris. She had no formal education — but she had the pure heart of one who expects everything from God.
Mother who chooses the little ones, help me trust that the Lord can count on me despite my poverty; prepare my heart for your visit. Amen.
Our Father · Hail Mary · Glory Be.
Day 2 — The first apparition
On the night of July 18-19, 1830, awakened by a child-angel, Catherine was led to the chapel. There, Mary came and conversed with her at length, instructing her about the difficult times approaching for the Church and for France.
Prophetic Mother, foretell to us the evils of the Church and the world; awaken us from illusions; prepare us to defend the faith. Amen.
Our Father · Hail Mary · Glory Be.
Day 3 — The image of a Mother
In the second apparition, on November 27, Mary appeared standing on the globe, crushing the serpent. From her outstretched hands sprang rays of light — sign of the graces she pours out on those who ask.
Mother who crushes the serpent, free me from the temptations that surround me; give me the grace to ask more and better the graces you wish to pour out. Amen.
Our Father · Hail Mary · Glory Be.
Day 4 — The Medal’s invocation
Around the image, Catherine saw written in golden letters: O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee. This is the invocation that would be struck on the medal — and, before the dogma of 1854, publicly confesses the Immaculate Conception.
Immaculate Conception, come to our aid; teach us to invoke you with confidence; renew in us the faith in the purity of your conception. Amen.
Our Father · Hail Mary · Glory Be.
Day 5 — Have a medal struck
Mary said to Catherine: Have a medal struck after this model. Those who wear it with confidence will receive great graces. In a short time, millions of medals were made — and they still circulate today.
Mother of graces, bless the Miraculous Medal that so many faithful carry around their necks; protect them in body and soul; renew in us the taste for the devotions approved by the Church. Amen.
Our Father · Hail Mary · Glory Be.
Day 6 — Extraordinary conversions
Among the many graces of the Medal, the lightning conversion of the Jew Alphonse Ratisbonne stands out, in 1842 in Rome. He asked for a medal as a challenge — and Mary appeared to him in person.
Refuge of unbelievers, obtain the conversion of my relatives and friends far from the faith; touch hardened hearts; be for them a light on the road back. Amen.
Our Father · Hail Mary · Glory Be.
Day 7 — The rays that flow
When Catherine asked why some of Mary’s hands did not emit rays, she heard: they are the graces people do not ask of me. Our spiritual poverty often comes simply from not asking.
Mother who wishes to give everything, teach me to ask; break the shame and laziness that prevent my prayer; open my mouth, and my hand will receive. Amen.
Our Father · Hail Mary · Glory Be.
Day 8 — Mediatrix of all graces
The Medal shows Mary standing between heaven and earth, in a posture of mediation. Catholic theology sees in Mary the Mediatrix of all graces — not of herself, but in and through Christ, the one Mediator.
Mediatrix of graces, receive what I ask of you today and present it to the Heart of Jesus, your Son: (state the intention). May he hear it through your merits. Amen.
Our Father · Hail Mary · Glory Be.
Day 9 — Patroness of the Vincentians
The Vincentian Fathers and the Daughters of St Vincent de Paul are, by special trust, the diffusers of this devotion. Throughout the world, their charitable works carry with them the Miraculous Medal.
Patroness of the Vincentians, bless all the Church’s charitable works; sustain those who serve the poor in your name; grant us today the grace we entrust to your intercession. Amen.
Our Father · Hail Mary · Glory Be.
Final Prayer (every day)
O Lord Jesus Christ, who deigned to glorify by innumerable wonders the Immaculate Virgin Mary, your Mother, grant us, who confidently invoke her powerful patronage, always to obtain the blessings we hope from her. Who live and reign for ever and ever. Amen.
In Latin
O Maria sine labe concepta, ora pro nobis qui ad te confugimus.