Our 2024 Christmas Catalog is out! Peruse our collection of Catholic gifts direct from the Gift Shop at the Basilica Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal. All items can be purchased online or in person at our shop located on the lower level of the Basilica Shrine.
Click on the photo of our catalog to view.
(All listed times Eastern U.S.A.)
(*Livestreams)
Monday, November 18
9:00 a.m.: Novena/Mass
*12:05 p.m.: Novena/Mass
2:00 p.m.: Novena
6:30 p.m.: Novena/Mass
Tuesday, Nov. 19–Friday, Nov. 22
(Nov. 21 – Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary)
*12:05 p.m.: Novena/Mass
6:30 p.m.: Novena/Mass
Saturday, November 23
*12:05 p.m.: Novena/Mass
4:00 p.m.: Novena/Vigil Mass for Sunday
Sunday, November 24
9:00 a.m.: Novena/Mass
*12:05 p.m.: Novena/Mass
Monday, November 25
9:00 a.m.: Novena/Mass
*12:05 p.m.: Novena/Mass
2:00 p.m.: Novena
6:30 p.m.: Novena/Mass
Tuesday, November 26
*12:05 p.m.: Novena/Mass
6:30 p.m.: Novena/Mass
Both Masses will include the Apostolic Blessing of Pope Francis.
Confession:
Mondays
8:30 a.m.
11:00 a.m.
1:30 p.m.
6:00 p.m.
Confession:
Tuesdays – Saturdays
30 minutes prior to Mass
Join us for our nine-day Solemn Novena 2024 from November 18–26. This year we celebrate “The Eucharist: The Source and Summit of the Christian Life,” as we unite in prayer to our Blessed Mother and her Son, Jesus Christ, and prepare for our celebration of the Solemnity of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal.
Veneration of a Holy Relic of St. Catherine Labouré will be offered throughout all nine days of the Solemn Novena.
The Perpetual Novena has been called the prayer heard around the world. In 1930, Fr. Joseph A. Skelly, CM, a Vincentian of the Eastern Province, introduced the Perpetual Novena to publicly honor Mary and increase devotion to her Miraculous Medal. The success of the Novena services spread to more than 3,300 churches and chapels worldwide and was translated into many languages—including Braille.
Just as impressive, the Perpetual Novena has remained unbroken as we near the one-century milestone. As Fr. Skelly stated in July 1931, “There is no force [as] mighty as that of thousands of united hearts, joined in faith and love, asking [for] Mary’s intercession.”
Mary told St. Catherine, “Come to the foot of the altar, where graces will be given to all who ask for them with confidence.” Mary always leads us to Jesus, and Jesus is especially present in the Eucharist.
For almost 100 years, the Solemn Novena at the The Basilica Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal has helped thousands of people renew their faith, overcome hardships, express gratitude to Our Blessed Mother, and deepen their devotion to Our Lady and her Son.
We invite you to participate in this year’s Novena, The Eucharist: The Source and Summit of the Christian Life at The Basilica Shrine. We pray the Perpetual Novena beseeching Our Blessed Mother for her extraordinary graces, encompassing both profound spiritual healing and physical restoration through her Son, Jesus Christ. We also thank her for favors received.
By attending all nine days of the Solemn Novena in person, you are eligible to receive a plenary indulgence under the usual conditions. Attending at least three days fulfills partial indulgence requirements.
Wednesday, November 27
9:30 a.m.: Confession
*10:30 a.m.: Mass
Celebrant: Most Reverend Keith J. Chylinski
Auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia
The Basilica Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal welcomed the Indian Catholic Community, St. George Syro Malabar Catholic Church (Paterson, NJ), and St. Thomas Syro Malabar Catholic Forane Church (Philadelphia, PA) for the 13th celebration of the Feast of Our Lady of Good Health Vailankanni on September 7, 2024.
Fr. John Kettelberger, CM, Spiritual Director of the Central Association of the Miraculous Medal, opened the celebration with an address and led the Miraculous Medal Novena. The event also included Holy Mass, the Novena of Our Lady of Vailankanni, a Rosary Procession, Prayers for the Sick, and the Veneration of the Our Lady of Vailankanni statue.
Fr. Simmy Thomas, Vicar of St. George, served as the main celebrant and homilist, with Dr. George Danavelil, Vicar of St. Thomas, and Fr. Varghese Srambickal, Chaplain of Cooper Hospital (Camden, NJ), concelebrating.
Almost 450 Marian devotees participated in the meaningful spiritual celebration of Our Lady of Good Health.
(All times Eastern USA)
(Go to our “Visit Us” page to see our complete schedule of services.)
