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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Miraculous Medal, by Jean Marie Aladel
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: The Miraculous Medal
+       Its Origin, History, Circulation, Results
+
+Author: Jean Marie Aladel
+
+Release Date: November 19, 2013 [EBook #44231]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE MIRACULOUS MEDAL ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Karina Aleksandrova, Sue Fleming, and the
+Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net
+(This file was produced from images generously made
+available by The Internet Archive/Canadian Libraries)
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: _SISTER CATHERINE LABOURE,
+
+The Daughter of Charity, favored with the Vision of the Miraculous
+Medal in 1830. Died December 31, 1876._]
+
+
+
+
+                                  THE
+
+                            MIRACULOUS MEDAL
+
+                                  ITS
+
+                _Origin, History, Circulation, Results_.
+
+                           BY M. ALADEL, C.M.
+
+                      TRANSLATED FROM THE FRENCH,
+
+                               BY P.S.,
+
+               Graduate of St. Joseph's, Emmitsburg, Md.
+
+                              ILLUSTRATED.
+
+                             PHILADELPHIA:
+                          H.L. KILNER & CO.,
+                              PUBLISHERS.
+
+
+
+
+                   COPYRIGHT, 1880, BY JOHN B. PIET.
+
+
+
+
+                              DEDICATION.
+
+                                   TO
+
+                  THE MOST COMPASSIONATE VIRGIN MARY,
+
+                 MOTHER OF GOD, CONCEIVED WITHOUT SIN.
+
+_Oh Mary, conceived without sin, Virgin incomparable, august Mother of
+Jesus, thou who hast adopted us for thy children, and who hast given us
+so many proofs of thy maternal tenderness, deign to accept this little
+book, feeble token of our gratitude and love!_
+
+_Oh! may it be instrumental in attracting and attaching inviolably to
+thee, the hearts of all who read it!_
+
+_O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee!_
+
+
+
+
+                        _AUTHOR'S DECLARATION._
+
+
+In conformity with the decree of Pope Urban VIII, we declare that
+the terms miracle, revelation, apparition and other expressions of a
+similar nature here employed, have, in our intention, no other than a
+purely historical value, and that we submit unreservedly the entire
+contents of this book to the judgment of the Apostolic See.
+
+
+
+
+                   PREFACE OF THE AMERICAN PUBLISHER.
+
+
+Since the hour when the Beloved Disciple took the Blessed Virgin to
+his own, the followers of her Divine Son have always cherished a
+reverential affection for her above all other creatures. They have
+regarded her as the ideal of all that is true and pure and sweet and
+noble in the Christian life, and they have honored her as the most
+favored of mortals, the greatest of saints, the masterpiece of the
+Almighty. The peculiar veneration paid to her by the Apostles, was
+caught up by the first Christians, who regarded her with awe because
+of her great dignity; and when she died, her memory was held in
+benediction. But death could not sever her from those who, in the
+person of St. John, had been given to her for her children. She still
+lived for the Church. From the time when the faithful took refuge
+in the Catacombs to the fifth century, when the Council of Ephesus
+solemnly sanctioned the homage paid to her as the Mother of God, her
+intercession was often invoked; and from that day, devotion towards her
+has increased until our own age, when the nations of the earth unite to
+proclaim her Blessed.
+
+Often has Mary given signal proofs of the pleasure she takes in the
+devotion of her clients and of the power she possesses to grant their
+petitions. Graces asked through her mediation have been suddenly
+obtained; wonders in the way of cures and conversions have been wrought
+at her shrines; disasters have been averted; plagues have been made
+to cease; and, to crown all her favors, apparitions have occurred, in
+which she has shown herself, radiant with the lustre of Heaven, to
+her loyal servants; and, in some instances, she has left something
+like the scapular, the Miraculous Medal and the fount in the grotto of
+Lourdes, as memorials of her visit.
+
+These manifestations of her maternal solicitude have of late been more
+frequent, more renowned, and more efficacious than ever. As the end
+draws near and the dangers increase, her anxiety for the sanctification
+of her own bursts its bonds and urges her to find new ways to the
+hearts of men. Among the most recent of these demonstrations, the
+Miraculous Medal is one of the most remarkable. How it originated,
+how rapidly and widely it has circulated, and how gloriously it has
+fulfilled its mission, are told in this book. A more interesting and
+edifying history could not easily have been written. To all children of
+Mary, in America as elsewhere, it will be welcome, and for them this
+edition has been prepared by
+
+
+                                                        THE PUBLISHER.
