The back of the Miraculous Medal is engraved with the Sacred and Immaculate Hearts and the initial “M” topped with a cross. These symbols are surrounded by a garland of twelve stars.
The twelve stars go far back in the Church’s history. The Book of Genesis relates the first dream of Joseph, in which twelve stars, the sun, and the moon bow down to him. The stars were understood to refer to his brothers and have since then symbolized the Twelve Tribes of Israel.
Later, Our Lord called the Apostles to follow Him and fulfill the Twelve Tribes, so they also are present in the symbol of twelve stars.
In addition to this, twelve stars have been associated with the Blessed Mother since the first century, when John the Apostle received the vision related in Revelation 12: “And a great sign appeared in heaven, a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars.”
Theologians have understood these twelve stars to symbolize both the Tribes and the Apostles, as discussed above. The Tribes and Apostles together represent the whole Church, and therefore when the stars surround the Blessed Mother—such as when they appear on the back of the Miraculous Medal—they represent the Church as we surround Mary as our Queen.
The Blessed Mother promised special graces to those who wear her Medal, and these graces have been so obvious that the Medal, originally called the Medal of the Immaculate Conception, became known as Miraculous in no time. Our bestselling Crown of Stars Rosary and Miraculous Rosary Pouch Set is a beautiful way to honor Our Mother’s request. It might make perfect Mother's Day gift! Order yours today at The Catholic Company!
