As Catholics, our devotion to the Saints, Mary, and Jesus are very important and this one necklace embodies it all in one beautiful cruciform pendant. Read on for information about all the depictions on this one medallion (Or just click HERE to go to the purchase page).
Our 8-Way Scapular Medal is a spiritually power packed medal. This is why it is one of the best medals you can wear or give as a gift. It meets the requirements laid forth by Pope St. Pius X in 1910 as a scapular medal. Below are the EIGHT devotions you will find on this one medal. (You can download printable .PDF of this same article by clicking HERE).
Sacred Heart of Jesus
At the top and front of the medal is the Sacred Heart of Jesus depicting Jesus pointing to his exposed heart topped with the crown of thorns. This devotion has Jesus Christ's physical heart as the representation of his sacrificial and divine love and mercy for all humanity.
Our Lady of Mount Carmel
On the top of the cruciform on the back is depicted Our Lady of Mount Carmel holding the infant Jesus, and they are holding the scapular.
In the thirteenth century, Mary appeared before St. Simon Stock and presented him the brown scapular saying that “Whoever dies clothed with this habit will be preserved from the eternal flames”.
With Vatican II, references to the scapular have been removed from the liturgies, but it still remains one of the most popular Catholic devotions. This medal meets all the requirements as a substitute for the brown cloth scapular as laid out by Pope St. Pius X in 1910.
Saint Joseph and the Infant Jesus
On the left side of the cruciform medal is St. Joseph holding a lily and infant Jesus. As Jesus' foster father, the image of St. Joseph represents guardianship and protection. The lily in his hand symbolizes righteousness and purity.
Saint Benedict
On the far right side of the cruciform is the medal of St. Benedict. Known as the Devil Chaser, this devotional medal has long been one of the most favored and powerful medals in the Catholic faith. St. Benedict offers powerful protection against evil to the devoted who wear this medal.
The reverse side of the St. Benedict Medal shows the symbol "Vade retro satana" which means "Begone, Satan" which is a formula used by Christians to ward off evil since the 15th century.
The Miraculous Medal
The bottom of the cruciform contains the Miraculous Medal. It depicts the Virgin Mary standing on top of the world, and crushing a serpent under her feet. This also represents Jesus Christ's triumph over evil in the world. St. Catherine Labouré was presented the images for the Miraculous Medal by the Virgin Mary and commanded to put the images on medallions and said that "All who wear them will receive great graces."
As this medallion is made in France, the date of 1860 at the foot of Mary is depicting the date of the declaration of the Marian Veneration in France on January 18, 1860.
You will find the reverse side of the official Miraculous medal on the back of the cruciform. It shows the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the Immaculate Heart of Mary, and an M interlaced with a cross.
The Infant of Prague
The depiction of the Infant Jesus of Prague is displayed on the back and right side of the cruciform. It is believed that this devotion began sometime in the early 17th century. In the image, the infant Jesus holds a golden orb.
Devotion to the divine infant offers graces, blessings, and even healings.
The Holy Spirit
The middle of the cruciform depicts a dove, which signifies the Holy Spirit and often symbolizes baptism. The symbolism to baptism comes from the dove that came over John the Baptist as he was baptizing Christ.
The Guardian Angel
In the center on the backside of the cruciform is the favorite depiction, the Guardian Angel.
Pope Benedict XVI reminded Christians to call upon their guardian angel for help throughout life.
“Dear friends, the Lord is always near and active in human history, and follows us with the unique presence of His angels, that today the Church venerates as 'Guardian,' in other words those who minister God's care for every man." “From the beginning until death,” he said, “human life is surrounded by their constant protection.”
These medallions come on a stainless steel 27-inch ball chain. The chain is extra long to fit even those folks who wear an extra extra large hat size. The chain can also be cut shorter with sturdy scissors or wire cutting pliers to whatever length is ideal for you. It's quite easy to customize the length of the chain.