Friday, September 6
Praying the Divine Mercy Chaplet
12:05 p.m. Holy Mass
The Divine Mercy Chaplet will be prayed following Mass.
Saturday, September 7
Our Lady of Vailankanni Celebration
4 p.m.—7 p.m.
This is the 13th year of this celebration. The program includes praying the Miraculous Medal Novena, Holy Mass, praying the Our Lady of Good Health Novena, Praying of the Rosary in various languages, and the Procession with Our Lady of Good Health Statue.
Friday, September 27
Feast of St. Vincent de Paul
12:05 p.m. Holy Mass
A special Soup and Bread will follow the Mass reflecting on the life of St. Vincent de Paul. Donations of toiletries will be collected that day for Face to Face.
Monday, October 7
Feast of the Holy Rosary
9 a.m., 12:05 p.m., 6:30 p.m. Perpetual Novena/Holy Mass
2 p.m. Perpetual Novena/Benediction
The Rosary is said at 11:30 a.m. and the 12:05 p.m. service will be livestreamed via YouTube.
Friday, October 11
Our Lady of La Leche Celebration
12:05 p.m. Holy Mass
A special blessing will be given during this Mass.
Monday, October 14
Perpetual Novena and Holy Mass
Most Reverend Efren V. Esmilla, Auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia, celebrates the 12:05 p.m. Novena/Mass
The 12:05 p.m. service will be livestreamed via YouTube.
Monday, October 28
Anointing of the Sick
12:05 p.m. Perpetual Novena/Holy Mass
The sacrament of Anointing of the Sick will be offered only during the 12:05 p.m. Mass.
Service will be livestreamed via YouTube.
Friday, November 1
Solemnity of All Saints
12:05 p.m. Holy Mass
Saturday, November 2
All Souls Day and Our Lady of Lourdes Virtual Experience
12:05 p.m. Holy Mass
1 p.m. Lourdes Virtual Pilgrimage Experience™
As part of this spiritual opportunity to draw nearer to God with Our Lady and St. Bernadette you will:
immerse yourself in the Message of Lourdes as given by Our Lady to St. Bernadette
touch the Grotto Rock and experience the healing grace of Lourdes Water
receive a Eucharistic blessing and pray the Rosary
receive a bottle of Lourdes Water
prepare a petition to be placed in the Grotto in Lourdes, France.
A Plenary Indulgence is granted to all the faithful, under the usual conditions, who attend this Experience. Admission is free; donations are welcome.
Monday, November 4
Perpetual Novena and Holy Mass
Most Reverend Efren V. Esmilla, Auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia,
celebrates the 6:30 p.m. Novena/Mass
The 12:05 p.m. service will be livestreamed via YouTube.
November 18—November 26: Solemn Novena
“The Eucharist: The Source and Summit of the Christian Life”
Daily for 9 Days
*12:05 p.m. service will be livestreamed daily via YouTube.
Monday: Regular Novena Schedule
Tuesday—Friday: 12:05 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
Saturday: 12:05 p.m. and 4 p.m. Vigil
Sunday: 9 a.m. and 12:05 p.m.
Those fulfilling the ordinary requirements of the Church may receive a plenary indulgence on the last day of the Solemn Novena if they have attended each day in person.
Wednesday, November 27
Solemnity of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal
10:30 a.m. Holy Mass
Celebrant: Most Reverend Keith J. Chylinski, Auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia
Those attending Mass and fulfilling the ordinary requirements of the Church may receive a plenary indulgence this day.
By becoming an annual member of The Miraculous Medal Shrine family, you will receive a subscription to The Message. Discover more and become a member.
On July 13, 2024, the Most Reverend Efren V. Esmilla, auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, helped commemorate the fifth anniversary of the Our Lady of FIAT (Filipinos in America Today) Shrine at the Basilica Shrine at Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal. More than 260 people were in attendance for the praying of the Rosary followed by Holy Mass.
During Mass, Bishop Esmilla announced that he will return regularly to celebrate Mass at the Basilica Shrine beginning Monday, August 12, at 12:05 p.m immediately following the Summer Novena of Hope. Please join us in warmly welcoming Bishop Esmilla.
“The celebration of the fifth anniversary with the FIAT was one of the most significant Masses I’ve ever attended here at the Basilica Shrine of the Miraculous Medal. It showed the fervor, togetherness, and solidarity of the Filipino population. We exhibited our love and devotion to Our Lady of the Immaculate with beautiful music (thank you to the Collegeville Choir) and camaraderie. Once again, we became one family. My greatest appreciation to all who were instrumental in bringing about this wonderful gathering. Bishop Efren, bless you for the guidance and strength you’ve given us. May you live happily, peacefully for a very long time.” -Congregant
The Our Lady of FIAT Shrine was built through collaboration and partnership between the Basilica Shrine and the local Filipino community to provide a cultural sanctuary for worship, devotion, and prayer. It was built in thanksgiving to Mary for her “Yes” to God and her continued intercessions for all of us.
