Saint Catherine Labouré was born in 1806 at Fainles-Moutiers a lovely village in the Cote d’Or of Burgundy. At the age of 9 her mother died, at her funeral she picked up a statue of the Virgin Mary, kissed her and said “Now you will be my mother”. In July 1830, in the convent of the Daughters of Charity on the Rue de Bac, she was awoken by a voice asking her to come to the chapel. The Virgin Mary came to her in a vision, telling her that she was about to head onto a mission and will be contradicted but to hold her belief. Catherine had visions since she was a young child, many involving St. Vincent de Paul, however this one was much different.
On November 27, 1830 the Virgin came to her again. This time she was in an oval frame standing on a globe while the rays of light radiated from her hands back down to the globe. The Virgin told her to use this image and place it on medallions, to help heal and bring grace to all that wear them. Today in Paris on the Rue de Bac, you can visit the chapel where she saw the vision in the Notre-Dame de la Médaille Miraculeuse. The chapel itself is beautiful with its mosaic tile work over the side altars by Joseph & Charles Maumejean finished in 1930 that radiates warmth and light. Above the altar André Mériel-Bussy painted the stunning fresco of angels, medals, musical instruments and white lilies.
Inside you will also find the chair that the Virgin sat in as she sat for two hours guiding Catherine is on display, the heart of St Vincent de Paul, and the “incorruptible remains” of Catherine in a glass case. Dying in 1876, her body was exhumed 57 years later in almost perfect condition. Covered in wax, you can see for yourself. In the courtyard is a long relief telling the story of Catherine, her visions and the medals. Catherine was canonized in 1947 by Pope Pius XII and is the patron saint of the infirmed and the elderly.
The small church draws millions of people each year to visit as a pilgrimage they all leave with a few medals from the gift shop inside the courtyard. Hours are limited, be sure to check before you arrive they are open.
