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Immaculate Conception medals are often called the miraculous medals because of the miracles that happen to people who wear them.  The medal itself arose out of apparitions received by St. Catherine Laboure in Paris to whom the Virgin Mother appeared several times sometime around 1830 when she entered the Daughters of Charity.  One of the things that Mary told her was to make a medal with the words that appeared as a frame around the Virgin Mother, “O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee."  It is said that those who wear a blessed medal and repeat the prayer appearing on the medal will receive great graces.

The first 1500 Immaculate Conception medals were made in 1832 and there were reported healings, conversions and miracles by those wearing the medal.  Catherine Laboure was made a saint by Pope Pius XII in 1947. Her Feast day is November 27 as is the Feast of the Miraculous Medal, although it is also celebrated on December 8, the feast day of the Immaculate Conception.  As well as the inscription on the front, the back has a large M with a bar through and the cross above, as well as the hearts of Joseph and Mary, one pierced with a sword, the other with a crown of thorns. On the front of the medal is a picture of Mary who is usually standing with her arms open, although sometimes she is shown praying.

If you are looking for Immaculate Conception medals, they are readily available in different sizes and metals.  They are often given as first communion and confirmation gifts, as well as for other occasions.  Some of the medals that you can purchase also come with a booklet that gives prayers as well as the story behind the medal.  The smaller medals are wonderful for charm bracelets or even earrings.  The larger medals are great for necklaces and can be hung from a chain or piece of leather for example.  You can also buy the medal in a form that can be carried in a pocket.

Immaculate Conception medals are readily available through religious supply stores, fine jewellery stores as well as through online merchants on the internet.  Shopping online can be a great experience as you can shop from wherever and whenever you have an internet connection.  You will find that there is a lot of competition amongst online merchants, who source their merchandise from all far corners of the world.  You will find a ready selection of gold, sterling silver, and pewter medals, and sometimes they are enamelled or painted.  There is also a version of the medal that has Mary inside a heart.

By giving the Immaculate Conception medals to children you are introducing them to the miracles and mysteries of the catholic faith.  The medal is sure to warm their hearts and they will be proud to wear and to be reminded of the miracles and cures that can be bestown as well as the miracle of Immaculate Conception.  It will also remind them of the need to pray.  Receiving this medal as a gift for a special rite of passage such as first communion will give them something that they will cherish forever.