Description
HISTORY
Miraculous medals have long been worn as a reminder of faith and a symbol of protection. Their use dates back to 1830, following a vision that Catherine Labouré, a nun, experienced during her evening meditations. In the vision, the Virgin Mary appeared to her standing upon a globe inside an oval frame, wearing robes and rings of many different colors, which shone rays of light everywhere. As Catherine watched, the frame began to rotate, showing a circle of twelve stars, a large letter M surmounted by a cross, and a sacred heart crowned with thorns and pierced with a sword. The Virgin asked Catherine to take this image to her father confessor and tell him it should be made into a medallion, saying "All who wear them will receive great graces."
St. Christopher is most famously known as the patron saint of travelers. Legend has it that in an act of devotion, he accepted the task of carrying people across a raging stream. One day he was carrying a child who continually grew heavier as he crossed, so much so that he felt as if the world was on his shoulders. Through great exertion he carried the child, who later revealed himself as God in disguise, to safety. He is often depicted with his staff, holding a child, as a result.
MATERIALS
18k Yellow Gold
CONDITION
Very good condition, with light surface wear/patina commensurate with age.
HALLMARKS
18k
AGE
1920s
SIZE
Size 6. Band measures 5.5mm wide. Each medal measures 8mm round.