The origin of the Association of the Miraculous Medal dates back to the apparition of the Immaculate Virgin Mary in 1830, whose feast is celebrated on 27th November. The medal and the Association are true and constant reminders of this great event. Through the apparition, the Virgin Mary gave a model of the medal, which quickly spread throughout the world. It was called by the people “Miraculous” because of the many remarkable favours which God daily performed through its instrumentality and the faith of those who use it.

Suffering comes to us all in one form or another. When we meet suffering, it can be difficult to accept that God is a loving Father. The Miraculous Medal challenges us to look at life again and accept the encouragement offered us by the Mother of God. The medal is no “good luck” charm. It is a reminder that Our Lady is “a sure hope for those troubled in mind as they often are; divided in heart; uncertain before the riddle of death; oppressed by loneliness; a prey to boredom”.

Virgo Potens (Virgin Most Powerful) have recently opened a contact base in the Parish Office of St. Peter’s Church, Phibsboro, Dublin to promote and provide Miraculous Medals and scapulars (red – Scapular of the Passion of Our Lord and green – Scapular of the Immaculate Heart of Mary) and promote devotion to Our Lady.

The Association has the purpose of recalling Mary conceived without sin, and also the sanctification of its members, integral formation in the Christian life, and an apostolate in charity and evangelising, especially to those in need. Mary’s holy medal, both by the symbolism which it shows and the honour it enjoys, offers both a model and assistance for these purposes. It was founded by Pope Blessed Pius IX in 1847, and later approved by Pope St. Pius X in 1909 as a public association of the Church.

With the passage of time, updated rules faithful to the original spirit were approved by the Holy See in 1990. Since then, the Association has grown remarkably, and now flourishes throughout the world, especially in Europe, Latin America, Central Africa, the Far East and the USA.

Membership takes two forms:

• General Members

• Active Members

GENERAL MEMBERS

General Members are those who are asked to wear the Holy medal, blessed by a priest (more fitting to wear it around the neck), and pray daily to Our Lady. There are some 140 members in Ireland who are generally in pastoral context with St. Peters Church, Phibsboro, Dublin.

A membership card is issued to each member, and member’s names are placed on the AMM record. Members share in the graces of the Association and say a short daily prayer for special intentions set out on the membership card. They are recommended to say also the Novena prayers to Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal, and are encouraged (when possible) to attend the weekly Novena in Church. There are also some renewal meetings during the course of the year. Members are invited to take part in these.

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ACTIVE MEMBERS

Active members comprise a group of young adults who undertake a pattern of learning about our Catholic faith and some participation in good works of charity in regard to sharing the Gospel of Jesus, and promoting devotion to Our Lady. They have regular meetings with prayer and reflection. Members strive to weave prayer and scripture reading into their daily lives. The Holy Trinity is at the centre of the Associates’ lives and meetings and Mary’s presence, influence, example and guidance are sought, pondered and followed.

For active membership there is an initial time of preparation so that Members may learn the Statutes, spirituality and activity of the Association. This is pursued in the context of catechesis in the ambience of the local group. There is a simple ritual of admission for those who have come through this initial formation, and the new members names are inscribed in the Association register.

If this sounds like something you wish to join, please contact Fr. Eamon Flanagan at 00-353-(0)1-8318113.