Bishop Esmilla explains his strong connection to the Basilica Shrine: “My parents were so involved in promoting the devotion to Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal.”
Bishop Esmilla is the Regional Bishop of the Philadelphia Region overseeing the Ministry of Evangelization, and he serves as pastor of Saint James the Great parish in Elkins Park and Saint Martin of Tours in Philadelphia.
Explore our Visit Us page for more information on Basilica Shrine hours.
In July 1830, the Blessed Mother appeared to St. Catherine Labouré in Paris, France. During their time together, Mary said, “There will come a time when the danger will be great, and it will seem that all is lost. But have confidence. You will feel that I am with you and that God and St. Vincent are protecting the communities. Have confidence, do not be discouraged, I shall be with you.”
Nearly two centuries later, events in our communities and around the world can make us feel as discouraged as St. Catherine’s contemporaries. In the following interview, we hear from Marian expert Fr. Thomas McKenna, CM. He shares his thoughts on the importance of Mary and her Miraculous Medal in the atmosphere and dividedness of today’s world, and he discusses how she can help bring us together.
Q: When Mary appeared to St. Catherine Labouré, she acknowledged the terrible things that were happening and that were to happen in the world. Today’s world can sometimes seem threatening and divided. Do you hear this from the people you encounter in your daily life?
A: I certainly hear it from listening to the news and reading the papers. But for sure I hear it from friends and family who often bring up the divided state of the country and world.
Q: Why is it so important to pray right now, and why pray to Mary?
A: To pray is to open ourselves to God and God’s people, open our hearts to God’s strengthening and healing love that comes in part through Mary’s intercession. Especially when she prays those confident words, “My soul glorifies the Lord,” does she show us what it is to come before our Divine Lord and ask for the saving and reconciling help this divided world needs.
Q: In his November 18, 2020, catechesis, Pope Francis called the Blessed Mother a prayerful woman and a model of humility. If everyone followed Mary’s example of prayer and humility, do you think it would have a positive impact on the world?
A: It’s Mary’s humility which models the way in which all of us are to come before God. Right from the start, she sees herself a lowly servant whom the All-Powerful Lord is lifting up. It’s that stance of humble openness and receptivity that so enriches not only her praying but our prayer too.
In these contentious times, Mary stands as a model for any of us who wants to build bridges of dialogue to people whom we initially do not understand. A telling instance in her life is the time she kept her heart open to the startling message from the angel that she was to conceive and bear a son. Talk about reason to walk away! It was her trusting responsiveness and brave willingness to keep listening that allowed “The Miracle” to come about. This openness to things yet unknown marked all the rest of her life.
Q: In that same catechesis, Pope Francis said Mary “… was open to God’s voice that guided her heart …” What can we do to ensure that we too are more open to God’s voice?
A: One frequently attested way is that of gratitude. A heightened awareness of all we are so freely being given is an everyday way to turn our face toward Mary’s Son. In His Holy Spirit, He is forever pouring out His Father’s love and goodness on each and all of us.
Q: We know that in addition to not opening their hearts and minds to God’s voice, today people often shut out the voice of anyone with whom they disagree. How can praying to Mary help bridge the divide we see occurring among those with differing opinions and beliefs?
A: When Mary prayed those grateful words, “The Almighty has done great things for me,” she voiced her conviction that God’s love spills out on everyone and everything. If when disagreeing, people could keep this awareness that the opposing party is also filled with God’s saving and forgiving love, the absoluteness of the opposition would lessen.
Q: How do you personally pray to Mary?
A: I say a decade of the rosary every night just before going off to sleep. And I try to hold one of those phrases in the Hail Mary for just a moment. Each one gives off its own mercy-filled message—as in “Mary, full of grace,” or “the Lord is with thee.”
Q: Do you have any advice for people just starting to pray to Mary or who have stopped and want to start again?
A: One way might be to stop and picture the event of the Annunciation, a scene often so movingly portrayed in classic art. That’s the moment when Mary said her yes to God’s request that she bear a Son for the salvation of us all. Imagining oneself standing near that holy and world-changing interchange can stir amazement at the depth of her faith.
We invite you to pray the rosary online with the Daughters of Charity.
Are you interested in reading more stories like this? By becoming an annual member of The Miraculous Medal Shrine family, you will receive a subscription to The Message.
