In the image of Our Lady of Grace, Mary crushes the head of the serpent and stands on the globe, representing her role as Queen of Heaven and Earth. The rays are a symbol of the graces Mary pours out upon the world. This image of Mary came about from a series of apparitions to Saint Catherine Labouré and is depicted on the Miraculous Medal. When our Blessed Mother gave the design of the medal to Saint Catherine she said, “Now it must be given to the whole world and to every person.”
