Catherine Labouré

Catherine Labouré (born Zoe Labouré, 2 May 1806 – 31 December 1876) was a French member of the Daughters of Charity of Saint Vincent de Paul, widely venerated as a Marian visionary. She is most prominently remembered for her role in the origin of the Miraculous Medal, a devotional medal that has been worn by millions worldwide.

Early Life and Vocation

Born in Burgundy, France, Catherine was the ninth of eleven children. Her mother died when Catherine was nine, after which she and her sister moved to their aunt's home. It was during this time that she reported a dream of Vincent de Paul, who told her that God had plans for her and that she would one day care for the sick. Returning to her father's farm at age twelve, she later worked in her uncle's establishment for poor workers in Paris, where she observed suffering and developed a strong desire to join the Daughters of Charity as a nurse.

Visions and the Miraculous Medal

Catherine Labouré entered the novitiate of the Daughters of Charity on 21 April 1830, and took her vows on 30 January 1831. It was at the convent on Rue du Bac in Paris that she experienced significant visions. In April 1830, she reported seeing the heart of Saint Vincent de Paul in different colors above a relic of his arm. In July 1830, she stated that the Virgin Mary appeared to her, entrusting her with a mission and foretelling difficult times for France and the world. On 27 November 1830, Labouré reported another apparition of Mary, framed within an oval, standing on a globe, with rays of light emanating from her hands. The Virgin Mary's image was surrounded by the words, "O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee." The frame then rotated to reveal a circle of twelve stars, a large M surmounted by a cross, and the stylized hearts of Jesus and Mary. Mary explained that the rays of light not reaching the earth represented graces that people forgot to ask for. She instructed Catherine to have these images placed on medallions, promising great graces to those who wore them. Labouré relayed these messages to her confessor, leading to the creation of the Miraculous Medal by goldsmith Adrien Vachette. The medal's popularity grew rapidly and was influential in the later proclamation of the dogma of the Immaculate Conception by Pope Pius IX in 1854.

Later Life and Service

Following her vows, Labouré was assigned to the Hospice d'Enghien in Reuilly, where she spent the next forty years ministering to the aged and infirm. Her duties extended to working on the hospice's farm, caring for poultry, and cleaning stables. Her life was characterized by deep devotion to the poor and elderly, humility, and profound silence.

Death and Legacy

Catherine Labouré died at the Hospice on 31 December 1876, at the age of 70. Her body, found to be incorrupt, was later moved to the Chapel of Our Lady of Graces of the Miraculous Medal at 140 Rue du Bac, Paris. She was beatified on 28 May 1933, by Pope Pius XI and canonized on 27 July 1947, by Pope Pius XII. Her feast day is observed on 28 November by the Vincentian Family. Due to her extensive work with the elderly, she is recognized as the patroness of seniors.