St. Catherine Labouré
Visionary of the Miraculous Medal
Feast Day: November 28
Biography
St. Catherine Labouré (1806–1876) was a French nun of the Daughters of Charity who, in 1830, received visions of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the chapel at Rue du Bac in Paris. Mary appeared standing on a globe, crushing a serpent, with rays of light streaming from her hands, surrounded by the words: 'O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee.' She instructed Catherine to have a medal made according to this image. The medal, known as the Miraculous Medal, spread rapidly throughout the world and became associated with extraordinary graces and conversions — most famously the conversion of Alphonse Ratisbonne, an anti-Catholic Jew who saw a vision of Our Lady while wearing the medal and immediately converted. Catherine kept her identity as the visionary secret for 46 years, living quietly as a humble sister caring for elderly residents until her death.
Patronages
Symbols
Prayer
O Immaculate Virgin Mary, through the Miraculous Medal you pour forth graces upon the world. Through the intercession of St. Catherine Labouré, obtain for me the graces I need. O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee. Amen.
Asking for Intercession
Catholics ask saints to pray with us and for us, as we ask friends on earth. St. Catherine Labouré, who lives in God's presence, intercedes before His throne. Speak from your heart: “St. Catherine Labouré, please pray for me…” You may also pray the prayer above or include this intention in your Rosary.