On November 26, the Central Association of the Miraculous Medal concluded its nine-day Solemn Novena, “The Eucharist: The Source and Summit of the Christian Life,” which took place at The Basilica Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal.

Hundreds of people—in person and online—united in prayer to Our Blessed Mother and her Son, Jesus Christ. Veneration of a Holy Relic of St. Catherine Labouré was offered all nine days of the Solemn Novena. Fr. John Kettelberger, CM, served as homilist for the entire Novena and offered reflections on a different topic each day.

Those who attended all nine days of the Solemn Novena in person received a plenary indulgence under the usual conditions. Those participating in person at least three days received a partial indulgence.

Celebrating the Solemnity

On Wednesday, November 27, the Basilica Shrine welcomed Most Reverend Keith J. Chylinski, Auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia, to celebrate the Solemnity of Our Lady of Miraculous Medal Mass.

During his homily, Bishop Chylinski shared his perspective on the Vincentian tradition of the Miraculous Medal, as well as his personal devotion that began when his mother gave him a Miraculous Medal, which belonged to her father.

During his homily, Bishop Chylinski shared his story with the congregation. “She said, ‘I have something to give you,’ and I said ‘OK,’ so she went upstairs; she came back; and she gave me this little box. I opened it and inside was a Miraculous Medal.

“She said, ‘I want to give this to you. This belonged to your grandfather,’ who I never met; who died when she was young, and I’ve been wearing it ever since.”

In the days leading up to the Mass, Bishop Chylinski shared, “This began my love and devotion to Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal. I would often stay after Mass on Saturdays to pray the Novena. I would also make many visits to the [Basilica] Shrine in Germantown. On two occasions, I was very blessed to visit and celebrate Mass at Rue du Bac, at the site of the apparition to St. Catherine Labouré. I know from experience that when one entrusts him or herself to Our Lady, so many blessings happen.”

If you were unable to join us in person, all nine days of the Solemn Novena and the Solemnity of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Mass are available to watch on our YouTube channel.