Gospel: (Luke 1:26-38)

The angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin named Mary. The angel said to her: “Hail full of grace! The Lord is with you…. Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus… The Holy Spirit will come upon you and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore, the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God.” Mary said: “ I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.”

Reflection:

On November 27, 1830 Mary appeared to St. Catherine Laboure in the motherhouse of the Daughters of Charity, in Paris. The Blessed Mother was standing on a globe with streams of light coming from her hands. Around her were the words “O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee.” Sister Catherine was told that a medal was to be made of this picture. Soon, because of all the wonderful graces obtained by those who wore the medal, it was called the “Miraculous Medal.” The Vincentian Family has always been rooted in a special devotion to Mary, and the Miraculous Medal is one of our treasured gifts.

Vincentian Meditation:

“I do not know how to find words for what I experienced and perceived, or for the beauty and the splendor of those magnificent rays (coming from the hands of the Blessed Virgin). Mary told me, “They are the symbol of the graces which I shed on those who ask me for them. Have a medal struck according to this model; all those who wear it, especially if they wear it around the neck, will receive great graces, and these graces will be abundant for those who wear it with confidence.” (From St. Catherine Laboure’s account of the apparitions, November 27,1830)

Discussion: (Share thoughts on the readings after a moment of silence)

How do you share in the Vincentian devotion to Mary?

Closing Prayer:

Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal intercede for us as we come to the foot of the altar with the cries of the world,
-Pray for us who have recourse to you.

In solidarity with those who cannot voice their own cries for healing, compassion, and strength, we say,
-Pray for us who have recourse to you.

Accompanying the oppressed peoples of the world, we say,
-Pray for us who have recourse to you.

Amen