Shell, in tradition, has come to represent our baptism---even the dishes used by priests to pour water over the heads of catechumens are often shaped like scallops. It has come be closely associated with Saint James, the Apostle, and his missionary journey to Iberia. Also, from shells we retrieve pearls, the material of the gates of heaven.

 

The Miraculous Medal is based on an apparition of Our Lady of Grace to Sister Catherine Laboure. It contains an image of Mary with rays of g