Join us at the Basilica Shrine for nine consecutive Mondays as we pray the Perpetual Novena to Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal and reflect with the Vincentians of the Eastern Province on how Jesus teaches us to pray through His words and sacrifice. It is through His example that we dedicate ourselves to faith, forgiveness, unity, gratitude, obedience to God’s will, and veneration of His glory. Let us strive to emulate Mary, the first and perfect disciple, as we embrace Christ’s teaching.
Dates: Nine Mondays from July 1 to August 26.
Novena/Mass times: 9 a.m., 12:05 p.m., 6:30 p.m. (Novena/Benediction at 2 p.m.)
Confession times: 8:30 a.m., 11 a.m., 6 p.m.
Watch online: Each 12:05 p.m. service will be livestreamed via YouTube.
General information: View the full Basilica Shrine schedule here.
Plenary Indulgence: Individuals who attend the Summer Novena and fulfill the ordinary requirements of the Church may receive an apostolic blessing and plenary indulgence on the ninth day, August 26.
July 1
Homilist: Fr. Michael Callaghan, CM
Topic: The Lord’s Prayer
Livestream: https://youtube.com/live/eAENhfz-EL4
July 8
Homilist: Fr. John Kettelberger, CM
Topic: The Prayer of Gratitude
Livestream: https://youtube.com/live/cxrxCzh_NJ4
July 15
Homilist: Fr. Charles Krieg, CM
Topic: A Prayer for Unity
Livestream: https://youtube.com/live/XOkHafl1Lmg
July 22
Homilist: Fr. Tim Lyons, CM
Topic: Feast of St. Mary Magdalene: For All Future Believers
Livestream: https://youtube.com/live/M-t9D_SFHRU
July 29
Homilist: Fr. Tom McKenna, CM
Topic: Memorial of Saints Martha, Mary, and Lazarus: That Our Faith May Not Fail
Livestream: https://youtube.com/live/rvEws8MymXw
August 5
Homilist: Deacon James Mahoney
Topic: A Prayer to Do God’s Will
Livestream: https://youtube.com/live/7mvPJKJMNFI
August 12
Celebrant: Most Reverend Efren V. Esmilla, auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia
Homilist: Fr. Joseph Ita-Sam, CM
Topic: For One Another
Livestream: https://youtube.com/live/7PCWStjbtn8
August 19
Homilist: Fr. Sylvester Peterka, CM
Topic: To Forgive as We Are Forgiven
Livestream: https://youtube.com/live/fiXZCPoFQJw
August 26
Homilist: Fr. Francis Sacks, CM
Topic: Apostolic Blessing, Plenary Indulgence: To the Honor and Glory of God
Livestream: https://youtube.com/live/-hXk19xNkh4
Fr. Michael Callaghan, CM, has served as professor of English at St. John’s University in Queens, New York, and currently serves as chaplain to the Daughters of Charity in Albany, New York.
Fr. John Kettelberger, CM, was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and in his 46 years of priesthood has served 22 years as a pastor and 16 years as a college campus minister.
Fr. Charles Krieg, CM, was born in Brooklyn, New York, and is assigned to pastoral ministry at St. Vincent’s Seminary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Fr. Timothy V. Lyons, CM, was raised in Germantown, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in the Immaculate Conception Parish. He serves as pastor of the Basilica Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal.
Fr. Tom McKenna, CM, has served a half century in Vincentian ministries devoted to teaching and preaching the Good News with an approach anchored in the practical and lived examples of the worldwide Vincentian Family. He has authored numerous articles and a book on Vincentian spirituality.
Deacon James Mahoney is a permanent deacon of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia assigned to St. Athanasius Parish in West Oak Lane. He also serves as associate director of the Basilica Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal.
Fr. Joseph Ita-Sam, CM was ordained on July 13, 2018. He is a Vincentian from the Nigeria Provence and has served at St. Vincent de Paul Parish in East Germantown, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, for six years. He holds a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy, and has authored the book, Confronting Situations.
Fr. Sylvester Peterka, CM, has been a Vincentian priest for more than 48 years who loves the Lord and God’s Holy Word. He tells people, “I’m just a nobody, trying to tell everybody, about a somebody, who can save anybody.”
Fr. Francis Sacks, CM was born in Coplay, Pennsylvania, and serves as associate director of the Basilica Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal, as well as chaplain to the Vincentians’ St. Catherine’s Infirmary in Philadelphia.
Nos complace compartir con ustedes la versión digital del último número de El Mensaje. Para leer la revista, simplemente haga clic en la foto de abajo. Le invitamos a compartir sus opiniones sobre la revista. Envíenos un correo electrónico a communications@cammonline.org.