+
+    May 4, 1880.
+
+
+
+
+                     PREFACE TO THE FRENCH EDITION
+
+[Illustration]
+
+The eighth and last edition of THE HISTORY OF THE MIRACULOUS
+MEDAL, extending up to the year 1842, has for a long time been
+out of print. More than once efforts have been made to have a new
+edition published, but until now they have failed. The recent death
+of the Sister who was favored with the Blessed Virgin's confidence,
+has again excited a general desire for the work; for many persons are
+eager to learn the origin of the medal, and others hope to get the full
+particulars of it. For these reasons, the present edition has been
+undertaken.
+
+Believing that it would gratify our readers, we have placed at the
+beginning of the book a biographical sketch of the privileged Sister,
+Catherine Laboure, and to it we have added some notes concerning M.
+Aladel, her Director, who was the author of the previous editions.
+
+These editions of the History presented but a very condensed account
+of the apparition of the Blessed Virgin in 1830; for serious reasons
+induced M. Aladel to suppress many things. He feared especially to
+attract attention to the humble daughter who had transmitted Heaven's
+orders, and who, it was best, should remain unknown to the end of her
+life.
+
+Now, these fears are no longer an obstacle, and we are permitted to
+publish, for the edification of the faithful, all that the Sister
+revealed, at least, all that we still possess of these communications.
+At the time of the last edition, M. Aladel could understand but
+imperfectly the import of the vision of the medal, but certain events
+of subsequent occurrence, have placed this important revelation in a
+clearer light, and fully established its connection with the past and
+the future. We have endeavored to show the designs of Providence, by
+proving that the apparition of 1830 was not an isolated fact; that
+it marked the end of a disastrous period for the Church and society;
+that it was the beginning of a new era, an era of mercy and hope; that
+it was a preparation for the definition of the Immaculate Conception
+as a dogma of faith; in fine, that it was the first of a series of
+supernatural manifestations, which have greatly increased devotion to
+the Blessed Virgin, insomuch, that our age may justly be styled the age
+of Mary.
+
+We have judged it advisable to omit quite a number of miraculous
+occurrences related in the preceding editions, and substitute for them
+others not less authentic, but more recent, thus demonstrating that
+the medal is as efficacious in our days, as it was at the time of its
+origin.
+
+We ask those who may hereafter obtain similar favors, to send an
+account of them, together with satisfactory vouchers of their
+authenticity, to the Superior-General of the Daughters of Charity, rue
+du Bac, 140, or to the Director of the Daughters of Charity, rue de
+Sevres, 95, Paris.
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS.
+
+
+                                                                  PAGE
+
+  DEDICATION,                                                      iii
+
+  THE AUTHOR'S DECLARATION,                                          v
+
+  PREFACE,                                                         vii
+
+
+  CHAPTER I.
+
+      Sister Catherine, Daughter of Charity--Her Birth--Early
+      Life--Vocation--Entrance into the Community--Apparition of
+      the Blessed Virgin--The Medal--Sister Catherine is sent to
+      d'Enghien Hospital--Her humble, hidden Life--Her Death.
+                                                                     1
+
+
+  CHAPTER II.
+
+      Mary's Agency in the Church--This Agency always manifest, seems
+      to have disappeared during the Eighteenth and at the beginning
+      of the Nineteenth Century--Mary reappears in 1830--Motives and
+      Importance of this Apparition--The Immaculate Conception.
+                                                                    42
+
+  CHAPTER III.
+
+      Apparitions of the Blessed Virgin to Sister Catherine--First
+      Apparition: An Angel Conducts the Sister to the Chapel--Mary
+      Converses with Her--Second Apparition: Mary standing upon
+      a Globe, her hands emitting Rays of Light, symbolic of
+      Grace--Mary orders a Medal to be Struck--Third Apparition: Mary
+      Repeats the Order.
+                                                                    51
+
+
+  CHAPTER IV.
