A tradition that renews faith
The Vincentian Province in Colombia has presented a new edition of the Novena to Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal, a spiritual resource designed to help believers "increase their faith, hope, and charity." This Marian devotion begins each year on November 18 in preparation for the liturgical feast of the Miraculous Medal, which is celebrated on November 27.
Origins in the apparitions to Saint Catherine Labouré
The origin of this devotion dates back to the night of July 18-19, 1830, the eve of the feast of St. Vincent de Paul, when the Virgin Mary first appeared to St. Catherine Labouré, a Vincentian nun. On November 27 of the same year, the second apparition occurred, in which Mary asked the young woman to mint the medal we know today as the "miraculous medal," a sacramental widely used in the Catholic Church.
Significance in the context of the Jubilee
In the prologue to the novena, the provincial superior of the Vincentian Province of Colombia, Father Carlos Arley Cardona Salazar, emphasizes that this publication is part of the Jubilee of Hope and the celebration of the fourth centenary of the founding of the Congregation of the Mission. According to the priest, the novena should be "a sign of gratitude for the many graces and blessings received throughout our history as a Church and throughout our lives as Vincentians."
Mary as guide and protector
The text reminds the faithful that "on the journey of our faith and our Christian life, we are accompanied by the maternal presence of the Blessed Virgin Mary," who guides humanity toward her Son. "Mary continues to be, for the Church and for the world, the bearer of divine graces and the protector of humanity. Her intercession assures us of great maternal love, living hope, joyful faith, unlimited gifts, and a call to eternity," the introduction states.
Invitation to spiritual transformation
The novena invites devotees to allow themselves to be transformed by God and to follow his example in transforming the hearts of the People of God. The faithful are encouraged to be docile to the Holy Spirit and to imitate Mary's response at the Annunciation: "Behold the handmaid of the Lord, be it done unto me according to your Word." The prayer of this novena is available for digital download, facilitating access to this devotional practice.
Original source: www.aciprensa.com (published November 14, 2025)
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