In the heart of Paris, just a few steps from the Le Bon Marché department store, there is a chapel visited by hundreds of thousands of people every year. It is the chapel of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal, on the rue du Bac, where the most widely distributed medal in the world was born. If you travel to Paris, we will tell you what you will find.
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Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal with natural pearls€69I want it
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Where it is
The chapel is located at 140 rue du Bac, in the 7th arrondissement of Paris, inside the motherhouse of the Daughters of Charity. You enter through a passage from the street. Entry is free, and it is advisable to check the hours on the sanctuary's official website before going.
What happened there
In 1830, a young novice, Catherine Labouré, said that the Virgin had appeared to her in that chapel. During the November apparition, the Virgin showed her the design of a medal and asked her to have it minted. The medal spread so quickly, and with so many stories of favors received, that people began to call it "the Miraculous Medal". We explain its design in the history of the Miraculous Medal.
What to see in the chapel
- The Virgin's chair. According to Saint Catherine's account, at the first apparition, in July 1830, the Virgin sat in a chair next to the altar. That chair is preserved, and many pilgrims kneel before it.
- The body of Saint Catherine Labouré. It rests in a glass urn under one of the side altars.
- The image of Our Lady of the Globe, which represents another of the saint's visions.
- The body of Saint Louise de Marillac, co-founder of the Daughters of Charity along with Saint Vincent de Paul.
Tips for your visit
- It is a place of prayer: Masses are held throughout the day, and silence is requested.
- The busiest days are around November 27, the Feast of the Miraculous Medal.
- Many pilgrims pray the jaculatory prayer of the medal there: "O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee."
If you cannot go to Paris
The medal is the way to carry that message with you wherever you are. If you are unsure which one to choose, read what the Miraculous Medal means and how to choose yours. And if you are in Madrid, we will tell you what to see at the Basilica of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal in Madrid.
Our Miraculous Medal medallions
We designed our Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal medallions, and we make them by hand in Spain, piece by piece. Each one has an 18K gold plating, natural pearls, stones, or hand-applied enamels, so no two are alike. They arrive with their 40 + 5 cm chain, gift-wrapped and within 24-72 hours. You will not find these medallions in any other store.
- The most loved: the Miraculous Medal with natural pearls.
- With color: the one with rubies and sapphires or the one with fluorite and lilac enamel.
- The Virgin's blue: the one with lapis lazuli.
- For a complete gift: the Miraculous Medal pack with the Mary necklace.
The most beautiful medallions in the world are at www.khartesmadrid.com. Follow us on Instagram: @khartesmadrid.