Categoría: What’s New?

From the responsorial psalm for Thanksgiving Day readings, we echo the praise of David:

“All your works give you thanks, Lord,
    and your faithful ones bless you.
They speak of the glory of your reign
    and tell of your great works …
The eyes of all look hopefully to you;
    you give them their food in due season.”
(Psalm 145:10-11, 15)

May you and your loved ones enjoy a blessed Thanksgiving.

The Vincentian priests and brothers, along with everyone at the Association of the Miraculous Medal, appreciate your faithful support of our shared mission. The AMM offices will be closed on November 23 and 24 and will reopen November 27. The church and grounds of the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal will remain open to visitors throughout the holiday weekend. Please check here for holiday tour and gift shop hours.

Don’t miss this issue’s inspiring column from AMM’s new spiritual director, Father Clayton Kilburn, C.M., reflecting on that which makes us brothers and sisters in Christ. You’ll also learn how youth across Southeast Missouri are enlightening others’ lives through the fire of their faith as members of today’s Vincentian Marian Youth Ministry. Read about one widower’s volunteer ministry honoring his late wife’s devotion to Mary, order our new Thinking of You Votive Light card, learn about AMM’s spring pilgrimage to France, and much more.

Your support for the Association of the Miraculous Medal at Christmas is a beautiful way to bring Jesus Christ to the world by inspiring devotion to Mary, Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal, which is our mission. Thank you again for being part of our growing AMM family around the world.

AMM’s annual Miraculous Medal Novena of Masses begins on Saturday, November 18. Together we look forward to the November 27 Feast of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal, followed by the Feast of Saint Catherine Labouré on November 28. You are invited to take part with us in several ways:

(1) Pray this prayer daily.

(2) Send your intentions to be placed near Mary’s Shrine Altar for remembrance in the Masses and prayers.

(3) Request a Votive Light to burn as a symbol of your spiritual presence.

“Have a Medal struck after this model. All who wear it will receive great graces … Graces will abound for persons who wear it with confidence.” 

— Blessed Virgin Mary to Catherine Labouré, November 27, 1830, appearing to her in the image of “the Medal of the Immaculate Conception,” today called the Miraculous Medal

Join members of the Association of the Miraculous Medal in seeking Mary’s intercession for deceased relatives and friends each day this month. Together, we pray …

O Virgin, most kind, Mary, Mother of God, most loving consoler of those in distress, commend to your Son the souls of the faithful departed so that, because of your motherly intervention, they may joyfully arrive in your company as their longed-for home in heaven. Amen.

O Lord, grant those who have died the joy of your presence, and us who are living the happiness of knowing this. Amen.

Shop AMM’s selection of Miraculous Medals, rosaries, and other religious gifts. These items make wonderful presents for everyone on your Christmas list. All items are blessed at the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal before being shipped.

Quantities of many gifts are limited. Please order early.

A recent survey revealed that just 58% of U.S. Catholics belong to a church. Loved ones of “fallen away” Church members often suffer deeply.

On November 28, the feast day of Saint Catherine Labouré, the Association of the Miraculous Medal will celebrate a special Mass to ask Our Lady’s intercession for non-practicing Catholics to return to the faith.

You are invited to send the names of loved one(s) you would like remembered during Mass.

Many of the earliest supernatural favors associated with the Miraculous Medal were the blessings of loved ones coming back to the faith when no one thought it possible. Read Father Clay’s letter about interceding for a return to the faith for those you love.

Don’t miss our Fall Bulletin! This issue includes a parting message from Father Kevin McCracken. We welcome Father Clayton Kilburn, C.M., as Amm’s new spiritual director. We ask Our Lady to continue to accompany us in our ministry and bless Father Clay’s efforts to fulfill the Association’s mission with fortitude and fidelity.

Also in this issue, Don Fulford, AMM’s CEO, reflects on a summer pastime from his youth and what it might mean when “letting go” for an eternity comes around. And if you’re considering traveling to Europe in 2024, check out the preview of AMM’s spring pilgrimage to northern France. Vincentian vocation director, Father Toshio Sato, C.M., discusses the encouraging signs of faith he sees among today’s youth.

Finally, be sure to check out this year’s Christmas cards and other special gifts Quantities are limited so order soon.

The Association’s annual Rosary Octave of Prayer will begin on Saturday, October 7, the feast of Our Lady of the Rosary. Saint Pius V established this feast in 1573 in gratitude for the victory of Christians over the Turks at Lepanto, a victory attributed to widespread recitation of the Rosary.

