St. Catherine Labouré was a French nun and mystic who received visions of the Blessed Virgin Mary, leading to the creation of the Miraculous Medal. She lived a humble life of service, working with the sick and poor while remaining hidden from the world.
St. Catherine Labouré was born Zoe Labouré on May 2, 1806, in Fain-lès-Moutiers, France, to a devout Catholic family. She was the ninth of eleven children, and after her mother’s death when she was nine, she developed a deep devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary.
At the age of 24, she joined the Daughters of Charity, a religious order founded by St. Vincent de Paul. While still a novice at the convent in Paris, she began experiencing mystical visions. On the night of July 18, 1830, she was awakened by a child who led her to the chapel, where she saw the Blessed Virgin Mary sitting on the altar. The Virgin told her, “God wishes to charge you with a mission.”
Later, in November 1830, the Virgin Mary appeared again, standing on a globe with rays of light streaming from her hands. Around her were the words: "O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee." Mary instructed Catherine to have a medal made in this image, promising that those who wore it with faith would receive great graces. This became the Miraculous Medal, which quickly spread worldwide.
Catherine shared the Virgin's message with her confessor, who ensured the medals were made. However, Catherine remained unknown as the visionary for over 40 years, humbly serving as a caretaker for the elderly in her convent. She never sought recognition and lived a life of quiet humility and obedience.
She passed away on December 31, 1876, at the age of 70. When her body was exhumed in 1933, it was found incorrupt, a sign of her holiness. She was canonized by Pope Pius XII in 1947. Today, her body lies in the Chapel of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal in Paris, a major pilgrimage site.