Bienvenido al primer número de El Mensaje en españolazine
Nos complace compartir con ustedes nuestra primera versión digital de El Mensaje. Para leer la revista, simplemente haga clic en la foto de abajo. Le invitamos a compartir sus opiniones sobre la revista. Envíenos un correo electrónico a communications@cammonline.org.
Fr. John Maher, CM, posed an interesting rhetorical question as schoolchildren and adult pilgrims gathered on May 20, 2024, for the Basilica Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal’s annual May Procession and the celebration of the Feast of Mary, Mother of the Church: Do we assign too many titles and honors to Mary? Would she even want them?
“Mary may not need the honors we offer her,” Fr. Maher explained, replying to the question, “but we need to honor her by offering our prayers and petitions. In the words of Pope St. John Paul II, our Blessed Mother is, ‘the most authentic form of a perfect way to imitate Christ.’”
That is why Catholics venerate Mary throughout the year, and especially during the month of May.
Recent First Holy Communicants from St. Francis de Sales School in West Philadelphia and St. Athanasius School in the city’s West Oak Lane section joined Fr. Abel Osario, CM, in leading the Procession along St. Vincent’s Rosary Walk outside the Basilica Shrine.
“We want to make sure that the children realize that they can go to Mary with anything and [they can] maybe be a little catalyst in their own homes for those who need to come back to her,” said Sr. Mary McNulty, principal at St. Francis.
Sunshine and a warm temperature accentuated the Rosary Walk’s vibrant Shrine to Our Lady of Knock, along with its many Marian statues and colorful flower gardens.
“I come out here in the warm weather [and] I’ll do my Rosary on Mondays,” said Jim McHugh of Deptford, New Jersey. “It’s always nice to see so many people out here. It is beautiful.”
After completing the Rosary prayer, Fr. Osario led the procession into the Basilica Shrine, where the children placed flowers at Mary’s Altar and the congregation sang Mary’s praises through hymns.
Deacon James Mahoney led the praying of the Perpetual Novena to Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal. Fr. Maher presided over the celebration of Holy Mass.
“So, as you pray here today,” he told the worshippers, “Remember that Mary is the Mother of the Church, and we are that Church. So together let us entrust to her our dreams, hopes, worries, and joys. Mary, Mother of the Church, please pray for us!”
(All times Eastern USA)
Summer Novena of Hope
“Jesus Teaches Us to Pray”
Mondays, July 1- August 26
8:30 a.m., 11 a.m., 6 p.m. Confession
9 a.m., *12:05 p.m., 6:30 p.m. Perpetual Novena & Holy Mass
*Service will be livestreamed via YouTube.
View the Summer Novena of Hope’s full list of homilists and topics.
Thursday, August 15
Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
12:05 p.m. Holy Mass
Those fulfilling the ordinary requirements of the Church may receive a plenary indulgence on that day. Confession will be available at 11:30 a.m.
PAST EVENTS
Sunday, June 2
Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ
9 a.m. Holy Mass
Friday, June 7
Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
Praying the Divine Mercy Chaplet
12:05 p.m. Holy Mass
The Divine Mercy Chaplet will be prayed following Mass.
Saturday, June 8
Memorial of the Immaculate Heart of Mary
12:05 p.m. Holy Mass
Monday, June 24
Solemnity of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist
8:30 a.m., 11 a.m., 6 p.m. Confession
9 a.m., *12:05 p.m., 6:30 p.m. Perpetual Novena & Holy Mass
*Service will be livestreamed via YouTube.
Saturday, June 29
Solemnity of Ss. Peter and Paul
Basilica Day
11:30 a.m. Confession
12:05 p.m. Holy Mass
Plenary indulgences will be available to those who fulfill the requirements.
Saturday, July 13
Our Lady of FIAT Shrine Fifth Anniversary
11:15 a.m. Praying of the Holy Rosary
12:05 p.m. Holy Mass
The Most Rev. Efren V. Esmilla, auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, will be the celebrant of Mass.
Thursday, July 18
Anniversary of the First Apparition of Mary to St. Catherine Labouré
12:05 p.m. Holy Mass
Veneration of the second-class relic from the Motherhouse Chapel at Rue de Bac will follow Mass.
Monday, July 22
Feast of St. Mary Magdalene
8:30 a.m., 11 a.m., 6 p.m. Confession
9 a.m., *12:05 p.m., 6:30 p.m. Perpetual Novena & Holy Mass
*Anointing of the Sick will be offered and Service will be livestreamed via YouTube.
By becoming an annual member of The Miraculous Medal Shrine family, you will receive a subscription to The Message.
