Saint Catherine Laboure

1806 - 1876

November 25

Also known as:  Zoe Laboure; Catherine Labore

Ninth of eleven children born to a farm family, and from an early age felt a call to the religious life. Upon entering a hospital run by the Sisters of Charity she received a vision in which Saint Vincent de Paul told her that God wanted her to work with the sick, and she later joined the order.

On 18 July 1830 she had a vision of Our Lady who described to her a medal which she wished struck. On one side it has the image of Our Lady, and the words, "O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee"; on the other are the hearts of Jesus and Mary. Our Lady told Catherine that wearers of the medal would receive great graces, it has become known as the Miraculous Medal, and its wearing and devotion has spread worldwide.


Born:  2 May 1806 at Burgundy, France as Zoe Laboure


Died:  31 December 1876 at Enghien-Reuilly, France


Canonized:  27 July 1947 by Pope Pius XII

 

source:  http://www.catholic-forum.com/saints/saintc11.htm