+
+      The Medal Appears--The Welcome it Receives--Canonical
+      Investigation ordered by Mgr. de Quelen--Wonderful Circulation
+      of the Medal.
+                                                                    67
+
+
+  CHAPTER V.
+
+      Development of the Devotion to the Immaculate Conception--Mgr.
+      de Quelen's Circular.
+                                                                    79
+
+
+  CHAPTER VI.
+
+      Extraordinary Graces obtained by means of the Miraculous
+      Medal--Graces obtained from 1832 to 1835--During the year 1835,
+      in France, Switzerland, Savoy, Turkey--From 1836 to 1838, in
+      France, Italy, Holland, &c.--Notre Dame des Victoires--From
+      1838 to 1842, in Greece, America, China, &c.--From 1843 to
+      1877, in France, Germany, Italy, America.
+                                                                    94
+
+
+  CHAPTER VII.
+
+      Progress of the Devotion to Mary crowned by the Definition of
+      the Immaculate Conception--Our Lady of La Salette--The Children
+      of Mary--The Definition of the Immaculate Conception.
+                                                                   261
+
+
+  CHAPTER VIII.
+
+      The Miraculous Medal and the War--The War in the East--The
+      Italian War--The United States--War between Prussia and
+      Austria--Souvenirs of the Commune.
+                                                                   289
+
+
+  CHAPTER IX.
+
+      Recent Manifestations of the Blessed Virgin in the Church--Our
+      Lady of Lourdes--Our Lady of Pontmain, &c.--Conclusion.
+
+
+
+
+Table of Engravings of the Miraculous Medal
+
+
+                                                                  PAGE
+
+    Portrait of Sister Catherine Laboure, the Daughter of Charity
+    favored with the Vision of the Miraculous Medal in 1830.
+                                                        _Frontispiece_
+
+    First Apparition of the Blessed Virgin to Sister Catherine
+    Laboure, Daughter of Charity, during the night of July 18th,
+    1830. After a picture painted according to Sister Catherine's
+    directions. Summoned by her Guardian Angel, under the form of a
+    child, emitting rays of light, Sister Catherine arises, follows
+    him to the Chapel, which she finds brilliantly illuminated; she
+    afterwards sees the Blessed Virgin seated in the sanctuary. The
+    picture represents Sister Catherine at the Blessed Virgin's
+    feet, her hands on the Blessed Virgin's knees: "My child,"
+    says the Blessed Virgin, "the times are very disastrous, great
+    troubles are about to descend upon France; the throne will
+    be upset, the entire world will be in confusion by reason of
+    miseries of every description."
+                                                                    53
+
+    Second Apparition of the Blessed Virgin to Sister Catherine
+    Laboure, November 17th, 1830, first picture. About half-past
+    five in the evening, whilst Sister Catharine is taking her
+    meditation, the Blessed Virgin again appears. She stands upon a
+    hemisphere, and holds in her hand a globe which she offers to
+    our Lord. Suddenly her fingers are filled with most dazzling
+    rings and precious stones. "This globe," says the Blessed
+    Virgin, "represents the whole world and particularly France."
+    She adds that the rays escaping from her hands "are symbols of
+    the graces she bestows upon those who ask for them."
+                                                                   59
+
+    Same Apparition, second picture. "Then," relates Sister
+    Catherine, "there formed around the Blessed Virgin a somewhat
+    oval picture, upon which appeared in golden letters these
+    words: 'O Mary! conceived without sin, pray for us who have
+    recourse to thee!' and a voice said: 'Have a medal struck upon
+    this model; those who wear it indulgenced will receive great
+    graces, especially if they wear it on the neck; abundant graces
+    will be bestowed upon those who have confidence.'" At that
+    instant, the picture being turned, Sister Catherine sees on the
+    reverse, the letter M, surmounted by a cross, and beneath this
+    the sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary.
+                                                                    60
+
+    Medal struck by order of Mgr. de Quelen.                        78
+
+    Apparition of the Miraculous Medal to M. Ratisbonne.           205
+
+    Representation of the Miraculous Medal, modelled in accordance
+    with the description given by Sister Catherine Laboure.
+                                                              272, 273
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+SISTER CATHERINE,
+
+    _DAUGHTER OF CHARITY_.
