The Association of the Miraculous Medal in Perryville, Missouri recently launched a new program called “Bring Mary to Kids.”  The program’s ambitious goal is to rekindle an appreciation of devotion to Mary and encourage young children, and their families, to pray the rosary.

The initial focus is to work with 2^nd graders in Catholic schools across the United States who are preparing for their First Holy Communion.  Participating students receive a rosary, a Miraculous Medal, and a coloring book about Mary and the rosary.  Each participating classroom will be supplied with a Pilgrim Rosary kit containing a Blessed Mother statue, a rosary, and information on how to pray the rosary.  Students are asked to host the kit in their home for one week during which time they are encouraged to learn and pray the rosary together as a family and to document their thoughts.

Fr. Oscar Lukefahr C.M., Spiritual Director of the Association, has this to say about the program:  “Jesus came into our world through Mary.  When he offered his life for us on the cross, Mary was there.  Jesus gave her as Mother to the beloved disciple, who represents all believers, when he said: “Behold your Mother.”  Mary directs us to Jesus with the words she used at the wedding feast of Cana, “Do whatever he tells you.”  When we “bring Mary to kids,” she, as loving Mother, will take them to Jesus and help them do whatever he tells them.”

Members of the Association are asked to pray for this program and for participating children. The Association is asking members skilled at making rosaries to donate one or more of their beautiful creations.  These handmade rosaries are given to each child so they will have a rosary of their own to keep and to learn more about this simple, yet profound, prayer.  For more information about the program and donated rosaries, visit www.amm.org/kids or call 1-800-264-MARY (6279).

The National Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal, located 80 miles south of St. Louis, Missouri, is our center of prayer.  Visitors are welcome to tour the historic Saint Mary’s of the Barrens Church, completed in 1837, and the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal located inside the church.