Faith Life

Our Lady of Grace

Our Lady of Grace is a title of the Blessed Virgin Mary that reminds us of God’s generous love and mercy. She is often shown with her hands extended, rays of light flowing from them to represent the graces God desires to give to the world through her intercession. This image comes from Mary’s appearance to St. Catherine Labouré in 1830 and is closely connected to the Miraculous Medal. Our Lady of Grace invites us to trust in God, to ask for the help we need, and to imitate Mary’s openness, humility, and faith as we guide children in learning and in life. She is the patroness saint for the GRACE School System.

Symbolism

The images on Our Lady of Grace (also closely associated with the Miraculous Medal) are rich with theological and biblical symbolism.

Rays of Light from Her Hands

The most distinctive feature of Our Lady of Grace
According to St. Catherine Labouré (vision of the Miraculous Medal)
- Bright rays are graces people ask for
- Dim or absent rays are graces that go unrequested
This emphasizes Mary as intercessor, not the source of grace, but the one who brings us to Christ

The Posture of Her Hands

Hands open and extended downward show:
- Welcome
- Generosity
- Invitation to trust and prayer

Stars

Often 12 stars, referencing Revelation 12
Symbolize the Church, the twelve apostles, Mary as Queen of Heaven

Daily Devotion

O Mary, Mother of Grace,
obtain for me the graces I need
to live faithfully as a disciple of your Son.
Help me to trust in God’s mercy
and to walk in holiness each day. Amen.

Prayers

Traditional Prayer

O Immaculate Virgin Mary,
Mother of Our Lord Jesus Christ and our Mother,
full of grace and compassion,
we place our trust in your loving intercession.
Obtain for us the graces we need
to follow your Son faithfully,
to grow in holiness,
and to live in God’s peace.
Amen.

Student-Friendly Prayer

Dear Mary,
Thank you for loving us.
Please help us to choose what is good
and to follow Jesus every day.
Amen.