Pope Francis has encouraged the faithful to “rediscover, especially during the month of October, the beauty of the prayer of the Rosary, which has nourished the faith of the Christian people through the centuries … The recitation of the Rosary is the most beautiful prayer we can offer to the Virgin Mary; it is a contemplation on the stages of the life of Jesus the Savior with his Mother and is a weapon that protects us from evils and temptations.”

Beyond its power to help us individually, the Blessed Virgin has urged the recitation of the Rosary as a means of restoring peace in the face of wars, oppression, and social injustice. You are invited to be among those AMM members joining us from home to pray five mysteries of the Rosary daily for eight days. Send your intentions to be remembered in prayer throughout the octave at Our Lady’s Shrine. You may also request Votive Lights to burn for your needs or as a gift of gratitude for blessings and favors Our Lady has already obtained for you and those you love.

How do you plan to share the gift of Jesus this Christmas? Spiritual remembrance Christmas cards make thoughtful gifts for loved ones near and far. Each of the three designs focus on the true meaning of this pivotal event in the history of the world. Each Christmas card you send offers your recipient a special remembrance in an octave of Masses beginning Christmas Day at the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal, and during a Mass offered by a Vincentian priest every week throughout 2024. Order today! Read Fr. Clay’s letter, which shares an endearing legend about a poor shepherd boy who’s given the greatest gift of all time.

On November 27, 1830, the Blessed Virgin appeared to Saint Catherine Labouré in the image of the Miraculous Medal the young novice was to promote …

With arms outstretched, brilliant rays shone forth from Mary’s fingers. Shimmering words took shape, forming a gilded frame: “O Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to Thee.” Our Lady spoke: “Have a medal struck after this model. All who wear it will receive great graces; it should be worn around the neck …”  

The apparition turned to reveal the back side of the medal: a large “M,” interwoven with a cross on a bar. Underneath were two hearts, one encircled with thorns (Jesus), and the other pierced with a sword (Mary). Twelve stars created a shining oval frame. 

Annually, AMM invites members to join in prayerful observance of Mary giving the design of the miraculous Medal to Saint Catherine to share with the world. AMM will hold its annual Miraculous Medal Novena of Masses November 18 – 26 at the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal. Share your personal prayer intentions here to be placed near Mary’s Shrine Altar throughout the nine days of the novena and on Monday, November 27, the feast of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal. You may also request Votive Lights to burn for your petitions.  

As you face each day’s joys and struggles, the very purpose of the Miraculous Medal is to help you draw nearer to the love of Jesus through Our Blessed Mother. By the intercession she has promised, God will pour out endless grace and blessings upon his children. Father Clay’s letter shares more, including inspiring testimonials of several AMM members.

The Association of the Miraculous Medal welcomes Reverend Clayton Kilburn, C.M., as Spiritual Director beginning September 1. Father Clay succeeds Father Kevin McCracken, C.M., who served in the role for seven years and will be undertaking a new ministry for the Congregation of the Mission (Vincentian Fathers).

Father Clay was ordained as a priest of the Congregation of the Mission in 1979. His prior assignments included pastoral and missionary posts in remote regions of the United States as well as overseas. He is the author of Living Faith Faithfully and Why We Do It, a compilation of previously published reflections on faith and Catholic teachings.

“I look forward to continuing to build on my predecessors’ holy work at the Association of the Miraculous Medal,” Father Clay stated. “I am convinced that Our Lady needs the faithful members of AMM to bring her message to our sinful world. Desiring redemption for all souls, Our Blessed Mother appeals to us to walk in Christ’s light. By modeling her way of living, we can all become disciples who are the salt of the earth and the light of the world.” Read letters from both Father Kevin and Father Clay.

Your prayers for dearly departed loved ones are a powerful spiritual gift that can hasten their journey toward full and everlasting union with God.  

Join AMM’s All Souls Day observance at the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal on November 2. Sharing the names of deceased relatives and friends assures them of a special remembrance throughout the month of November, as well as during the anniversary month of their passing. In his all-powerful existence that transcends the limits of earthly time, God can apply the merits of your prayers to assist your departed loved ones. What a powerful gift this is! You may also request a Votive Light to burn for your deceased loved ones. Father Kevin’s letter tells more about All Souls Day.