Devotional Medals

“Sacred Heart of Jesus, I have faith in you; Holy Mother of God, come to my aid; Saint Joseph, sustain me.”

—Prayer found written on scraps of paper in the packs of dead Westphalian (German) troops

Europe had a rich, centuries-old tradition of crafting Christian devotional medals before World War I. The scale and danger of the war caused an increase in production. Devotional medals feature inscriptions, holy places, patron saints and other religious symbols to invoke divine protection from all manner of harm. Roman Catholic devotional medals had broad appeal. There are many accounts of Protestant, Muslim and Jewish soldiers wearing Catholic devotional medals for protection during the war.

Saint Michael the Archangel devotional medal

Dark grey-colored oval medal carved faintly with a human figure with wings and holding a sword

Dull grey-colored oval medal carved faintly with two smaller ovals, a cross, and other faint symbols

Austria-Hungary

c. 1914-1918

Object ID: 2023.52.1

National WWI Museum and Memorial

This medal portrays Saint Michael the Archangel, known as a warrior of justice, patron saint of military personnel, a healer of the sick and the guardian of the Christian Church. The image of St. Michael holding a sword suggests he is ready for the battle of good versus evil and would likely be encouragement for those headed into war. The reverse depicts the sacred hearts of the Virgin Mary and Jesus, important symbols for worshipers before, during and after the war.

Santa Maria Cęstochovia devotional medal

Grey and rusty circular medal depicting a woman holding an infant, both with halos around their heads.

Grey and rusty circular medal depicting some unclear markings

Austria-Hungary

c. 1914-1919

Object ID: 2023.52.3

National WWI Museum and Memorial

This medal contains an embossed relief of Czarna Madonna z Częstochowy (Black Madonna of Częstochowa), known as the Queen and Protector of Poland. Legend says Saint Luke first painted the image on a cedar tabletop built by Saint Joseph and used at the Last Supper, the final meal shared between Jesus and his disciples and the origin of the Christian ritual of Holy Communion. The Black Madonna arrived in Częstochowa in 1382, where it became a symbol of protection credited for saving the Polish people from several invasions. The reverse side contains an image of Christ on the cross with the Sacred Heart of Mary, Sacred Heart of Jesus and the papal tiara in ascending order. The papal tiara -- three crowns in one -- symbolizes the triple power of the Pope: father of kings, governor of the world and vicar of Christ.

Holy Communion, also known as the Eucharist, is the central act of Christian worship. It is a sacrament, or sacred ritual, where the words and actions of Jesus at the Last Supper are recreated.

Our Lady of Salvation devotional medal

Silver-colored oval medal depicting a woman in robes holding a child. The medal is sewn onto a brown cloth cross.

Back of a cloth cross. A safety pin is attached.

France

c. 1918-1919

Object ID: 2023.105.1

National WWI Museum and Memorial

Already filled with religious symbolism, this medal’s owner added more by hand-stitching the medal onto a cloth cross to create a pin. When worn, the front of the medal shows the Virgin Mary holding the Christ child. On the top and bottom of the medal, there are words that say, “Our Lady of Salvation / Pray for us all.” These words hold profound meaning in the Catholic faith. Especially during the danger of war, these eight words could give comfort and offer a renewed sense of protection – and might even offer protection to those in need.