In 1849, a mere 19 years following the reported apparitions in France, the inaugural church dedicated to the Miraculous Medal emerged in Monte Sião.
At that time, the Monte Sião region, where Mary is said to have appeared to St. Catherine in 1830, housed approximately 105 Catholic families.
This locale lacked both a church and a resident priest, making the journey there quite precarious.
Devotion in the Absence of Infrastructure
Despite the challenges, historical accounts reveal that by 1838, a burgeoning devotion to the Miraculous Medal had already taken root among the local population.
The deepening spiritual connection led to a significant milestone.
Authorization and Consecration of the Chapel
On March 29, 1849, the ecclesiastical approval for the construction of the chapel of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal was granted.
The chapel, a symbol of burgeoning faith, was consecrated on April 13, 1850, marking a pivotal moment in the religious landscape of Monte Sião.
Challenges and Graces Over the Years
The unfolding history of the Miraculous Medal in Monte Sião has not been devoid of challenges.
In 1860, a notable grace arrived in the form of a statue depicting the image of Mary from Portugal.
However, in 1937, the statue faced removal from the main altar.
The bishop, citing concerns about the statue’s portrayal of Mary’s figure, considered its lines to be overly sensual.
Consequently, the image was relocated to a chapel in the rural area, leaving a void felt by the faithful.
The City’s Spiritual Drought and Revival
The removal of the statue coincided with a challenging period for the city, described as being “ravaged by a great drought” until 1939.
The spiritual and physical landscapes of Monte Sião were intricately connected, with the absence of the Miraculous Medal’s representation coinciding with a period of hardship.
The subsequent years witnessed a revival, marking the intertwined history of faith and resilience in Monte Sião.
