St. Catherine Labouré, Virgin (1876 AD)
Full Name: St. Catherine Labouré
Period: 1806 – 1876 AD (Passed away: December 31, 1876)
Feast Date: November 28
Birthplace: Fain-lès-Moutiers, France
Significance: Virgin, nun of Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul, visionary of the Miraculous Medal.
Youth and Monastic Life
Losing her mother at age 9, she hugged a statue of Mary, saying, "Now you are my mother."
Managing family duties in youth, she joined the Daughters of Charity in Paris in 1830.
Miraculous Medal Vision and Quiet Life
In July and November 1830, Mother Mary appeared to her with rays of light streaming from her hands, commissioning her to make the Miraculous Medal.
She kept this vision secret except to her spiritual director, remaining humble and quiet for the rest of her life.
Later Life and Incorrupt Body
For over 40 years, she served in a Paris elderly home doing cooking, gardening, and caregiving.
She died on December 31, 1876. Only after her death was her identity as the visionary revealed.
Exhumed 57 years later, her body was found completely incorrupt. Canonized in 1947 by Pope Pius XII.
Spiritual Lesson
St. Catherine Labouré's life teaches us to avoid self-publicity when receiving spiritual gifts, serving others humbly while trusting in Mary's intercession.