These Milagros represent the Most Chaste Heart of Joseph. They do not come with pictured ribbon. Joseph loved Mary so tenderly, so intensely, so purely, that it is said that her Marian M would be blazed upon his very heart. The heart opens to reveal a space to place a prayer, a wish, notes of gratitude or thanks. I love to put mini decade rosaries in them and give them for First Communion and Confirmation gifts! The heart has a hook on back if you choose to hang. It can be used as a Christening gift, given in time of need for healing, or for individual prayer. There are two different size options for this Milagro. The Saint Joseph Mini Milagro measure 1.75" wide x 1" deep x 3.5" inches tall. The larger Milagros are 3.5" wide x 2" deep x 6" tall. They are each high quality and made of metal. Choose between gilded gold or antique silver in color for either variety. Both are beautiful used as an ornament and have a hanging loop on the back. They come in a vintage style with natural patina making each one unique. Each Milagro comes with a meditation, and a card describing the history of Milagros. Ornaments do not come with ribbon or string. This Milagro shows the Marian M, surrounded by the lilies of Joseph’s purity. His heart was steadfast in protection for the Holy Family. He revered Jesus and Mary with docility and goodness. His purity allows lilies to bloom within his heart. This Milagro also acts as a locket, and can hold the treasure of your prayer requests, a rosary, or endless other possibilities. The M for Mary is tucked into the angle between the vertical and horizontal crossbeams. The combination of cross and M has a biblical connotation. It refers to Mary's station at the foot of the cross and symbolizes her vocation as Mater Dolorosa (Mother of Sorrows). Her loving participation in the suffering of Christ shows her selflessness as a mother. Joseph also bearing this symbol shows that he is willing to participate both in the mission given to Mary, but also to the mission given to Jesus, His son. Joseph, thank you for your witness of diligent hard work. I truly desire to build up the Kingdom of God, in tangible ways, as you did. Surround me with your tenderness and fatherhood. Please be with me in moments of need, and protect my purity. Allow me to have a chaste heart like yours. I ask that you place lilies upon my path, as a reminder of my simple vocation to deeply love Jesus and Mary. Help me discern what suffering is not mine to carry, so I can reside in freedom. Hearts of the Holy Family, thank you for your spiritual adoption. Please be with me on my path to healing and as I say yes to Jesus. I love you, and ask for constant reminders of your love for me. The word Milagros means miracles in Spanish. They are found throughout Mexico, the southern United States, other areas of Latin America and parts of the Iberian Peninsula. They are traced as far back as the ancient Iberians, who inhabited coastal regions of Spain. Milagros are usually small metal religious charms but also come in a variety of shapes. Often gifted during a time of need, Milagros are given during monumental events in one's life. Oftentimes, they are given or purchased when someone needs immense physical or emotional healing, or for a celebratory event. Historically, when that prayer request has been answered, they are then taken on pilgrimage to the local church or a church that has significance to the family. In many Latin American parishes, entire walls and altars are covered in Milagros. They have been left after a prayer has been answered, a sign of reverence to God for His faithfulness and a sign of immense gratitude. Historically, they are in the shape of body parts that may need healed, like eyes, arms, or legs. Or they may be in the shape of cattle during times of hunger or famine. Sometimes the shapes are more conceptual and represent things like travel, family, unity, romance, or protection. The most universal shape used, is the heart, representing the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the Immaculate Heart of Mary, or the Most Chaste Heart of Joseph. The hearts represent love, healing, gratitude, family unity, and protection. Different groups of people, from diverse countries, often make Milagros out of what they have. In Haiti, Milagros are almost always made out of thick tin. The designs are incised with a pressure tool. In Mexico, they are often a much thinner tin with bright colors and shapes. Other places, they are constructed from gold, silver, tin, lead, wood, bone or wax. When a prayer is answered, families will often all pilgrimage together and leave their prayer intentions on small pieces of papers beneath their Milagros. Many families hang the Milagros in their homes instead, as a reminder of God’s incredible providence.
