Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal

Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal was the title given to the Blessed Virgin Mary after she appeared before St. Catherine, revealing the image of the medal she wanted to be made.
Our Lady appeared to St. Catherine Laboure many times but the major apparition happened at the Motherhouse Chapel in Paris, standing atop the world surrounded by an oval frame, over which gold engravings were written: O Mary Conceived without Sin, Pray for Us who have Recourse to You revealing to her the image of the medal she wanted to be made. Catherine told Fr. Aladel about the Virgin's message. Couple of years after the medal was finally acknowledged by the Archbishop of Paris and Catholic officials in 1832. Catherine was declared Saint by Pope Pius XII in July 1947.
These were the words Mary conveyed to St. Catherine:

“Have a Medal struck according to this model. All those who wear it with faith and confidence will receive abundant graces.”

In accordance to the message of Mary, the Miraculous Medal should be worn closest to the heart to bring healing and protection to its holder. The medal ranks equal in importance with the holy Rosary and the Brown Scapular.
Alphonse Ratisbonne, Jewish national, who was converted to Christianity after Mary appeared before him, exactly the same way she appears on the Miraculous Medal. He immediately joined the Jesuit Fathers.
Domingo G. Vargas made a book on the miracles of the Medal that happened in the Philippines entitled The Miraculous Medal Apostolate in the Philippines: Touching our Lives. One story is that of Fr. Jesus Maria Cavanna who made a frequent visits to seriously ill persons in private and public institutions. Some of the patients are Protestants, heretics, unbelievers and those opposing the Catholic faith. After praying and asking for Mary's intercession and coming back to the patient's bedside, Fr. Cavanna was delighted by their decisions to accept the Medal and embrace the faith.
Vargas also wrote about the miraculous recovery of those who have fatal illness, diseases, and heart ailments.
Mrs. Cosette Reyes, a counselor and a catechist had personal accounts on her experience since the Shrine was built. The church caters for both rich and poor people which practices responsible charity. It imparts that trusting Mary's word on the Medal will help the people gain access to God.