St. Catherine Labouré, a name renowned across the globe among Catholics, is revered as the humble nun who introduced the world to the Miraculous Medal. On November 27th, we celebrate the feast of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal, so let’s explore the background of the saintly sister at the center of this profound devotion.
Catherine Labouré was born on May 2, 1806, in the small village of Fain-lès-Moutiers, in the Burgundy region of France. The ninth of eleven children, she lost her mother at a tender age of nine.
According to some accounts, upon her mother’s death, Catherine climbed onto a chair and tenderly embraced a statue of the Blessed Virgin, imploring, “Now, dear Blessed Mother, you will be my mother!”
This encounter marked the beginning of a special relationship she would share with the Virgin Mary. Saint Catherine’s life story, characterized by simplicity, obedience, and faith, serves as an inspiration to the faithful.
As we explore her life story, it’s little wonder the Blessed Virgin Mary chose Catherine as the instrument to spread this remarkable symbol of faith and devotion.
Vocation and Life as a Nun
Inspired by the dreams of St. Vincent de Paul, Catherine decided to dedicate her life to serving God. In 1830, at the age of 24, she was admitted to the Daughters of Charity in Paris, taking the religious name Sister Catherine.
Her life as a nun was not extraordinary. She was assigned to work in the hospice for elderly men, a job she carried out diligently and without complaint. She was known for her humility, often seeking the lowliest tasks. Despite her humility, her life was about to take a turn that would impact the world profoundly.
Apparitions of the Virgin Mary
In July of 1830, Catherine reported her first of three apparitions of the Virgin Mary. It occurred in the community’s motherhouse chapel on the Rue du Bac. During the second and third apparitions in November, Mary showed Catherine a vision of what would become known as the Miraculous Medal. She instructed Catherine to have a medal struck after this model, promising great graces to all who wore it.
Mary’s message to Catherine was one of urgency and dire warning. She spoke of future tribulations in France, entrusting Catherine with the mission to spread the devotion of the medal as a tool of faith and salvation.
The Miraculous Medal and the Spread of the Devotion
Although initially met with skepticism, Catherine’s confessor, Father Aladel, was eventually convinced of the authenticity of her visions. He obtained the Church’s permission to produce the medal in 1832.
The Miraculous Medal was disseminated quickly, largely due to the cholera epidemic that hit Paris shortly after the medals were made. Those who wore the medal and invoked Mary’s intercession reported numerous miracles, mainly inexplicable healings.
St. Catherine’s Later Life and Legacy
Following the apparitions, Catherine returned to her quiet life, her identity as the visionary of the Rue du Bac remaining a secret. She continued her work at the hospice, caring for the sick and the elderly, fulfilling her duties with simplicity and humility.
It was not until shortly before her death in 1876 that Catherine revealed herself as the nun who had received the visions of the Miraculous Medal. Upon her death, her body was found to be incorrupt and remains so to this day, on display at the Chapel of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal in Paris.
Humility and Faith
St. Catherine Labouré’s life is a powerful testament to humble obedience and unshakeable faith. Her story continues to inspire millions, while the Miraculous Medal, her most tangible legacy, remains a significant part of Catholic devotion, inviting all to experience the profound love and protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
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