TODAY'S SAINT (Catherine Laboure)

CATHERINE LABOURE

Vigin

St. Catherine Laboure was born on May 2, 1806. At an early age she entered the community of the Daughters of Charity, in Paris, France. There times in 1830 the Virgin Mary appeared to St. Catherine Laboure, who then was a 24-year-old movice.

On July 18, the first apparition occurred in the community's motherhouse. St. Catherine beheld a lady seated on the left side of the sanctuary. When St. Catherine approached her, the heavenly visitor told her how to act in time of trial and pointed to the altar as the source of all consolation. Promising to entrust St. Catherine with a mission which would cause her great suffering, the lady also predicted the anticlerical revolt which occurred at Paris in 1870.

On Immacuuulate Conception, Now universalluyy known as "Thfe Maraculous Medal." She commissioned St. Catherine to havve one made, and to spread devotion to theis medal.

At that time, only her spirituaal director, Father Aladel, knew of the apparitions. Forty-five years oater, St. Cathereine spoke fully of the apparritions to one of her superiors. She died on December 31, 1876, and was canonized on July 27, 1947.

PRAYER

O Lord Jesus Christ, You were pleased to gladden the holy

Virgin Catherine by the wonderful apparition of Your Imm-

aculate Mother. Grant that we may follow the example of

the same saint in honoring Your most holy Mother with

filial devotion and obtain the joy of eterenal life. Amen

Feast: November 25