The feast commemorates the apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary to Saint Catherine Labouré in Paris, France, in 1830. On the night of July 18–19, 1830, Catherine, a novice of the Daughters of Charity, was awakened by a child (believed to be her guardian angel) and led to the chapel, where Mary appeared to her and entrusted her with a special mission. Later, on November 27, 1830, Mary appeared again, standing on a globe with rays of light streaming from her rings, symbolizing the graces she bestows on those who ask for them. She instructed Catherine to have a medal struck in this design, promising that all who wear it with devotion would receive great graces.
Pope Leo XIII officially approved the Feast of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal in 1894, to be celebrated on November 27 by the Vincentian priests and later extended to other religious communities. The feast includes a special Mass and Office, and the faithful are encouraged to wear the medal, pray for Mary’s intercession, and reflect on her love and protection.