Catherine Labouré’s Legacy
Otherwise known as Catherine Labouré, she was once a member of the Daughters of Charity of Saint Vincent de Paul and a Marian visionary. She died in 1876, and her perfectly preserved body has many people scratching their heads.
Catherine Labouré via Wikimedia Commons
Born on May 2, 1806, Labouré grew fond of the Virgin Mary when her mother passed away. She was only nine years old. It’s been said that she was incredibly intuitive and always had visions in her dreams. Apparently, she decided to dedicate her life to Saint Vincent de Paul because she dreamt about him and chose to join the Daughters of Charity.
Labouré claimed to have been contacted by the Virgin Mary. She apparently heard the voice on July 19, 1830, the eve of the feast of Saint Vincent de Paul. She said the voice told her she had to go the chapel. Once she arrived at the chapel, the voice told her that God wanted to set her on a mission. It was then she realized she was going to dedicate her life to helping those less fortunate than her.
“God wishes to charge you with a mission. You will be contradicted, but do not fear; you will have the grace to do what is necessary. Tell your spiritual director all that passes within you. Times are evil in France and in the world.”
It didn’t stop there. Labouré said Mary returned to her during her nightly prayers. She saw Mary standing upon earth, with rays of lights beaming from within a picture frame she had. The picture began to rotate, revealing 12 stars, the letter M, and the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Immaculate Heart of Mary. Labouré was unsure why those rays of lights were not shining or directed at earth.
Supposedly Mary responded to her with,
“Those are the graces for which people forget to ask.”
Not only that, but Labouré said Mary told her those three images she presented to her needed to become medallions so people could receive “great graces.”
Miraculous Medal CC Xhienne
Remains
Labouré died on December 31, 1876. She was only 70 years old. The Paris Cardinal Verdier opened her tomb in 1933 to find that, after 57 years, her body remained intact. It was said that her crystal blue eyes were still bold and striking. At that point, Pope Pius XI ordered that Labouré be blessed and declared a saint.
Chapel of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal via Wikimedia Commons CC Ketounette
Believe it or not, after 141 years, her body is still in perfect condition. You can find her encased in a glass coffin at the altar in the Chapel of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal at 140 Rue du Bac in Paris, France.
Have you seen her? Let us know in the comments below!
She was in portsmouth a few yrs ago
I believe this is a miracle
Sigh, no, it’s not.
Her hands and face are covered with a Silicone mask. The cast of which was taken at the time of death (known as a ‘death mask’)
They hide the normal decomposition underneath.
Once again, the church hides the truth, to fool the gullible sheep.
Peter you are in error. May God remove the blinders from your eyes. St. Catherine, please pray for us all!
You are ?% correct..
Mr Ross, please do your research. Sister Catherine Laboure’s body has been incorruptible even from the 2nd time it was exhumed. Its prohibitive you would suggest a Saints body would be altered with a death mask.
Yup, you are correct. I’ve just been doing some research on the rotting, repairs and dismemberments of “so called” incorruptible saints. The bodies are initially incorruptible because of the environment they’re entombed in, but once their places of rest are opened up later to check for incorruptibility, the conditions are disturbed and decomposition begins. Then the bodies are moved and preserved chemically when parts start slipping. Her body has been preserved by artificial means and her hands are all wax because they were amputated for enshrinement in a reliquary when she was initially found preserved.
That’s amazing, she seems to be a very sweet lady by the sounds of it. May she still lead those who are in need.
Story stop deceiving the world for thing dat doesn’t exist.
It’s amazing, our God, does whatever He Wills. May she Keep on praying for us, and the entire Church.
Am with peter on this one,that’s is a big lie
It’s incredible May the virgin Mary live upon her
I just want to know my guardian Angel
I visited in June 2017. Very impressive and beautiful.
I saw her in 2007. You couldn’t see her beautiful blue eyes but it is nonetheless a very remarkable experience. St. Louise de Marillac’s incorrupt body was in front of the gospel side altar.
The velvet chair was displayed and it was so awesome to think that the Queen of Heaven and earth, and Mother of God had sat in it and graced that sacred place with her holy presence. .
for believers no proof is necessary….,for non-believers no proof is enough.
Well stated.
Incorruptible or a death mask maintained by the Sisters… it really does not matter. What DOES matter, is Faith in the gift from our Blessed Mother, as delivered through the Faith that Catherine had in the Mission entrusted to her in 1830. And that is all that matters in this issue. “Remember Man, that thou art dust and unto dust thou,(the physical body), shalt return.”
Yes I’ve seen her incorruptible body in Rue du BAC. She looks incredible and so serene.
This is the first time that I have read about the history of the Miraculous medal. My late aunt was devoted to the Blessed mother and promoting the Miraculous medal. Almost all of our family had or have a miraculous medal. Thanks for a great historical reading.. Doreen
Yes I saw St. Catherine Lauboure in 2010. I still have the miraculous medal I bought when I visited