THE SECRET OF SAINT CATHERINE LABOURÉ

Saint Catherine Labouré holding miraculous Medals

In May 1835, Catherine pronounced her vow as a Sister of Charity, of Chastity, of Poverty of stability and of obedience. For more than forty years, she continued to work in the Hospice, caring for the elderly Patients.

Despite the millions of Medals that has been distributed, no one, except Father Aladel knew the Nun, who had received the Apparition of the Miraculous Medal. At the death of Father Aladel in 1865, Catherine was left with no one she could confide in.

In May 1876, Catherine was aware that her life will soon end. She had tried for many years to have a Statue made for Our Lady holding the golden globe. Since she could not ask Father Aladel for help, she asked the Blessed Virgin for advice.

After forty six years of the first apparition, Our Lady gave Catherine the permission to share her story. Then Catherine told her Superior that, she was the one who had received the Apparition of the Miraculous Medal.

The Statue was ordered in June and Catherine died, contented that her work had been completed in December 31, 1876. Her body was exhumed and found to be incorrupt and she was beatified by Pope Pius XI on May 28, 1933. Catherine's body now lay in the Chapel of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal, where Our Lady appeared to her. She was canonized in July 27, 1947 by Pope Pius XII.