The story of Our Lady of La Leche (“Our Lady of the Milk and Good Delivery”) is a profound and ancient devotion to the Virgin Mary that beautifully relates to her nurturing role as the Mother of Christ, and echoes the compassionate, miraculous love she shares through devotions such as the Miraculous Medal.
The title of Our Lady of La Leche emerged from early Christian tradition. It depicts the Blessed Virgin Mary nursing the infant Jesus, symbolizing her maternal care not only for her Son, but for all of humanity. This image dates back to the Roman Empire, with depictions found in the Roman catacombs where Christians gathered to worship. The early Church considered this nurturing aspect of Mary as an inspiration for mothers and a symbol of God’s nourishing, gentle love. Over time, these representations of Mary became associated with prayers for fertility, healthy births, and the well-being of children.
The devotion flourished in Spain, particularly during the late 16th century after miracles were attributed to Mary’s intercession under this title. The statue of Our Lady of La Leche, venerated in Madrid and later brought to the New World by Spanish colonists, was believed to provide comfort and miraculous assistance to expectant mothers and families facing childbirth. In the early 1600s, Spanish settlers established the first shrine dedicated to Our Lady of La Leche in St. Augustine, Florida. This became the first Marian shrine in the United States, attracting pilgrims who prayed for her intercession in matters of motherhood and family, seeking healthy pregnancies, successful deliveries, and protection for children. This tradition continues today, as families visit the shrine in thanksgiving for answered prayers.
This tender, motherly aspect of Mary is profoundly connected to the story of the Miraculous Medal. In 1830, the Virgin Mary appeared to St. Catherine Labouré in Paris, describing herself as the Immaculate Conception and revealing the design for a medal that would become a means of grace for all who wore it with faith. The Miraculous Medal features Mary standing atop a globe, rays of grace shining from her hands, and the words “O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee.” This apparition emphasized Mary’s role as a spiritual mother who brings God’s blessings, protection, and healing to all who seek her intercession.
The connection between Our Lady of La Leche and the Miraculous Medal lies in this shared understanding of Mary as a mother who nourishes not only the body—by providing milk to the infant Jesus—but also the soul—by pouring out the graces of her Son upon the faithful. Both devotions invite believers to approach Mary with childlike confidence, trusting in her maternal care, compassion, and powerful advocacy. While Our Lady of La Leche offers comfort and hope to those yearning for the gift of life and safe delivery, the Miraculous Medal draws down spiritual graces and protection, both reflecting Mary’s enduring love for humanity.