+
+    HER BIRTH--EARLY LIFE--VOCATION--ENTRANCE INTO THE
+    COMMUNITY--APPARITION OF THE VIRGIN--THE MEDAL--SISTER CATHERINE
+    IS PLACED AT THE HOSPITAL D'ENGHIEN--HER HUMBLE, HIDDEN LIFE--HER
+    DEATH.
+
+
+It is an extensively credited assumption, that those who are favored
+with supernatural communications should have something extraordinary
+in their person and mode of life. One easily invests them with an
+ideal of perfection, which, in some measure, sets them apart from
+the majority of mankind. But if, at any time, an occasion occurs of
+proving that such an assumption is erroneous, if we discover in these
+divine confidants weaknesses or only infirmities, we are astonished
+and tempted to be scandalized. Among the Christians who knew St. Paul
+only by reputation, some were disappointed on a closer acquaintance;
+they said his appearance was too unprepossessing and his language too
+unrefined for an apostle. Were not the Jews scandalized that Our Lord
+ate and drank like others, that His parents were poor, that He came
+from Nazareth, and that He conversed with sinners? So true is it, that
+we are always disposed to judge by appearances.
+
+Not so with God. He sees the depths of our hearts, and often what
+appears contemptible in the eyes of the world, is great in His.
+Simplicity and purity He prizes especially. Exterior qualities, gifts
+of intellect, birth and education, are of little value to Him, and when
+He has an important mission to confide, it is ordinarily to persons not
+possessing these qualifications. Thus, does He display His wisdom and
+power, in using what is weak, to accomplish great results. Sometimes,
+He chooses for His instruments subjects that are even imperfect,
+permitting them to commit faults in order to keep them in all humility,
+and convince them that the favors they receive are not accorded their
+own merits, but are the gift of God's pure bounty.
+
+These observations naturally prelude Sister Catherine's biography; they
+explain in advance the difficulties which might arise in the mind of
+the reader at the contrast between a life so simple and ordinary and
+the graces showered upon her.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Sister Catherine (Zoe Laboure) was born May 2, 1806, in a little
+village of the Cote-d'Or Mountains, called Fain-les-Moutiers, of the
+parish of Moutiers-Saint-Jean. This last place, particularly dear
+to St. Vincent, was not far from the cradle of St. Bernard, that
+great servant of Mary, nor from the spot where St. Chantal passed a
+part of her life, as if in the soil as well as the blood there was a
+predisposition to certain qualities or hereditary virtues.
+
+Her parents, sincere Christians, were held in esteem. They cultivated
+their farm, and enjoyed that competency which arises from rural labor
+joined to simplicity of life. God had blessed their union with a
+numerous family, seven sons and three daughters.
+
+At an early age, the sons left the paternal roof; little Zoe, with
+her sisters, remained under the mother's eye, but this mother, God
+took from Zoe, ere she had completed her eighth year. Already capable
+of feeling the extent of this sacrifice, it seemed to her as if the
+Blessed Virgin wished to be her only Mother.
+
+An aunt, living at Remy, took Zoe and the youngest sister to live with
+her; but the father, a pious man, who in his youth had even thought of
+embracing the ecclesiastical state, preferred having the children under
+his own eye, and at the end of two years they were brought home.
+
+Another motive, also, impelled him to act thus. The eldest sister
+thought seriously of leaving her family to enter the Community of
+Daughters of Charity, and the poor father could not bear the idea of
+confiding his house to mercenary hands. And thus, at an age when other
+children think only of their sports, Zoe was inured to hard work.
+
+At the age of twelve, with a pure and fervent heart, she made her First
+Communion in the church of Moutiers-Saint-Jean. Henceforth, her only
+desire was to be solely His who had just given Himself to her for the
+first time.
+
+Very soon after, the eldest sister left home to postulate at Langres;
+and Zoe, now little mistress of the house, did the cooking, with the
+assistance of a woman for the roughest work. She carried the field
+hands their meals, and never shrank from any duty however laborious or
+severe.
+
+Moutiers-Saint-Jean possesses an establishment of the Sisters of St.
