Commemoration of the miracle in Novgorod (1150) and apparition in Paris (1830)
Often a source of faith and hope, the feast of the Virgin Married The Icon of the Sign recalls two significant moments: in 1150 in Novgorod, a Byzantine icon protected the besieged city, and in 1830 in Paris, the Virgin inspired the Miraculous Medal. These events invite us to meditate on the maternal presence of Married and its role of intercession in history and today.
The Virgin Mary, a prophetic sign of hope
Married of Nazareth, mother of Jesus Christ, is the central figure of the Christian faith. According to the prophecy of Isaiah in the 8th century BC, a sign must be given: a young pregnant woman will give birth to a child called Emmanuel, "God with us" (Isaiah 7,13-14). This directs the entire symbolism of the icon of the Sign, where Married She is depicted in the orant position, with the Christ Child in a medallion on her chest. The icon, of Byzantine tradition, was particularly venerated in Novgorod (Russia) in the 12th century.
In 1150, during the siege of Novgorod, the archbishop placed the icon on the city walls. An arrow fired by the attackers struck the icon, causing a supernatural darkness that forced the enemy to retreat. This miracle saved the city and strengthened the inhabitants' faith in the intercession of MarriedNumerous pilgrimages and festivals in Russia still commemorate this miracle.
In 1830, in Paris, the Virgin Married appeared to sister Catherine Labouré asking her to create a medal based on this miraculous icon. The Miraculous Medal became a symbol of protection, and many miracles are attributed to it, particularly during the cholera crisis of 1832. These two events demonstrate the universality of her mother's work. Married, protector and mediator between God and men.
The Protective Sign and its mysteries
The most significant miracle recorded is that of November 27, 1150, in Novgorod, when the icon was struck by an enemy arrow. According to tradition, the Virgin turned her face toward the city, shedding tears, and a mystical darkness enveloped the city, forcing the siege to be lifted. The legend emphasizes the power of Marian intercession and the sign of hope given by God to his people in peril.
In popular and devotional reception, this icon is more than just an image: it is a living presence, a bridge between heaven and earth, a reminder of the divine plan announced by Isaiah and embodied in the birth of Jesus. The powerful symbol of the Virgin Mary holding the blessing Christ Child in a medallion evokes divine motherhood and the saving mission.
Trust and maternal intercession
The Virgin of the Sign invites us to adopt an attitude of trust in prayer and commitment. Like a protective mother, she watches over her children and intercedes with God, a symbol of an active and hopeful faith. The Gospel reminds us that Married remains at the heart of the believing community, shaping it through its presence loyalty And love.
The concrete image of the icon, with Married In prayer and with Jesus visible, it forms a call to keep Christ at the center of our lives, whatever the trials. Trust in his prayers becomes a light to face current difficulties.
Prayer
Virgin Marrieda sign of hope and protection,
Grant us the grace of trusting in your intercession,
Give us strength in our battles and peace in our hearts,
Help us to remain faithful to Christ, your Son, our Savior,
May your goodness accompany us each day on the path of faith. Amen.
To live
- Wear a rosary or a miraculous medal as a sign of trust.
- Helping a person in difficulty, as an act of solidarity.
- Read and meditate Isaiah 7, 13-14 for 10 minutes to deepen faith in Emmanuel.
Places
The main shrine is St. Sophia Cathedral in Novgorod, which houses the icon of the Sign. Every year on November 27, Russia celebrates this historic miracle. In Paris, the Chapel of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal, at 140 rue du Bac, has been a major pilgrimage site since the apparitions to Sister Catherine Labouré in 1830. These two places embody the geographical and spiritual roots of this devotion.
