On the occasion of the 190^th anniversary of the apparitions of the Blessed Virgin to Saint Catherine Labouré, the Holy Father blessed the sacred image of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal last  November 11 in the Vatican, in the presence of the Superior General of the Congregation of the Mission, Fr. Tomaž Mavrič, CM and a small delegation responsible for organizing Marian pilgrimages to various communities in Italy.

In the midst of the difficult situation the world finds itself in as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and in a society marked by conflict and tension on every continent, the spiritual children of Saint Vincent de Paul began, with this Marian pilgrimage, a journey to proclaim the merciful love of God.

On the night of July 18-19, 1830, the Blessed Mother appeared for the first time to Catherine Labouré, a young Daughter of Charity of Saint Vincent de Paul. This was a rather lengthy encounter in which the Blessed Mother stated: The times are very evil. Misfortunes afflict France and the entire world will experience misfortunes of every sort … But come to the foot of this altar, there abundant graces will be poured on all those who ask for them with confidence and fervor. They will be given to the great and the small. On November 27, 1830, the Blessed Mother appeared again to Catherine Labouré, holding in her hands a small globe (representing humankind). Catherine contemplated her beauty and accepted the mission to make a medal: the persons who wear this medal will receive great graces.

The members of the worldwide Vincentian Family, by this initiative of the Maria Pellegrina to go on pilgrimage, want to remind us that the Blessed Mother continues to invite men and women to come to the foot of the altar. Today, one hundred ninety years later, Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal continues to watch over humankind and engages in this pilgrimage in order to visit and meet with the ecclesial communities throughout Italy, thus fulfilling the promise of love that is contained in her message: I will always be with you… trust… do not be discouraged. Our Lady will begin this pilgrimage on Tuesday, December 1 and will last until November 22, 2021.

The various branches of the Vincentian Family, parishes and other ecclesial institutions are invited to participate in this Marian pilgrimage that will last for three days (fulfilling all health requirements that have been established as a result of COVID-19). Events will include: celebration on welcoming the image, Eucharistic celebration, celebration of Mercy, Marian-Vincentian catechesis, meeting with children, youth and adults, prayer for vocations, Marian cenacles in the homes of the poor and the infirm (nursing homes and drop-in centers), financial initiatives to support the Vincentian missionary works.

Elena Grazini

Ufficio Stampa Famiglia Vincenziana elena@elenagrazini.it