+Vincent de Paul. Zoe went to see them as often as her household duties
+permitted, and the good Sister-Servant, who loved her much, encouraged
+the child in her laborious life; yet the latter never spoke to the
+Sister of her growing vocation, but awaited, with a secret impatience,
+until her sister (two years her junior) would be able to take charge
+of the house. It was she to whom Zoe confided her dearest desires, and
+then commenced for the two that tender intimacy of life, one of pure
+labor and duty, and whose only relaxations were attending the services
+of the parish church.
+
+The two young girls, thinking themselves able to dispense with the
+servant, dismissed her, and now shared between them all the work. Zoe,
+who was very sedate and trustworthy, watched over everything with
+the utmost vigilance, and took care of her sister with a mother's
+tenderness.
+
+One of her favorite occupations was the charge of the pigeon house,
+which always contained from seven to eight hundred pigeons. So
+faithfully did she perform this duty, that they all knew her, and as
+soon as she appeared they came flying around her in the shape of a
+crown. It was, says her sister, a most charming spectacle--innocence
+attracting the birds, which are its symbol.
+
+In youth, we see her, already modest in deportment, serious in
+character, pious and recollected in the parochial church which she
+regularly attended, kneeling upon the cold stones even in winter. And
+this was not the only mortification she practiced; to bodily fatigue,
+she added from her tenderest youth that of fasting every Wednesday
+and Saturday. It was for a long time without her father's knowledge;
+at length, discovering his daughter's pious ruse, he endeavored to
+dissuade her; but all his reproaches were not able to overcome her love
+of penance, she believed it her duty to prefer the interior voice of
+God to that of her father.
+
+In all this we clearly discern the character of the future Sister,
+with its virtues and defects. On one side, we see true simplicity,
+unselfishness, constant application to the most laborious duties under
+the safeguard of innocence and fervor; on the other, a disposition
+accustomed to govern, and which could not yield without an internal
+struggle.
+
+During this life of rural toil, she never lost sight of her vocation.
+Several times was her hand asked in marriage, but she invariably
+answered that, long affianced to Jesus her good Saviour, she wished no
+other spouse than Him. But had she yet made choice of the Community she
+would enter? It is doubtful, especially when we consider the following
+event of her life, which deeply impressed her, and always remained
+graven in the memory of her dear sister who related it.
+
+Being still in her father's house at Fain-les-Moutiers, she had
+a dream, which we may consider as an inspiration from God and a
+preparation for her vocation.
+
+It seemed to her that she was in the Purgatorian chapel of the
+village church. An aged priest of venerable appearance and remarkable
+countenance appeared in the chapel, and began to vest himself for
+Mass; she assisted at it, deeply impressed with the presence of this
+unknown priest. At the end of Mass, he made her a sign to approach, but
+affrighted, she drew back, yet ever keeping her eyes fixed upon him.
+
+Leaving the church, she went to visit a sick person in the village.
+Here, she again finds herself with the aged priest, who addresses her
+in these words: "My daughter, it is well to nurse the sick; you fly
+from me now, but one day you will be happy to come to me. God has His
+designs upon you, do not forget it." Amazed and filled with fear, the
+young girl still flies his presence. On leaving the house, it seemed to
+her that her feet scarcely touched the ground, and just at the moment
+of entering her home she awoke, and recognized that what had passed was
+only a dream.
+
+She was now eighteen years old, knowing scarcely how to read, much less
+write; as she was doubtless aware that this would be an obstacle to her
+admission into a Community, she obtained her father's permission to
+visit her sister-in-law, who kept a boarding school at Chatillon, and
+there receive a little instruction. Her father, fearing to lose her,
+reluctantly consented to her departure.
+
+Incessantly occupied with thoughts of the vision we have already
+related, she spoke of it to the Cure of Chatillon, who said to her: "I
+believe, my child, that this old man is St. Vincent, who calls you to
+be a Daughter of Charity." Her sister-in-law having taken her to see
+the Sisters at Chatillon, she was astonished on entering their parlor
+to behold a picture, the perfect portrait of the priest who had said
+to her in her dream: "My daughter, you fly from me now, but one day
+you will be happy to come to me. God has His designs upon you, do not
+forget it." She immediately inquired the name of the original, and when
+told that it was St. Vincent, the mystery vanished; she understood that
+it was he who was to be her Father.
