What exactly do all these different medals mean, i.e., "Sacred Heart of Jesus", etc.?

[sparkle]

I’m a bit confused seeing all these different medals Catholics wear called “The Sacred Heart of Jesus”, “The Immaculate Heart of Jesus”, “The Sacred Heart of Mary”, etc. etc. What do these mean? I know the medals of the Saints are just that, but specifically is there a certain thing or prayer with the above ones? What are they? Who wears them and for what? Could someone please fill me in on this?

THX

 

[_veritas]

These medals usually correspond to a particular devotion that is popular with the Church faithful. These devotions usually find their origin in some type of private revelation (visions, apparations of Mary, etc) and usually happen to a person who is later canonized as a saint.

Here are some of the more popular devotions and links to websites with more information:

Sacred Heart of Jesus (including the First Friday devotion)
monksofadoration.org/earlyhrt.html

Immaculate Heart of Mary (Including the First Saturday devotion)
theotokos.org.uk/pages/fatima/immaculh.html

Miraculous Medal
olmm.org/mmstory.html

Divine Mercy
ewtn.com/Devotionals/mercy/backgr.htm

Hope that helps,

+veritas+