At Mass this week, volunteers distributed Miraculous Medals to attendees. I’ll be honest in that I had heard of the Miraculous Medal but really knew little about it. After doing some investigation, I found a fascinating story that helps my children better envision the tenets of their Catholic faith.

St. Catherine Laboure lived in France two centuries ago. A Catholic sister, she was young when she first held the call to create a medal depicting the Virgin Mary.

A patch program honoring Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal  is available through the Marian Series from the National Catholic Committee on Scouting. It is open to both Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts of all levels.

In the patch program, you will learn about the story of St. Catherine Leboure and how the Miraculous Medal came to be and grew in popularity. My children and I explored the designs on the medal and what they stood for, and represented in their faith, learned more about the story of the medal, and how others use it to extend their faith.

There are great websites about Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal, as well as a recommended book, The Miraculous Medal by Mary Fabyan Windeatt, that I’ve ordered for my children.

Younger scouts might also enjoy doing this Miraculous Medal craft on Catholic Icing.

Interested in learning more about other Catholic saints? Read more about other Catholic patch programs for Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts, including Our Lady of Guadalupe, St. George and Mother Teresa. There’s also a special patch program for Girl Scouts celebrating the Year of Mercy.

Want more ways to combine your Catholic faith with scouting?

Sign up for updates on Catholic programs for scouts from Use Resources Wisely.