+
+This circumstance was not of a nature to quench the ardor of her
+desires. She remained but a short time with her sister-in-law. The
+humble country girl was ill at ease amidst the young ladies of the
+school, and she learned nothing.
+
+It was at this time she became acquainted with Sister Victoire Sejole,
+who was afterwards placed over the house at Moutiers-Saint-Jean. Though
+young, already thoroughly devoted to God and His poor, Sister Victoire
+divined the candor of this soul and its sufferings; she immediately
+begged her Sister-Servant to admit Zoe as a postulant without delay,
+offering herself to bestow particular pains upon her, instructing her
+in whatever was indispensable for her as a Daughter of Charity.
+
+But Zoe could not yet profit by the interest good Sister Victoire had
+taken in her; this happiness was to be dearly bought.
+
+When she acquainted her father with her intentions, the poor father's
+heart rebelled; he had already given his eldest daughter to St.
+Vincent's family, and now, to sacrifice her who for years had so
+wisely directed his household, seemed indeed beyond his strength. He
+considered a means of dissuading her from her plans, and thought he
+had found it by sending her to Paris, to one of his sons who kept a
+restaurant, telling him to seek by various distractions to extinguish
+in the sister's heart all idea of her vocation. Time of trial and
+suffering for the young aspirant, who, far from losing the desire of
+consecrating herself to God, only sighed more ardently after the happy
+day when she could quit the world.
+
+She now thought of writing to her sister-in-law at Chatillon, and
+interesting her in the matter. The latter, touched with this mark of
+confidence, had Zoe come to her, and finally obtained the father's
+consent. Zoe became a postulant in the house of the Sisters at
+Chatillon, in the beginning of the year 1830.
+
+Zoe Laboure was very happy to find, at last, the end of those severe
+trials which had lasted almost two years. The 21st of April, 1830, she
+reached that much desired haven, the Seminary.[1]
+
+    [Footnote 1: St. Vincent desired that the sojourn which the
+    young Sisters make at the Mother House, to be there imbued
+    with, and instructed in, the spirit and duties of their
+    vocation, should be called the Seminary term; he feared lest
+    the word "novitiate," applicable to religious Orders, might
+    cause the Daughters of Charity to be regarded as such.]
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Behold her, then, in possession of all that had been the cherished
+object of her desires and affections from earliest childhood! Her soul
+could now dilate itself in prayer, and in the joyful consciousness of
+being entirely devoted to the service of its God.
+
+During the whole of her Seminary term, she had the happiness of
+having for Director of her conscience M. Jean Marie Aladel, of
+venerated memory, a priest of eminent piety, excellent judgment and
+great experience, austere as a hermit, indefatigable in work, a true
+son of St. Vincent de Paul. He was a prudent guide for her in the
+extraordinary ways whither God had called her. He knew how to hold
+her in check against the illusions of imagination, and especially the
+seductions of pride at the same time, that he encouraged her to walk
+in the paths of perfection by the practice of the most solid virtues.
+M. Aladel did not lose sight of her, even after she was sent to the
+Hospital d'Enghien. He thereby gained much for his own sanctification
+and the mission confided to him.
+
+Informed by her of God's designs, he devoted himself unreservedly to
+the propagation of devotion to Mary Immaculate, and during the last
+years of his life, to extend among the young girls educated by the
+Sisters of St. Vincent, the association of Children of Mary. He died in
+1865, eleven years before his spiritual daughter.[2]
+
+    [Footnote 2: The Life of M. Aladel has been published; 1 volume
+    in 12mo. It can be procured in Paris, rue du Bac, 140.]
+
+Three days before the magnificent ceremony of the translation of St.
+Vincent de Paul's relics to the chapel of St. Lazare, a feast which
+was the signal of renewed life for the Congregation of the Mission,
+Sister Laboure was favored with a prophetic vision. The same God who
+had called Vincent from the charge of his father's flocks to make him a
+vessel of election, was now going to confide to a poor country girl the
+secrets of His mercy. Let us give the account of this first impression
+in her own simple language.
+
+    "It was Wednesday before the translation of St. Vincent de
+    Paul's relics. Happy and delighted at the idea of taking part
+    in this grand celebration, it seemed to me that I no longer
+    cared for anything on earth.
