Medals

 BASIC R.C.BELIEF

A religious medal is a piece of metal, struck or cast for a commemorative purpose or to increase devotion. There are many medals, produced in honor of Jesus, Mary, saints, shrines, historical events, etc.

The Externals of the Catholic Church by Rt. Rev. Msgr. John F. Sullivan, D.D. (Imprimatur: Cardinal Spellman), "It is very likely that the use of medals among Christians came about because similar ornaments were common among many pagan races. There was in every form of paganism a constant endeavor to propitiate the deities who were adored and to secure their protection. Amulets, talismans and charms of various kinds were used as a supposed means of warding off danger, disease and other evils. Even after Christianity became the prevailing religion, it seemed impossible to root out the practice of using some of these ancient pagan charms.

"The Church, therefore, instead of trying to prevent it, endeavored to turn it to good ends by suggesting or tolerating the use of similar devices with Christian symbols. Our holy Church has shown her wisdom in this manner in regard to many pagan customs, purifying them and adapting them to her own purposes. What more natural than that the early Christian converts should wear symbols of their religion, just as in paganism they had worn amulets to secure the protection of their gods?" See Miraculous Medal