Sarah Mitchell
Catholic medals are powerful symbols of faith, protection, and devotion, and have been an integral part of the Catholic faith since the Middle Ages. These devotional medals are often worn around the neck on a chain or cord and feature images of the Virgin Mary, angels, the Holy Family, the Holy Spirit, or patron saints. They are believed to provide protection and guidance and are often blessed by priests, who attach indulgences to them. While the specific way of carrying medals is not prescribed, the medals are considered sacred symbols of supernatural protection and reminders of the holy person depicted on them.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | A medal is a piece of metal, usually in the form of a coin, not used as money but struck or cast for a commemorative purpose, and adorned with some appropriate effigy, device, or inscription. |
| History | Medals were used in pagan antiquity as amulets and talismans. The custom of blessing medals and attaching indulgences to them began in the sixteenth century with Pope St. Pius V. |
| Religious Significance | Catholics do not worship saints but ask for their prayers. Medals are believed to provide protection and guidance and serve as symbols of religious duties, devotion, and faith. |
| Types | Medals can be relic medals, miraculous medals, or holy face of Jesus medals, among others. |
| How to Wear | Medals are often worn around the neck on a chain or cord. There is no specific side that must be worn facing out for most medals. |
| Where to Get Them | Medals can be obtained from churches, Catholic stores, or online, with some websites specializing in Catholic medals. |
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What You'll Learn
Medals are classified as a sacramental
The use of religious medals as we know them today arose in the sixteenth century. Pope St. Pius V began the custom of blessing religious medals and attaching an indulgence to them. For example, in 1566, he blessed medals with the image of Jesus and Mary and granted an indulgence to the faithful who wore them. The custom grew, and the Pope began blessing rosaries and medals, enriching them with indulgences and sending them to Catholics in England. These medals often came with instructions defining the nature of the indulgences and the conditions under which they could be gained.
The wearing of a religious medal is a pious practice that keeps Catholics mindful of the protection and love of the image the medal bears. They are a constant physical reminder of the love and fidelity shared with God and the communion of saints. Catholics do not worship saints, but they ask for their prayers since saints are in Heaven and have favour with God. Catholics often pray for the intercession of saints that relate to their intentions. For example, a Catholic may pray for the intercession of Saint Peregrine, the patron saint of cancer patients.
Medals are usually made of metal, typically in the form of a coin, not used as money, but struck or cast for a commemorative purpose. They are adorned with an appropriate effigy, device, or inscription. They often feature images of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Angels, the Holy Family, the Holy Spirit, or Patron Saints. In the sixteenth century, Catholic medals became more popular as instruments of spiritual grace and protection.
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Medals are sacred signs
The use of religious medals as we know them today arose in the sixteenth century when Pope St. Pius V began blessing medals with the image of Jesus and Mary and granting indulgences to those who wore them faithfully. The practice of wearing medals with religious symbols has deep roots in Catholic history, with some medals discovered bearing the image of St. Peter and St. Paul from the second century and St. Lawrence the Martyr from the fourth century.
Medals are often given as presents or "pieces de plaisir", especially to persons of high consideration. They can also serve as vouchers for attendance at cathedral offices and meetings, with the amount of rations or payments sometimes stamped on the medal. In the sixteenth century, Pope St. Pius V blessed medals and attached indulgences, sending them to Catholics in England.
The medals themselves often feature images of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Angels, the Holy Family, the Holy Spirit, or Patron Saints. Each medal carries a distinct meaning and is associated with a particular saint. For example, the patron saint of lost items, Saint Anthony, is depicted holding Baby Jesus, while the patron saint of animals, Saint Francis, is often shown with a dog. These medals are more than just pieces of jewellery; they hold deep spiritual significance and are believed to offer protection and guidance.
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They bear a resemblance to the sacraments
Catholic medals are classified as a sacramental, meaning they are "sacred signs" that bear a resemblance to the sacraments. They are not just beautiful keepsakes but powerful symbols of faith, protection, and devotion. They are believed to provide protection and guidance and are often worn around the neck on a chain or cord.
The use of religious medals as we know them today arose in the sixteenth century. Pope St. Pius V began the custom of blessing religious medals and attaching an indulgence to them. For example, in 1566, he blessed medals with the image of Jesus and Mary and granted an indulgence to those who wore them. The wearing of a religious medal is a pious practice that keeps followers mindful of the protection and love of the image the medal bears.
Medals are often given as presents or "pieces de plaisir", especially to persons of high consideration. They can also be used as vouchers for attendance at cathedral offices and meetings, carrying with them a title to certain rations or payments, with the amount sometimes stamped on the piece. These tokens are known as "jetons de presence" or "mereaux".
The sacramental prepares a person to receive grace and disposes them to cooperate with it. The medal reminds us of a holy person, which in turn opens us to grace to follow their example. The Enchiridion of Indulgences (1969) states that "the faithful, who devoutly use an article of devotion (crucifix or cross, rosary, scapular, or medal) properly blessed by any priest, obtain a partial indulgence".
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They signify effects, especially spiritual ones
Catholic medals are more than just pieces of jewellery. They are powerful symbols of faith, protection, and devotion, and they hold deep spiritual significance. The practice of wearing religious medals is believed to have originated in the sixteenth century when Pope St. Pius V began blessing medals with the image of Jesus and Mary and granted indulgences to those who wore them faithfully. These medals are classified as sacramentals, or "sacred signs", which bear a resemblance to the sacraments. They signify effects, especially spiritual ones, obtained through the Church's intercession.
The medals remind Catholics of holy figures, such as saints, the Virgin Mary, or Jesus, and their lives and sacrifices. For example, the Holy Face of Jesus Medal invites meditation on Christ's suffering and his ultimate sacrifice for humanity. Wearing this medal encourages followers to draw strength from Christ's unwavering love. Similarly, the Miraculous Medal, originating from the visions of St. Catherine Labouré, symbolizes Mary's intercession and protection, offering comfort and divine favour.
Each medal often features images of a particular saint or holy person on one side and a phrase or prayer on the other. For instance, the medal of Saint Anthony, the patron saint of lost items, depicts him holding the Baby Jesus, while the medal of Saint Francis, the patron saint of animals, often shows him with a dog. These medals are not merely decorative but are meant to inspire and guide the faithful in their daily lives and spiritual practices.
The physical act of wearing or carrying a medal can serve as a constant reminder of one's faith and devotion, much like a wedding ring reminds spouses of their vows. They can also be seen as a symbol of one's religious duties, connecting the wearer to the divine and providing protection and comfort.
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Medals are symbols of faith, protection and devotion
Medals are powerful symbols of faith, protection, and devotion. They are classified as a sacramental, or "sacred signs which bear a resemblance to the sacraments". The sacramental prepares a person to receive grace and dispose of it; the medal reminds us of a holy person, which in turn opens us to grace to follow their example. They are believed to provide protection and guidance and are often worn around the neck on a chain or cord.
The use of religious medals as we know them today arose in the sixteenth century. Pope St. Pius V began the custom of blessing religious medals and attaching an indulgence to them. For example, in 1566, he blessed medals with the image of Jesus and Mary and granted an indulgence to the faithful who wore them. The custom grew, and the Pope began blessing rosaries and medals, enriching them with indulgences and sending them to Catholics in England.
Medals are usually made of metal and are in the form of a coin, not used as money, but struck or cast for a commemorative purpose, and adorned with an appropriate effigy, device, or inscription. They often feature images of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Angels, the Holy Family, the Holy Spirit, or Patron Saints. One side of the medal typically has an image of a saint or holy person, while the other side has a phrase or prayer. For example, the patron saint of lost items, Saint Anthony, is depicted holding Baby Jesus in his arms on his medallion.
The Miraculous Medal is one of the most cherished sacramentals in the Catholic tradition, known for its association with the Virgin Mary and the special graces bestowed upon those who wear it with faith. It symbolizes Mary’s intercession and maternal protection, making it a powerful source of comfort and divine favor. Another example is the St. Benedict Medal, which has an image of St. Benedict holding a cross and the Rule of St. Benedict, with a Latin inscription that means "May we be strengthened by his presence in our death".
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Frequently asked questions
Choosing the right medal involves researching different saints and medals. Understanding the symbolism behind each medal and the history surrounding them can help deepen your faith and strengthen your spiritual connection with God.
Catholic medals are more than just jewellery. They are believed to provide spiritual protection and guidance. Wearing a medal of a specific saint invokes their intercession and asks for their prayers, guidance, and protection.
It is important to remember that wearing a Catholic medal is not a "charm" but a sacred symbol of supernatural protection. The medal reminds us of a holy person, inviting us to follow their example and opening us to grace.
Catholic medals can be purchased online from websites such as Catholically.com and Pictures on Gold. They can also be obtained from local churches or Catholic stores in your area.