+
+    "I begged St. Vincent to give me whatever graces I needed, also
+    to bestow the same upon his two families and all France. It
+    appeared to me that France was in sore need of them. In fine,
+    I prayed St. Vincent to teach me what I ought to ask, and also
+    that I might ask it with a lively faith."
+
+She returned from St. Lazare's filled with the thought of her blessed
+Father, and believed that she found him again at the Community.
+"I had," said she, "the consolation of seeing his heart above the
+little shrine where his relics are exposed. It appeared to me three
+successive days in a different manner: First, of a pale, clear color,
+and this denoted peace, serenity, innocence and union.
+
+"Afterwards, I saw it the color of fire, symbolic of the charity that
+should be enkindled in hearts. It seemed to me that charity was to be
+reanimated and extended even to the extremities of the world.
+
+"Lastly, it appeared a very dark red, a livid hue, which plunged my
+heart in sadness. It filled me with fears I could scarcely overcome. I
+know not why, nor how, but this sadness seemed to be connected with a
+change of government."
+
+It was strange, indeed, that Sister Laboure, at that time, should have
+these political forebodings.
+
+An interior voice said to her: "The heart of St. Vincent is profoundly
+afflicted at the great misfortunes which will overwhelm France."
+The last day of the octave, she saw the same heart vermilion color,
+and the interior voice whispered: "The heart of St. Vincent is a
+little consoled, because he has obtained from God (through Mary's
+intercession) protection for his two families in the midst of these
+disasters; they shall not perish, and God will use them to revive the
+Faith."
+
+To ease her mind, she related this vision to her confessor, who told
+her to think no more about it; Sister Laboure never dreamed of aught
+but obeying, and in no way did she ever reveal it to her companions.
+
+We find this singular favor mentioned in a letter written by Sister
+Catherine, in the year 1856, at the command of M. Aladel. The year
+she entered the Seminary, this worthy missionary was almost the only
+chaplain of the Community. The Congregation of the Mission, scarcely
+restored at this epoch, counted at its Mother House but nine priests
+in all, and at least half that number were in the Seminary. M. Etienne,
+of venerated memory, was Procurator General, and M. Salhorgne, Superior
+of St. Vincent's two families. If the laborers were few, the deficiency
+was supplied by the devotedness of these few, who multiplied themselves
+for the service of the Community. The Divine bounty has prepared for
+their charity a beautiful recompense.
+
+According to the notes which Sister Catherine wrote later in obedience
+to M. Aladel, the humble daughter during all her Seminary term enjoyed
+the undisguised sight of Him whose presence is concealed from our
+senses in the Sacrament of His love. "Except," said she, "when I
+doubted, then I saw nothing, because I wished to fathom the mystery,
+fearing to be deceived."
+
+Our Lord deigned to show Himself to His humble servant, conformably to
+the mysteries of the day, and, in connexion with this, she mentions one
+circumstance relative to the change of government, which could not have
+been foreseen by human means.
+
+"On the Feast of the Holy Trinity," says she, "Our Lord during Holy
+Mass appeared to me in the Most Blessed Sacrament as a king with the
+cross upon His breast. Just at the Gospel, it seemed to me that the
+cross and all His regal ornaments fell at His feet, and He remained
+thus despoiled. It was then the gloomiest and saddest thoughts
+oppressed me, for I understood from this that the king would be
+stripped of his royal garb, and great disasters would ensue."
+
+When the humble daughter had these forebodings concerning the king, he
+was then apparently at the pinnacle of fortune. The siege of Algiers
+was in progress, and everything predicted the happy success of his
+arms. During the early part of July, this almost impregnable fortress
+of the pirates fell into the power of France; the whole kingdom
+rejoiced at the memorable victory, and the churches resounded with
+hymns of thanksgiving.
+
+Alas! this triumph was to be quickly followed by a bloody revolution,
+which would overthrow the throne and menace the altars. That very
+month, the clergy and religious communities of Paris were seized with
+terror. M. Aladel was greatly alarmed for the Daughters of Charity and
+the Missionaries, but Sister Laboure never ceased to reassure him,
+saying that the two communities had nothing to fear, they would not
+perish.
+
+One day she told him that a bishop had sought refuge at St. Lazare's,
+that he could be received without hesitation, and might remain there
+in safety. M. Aladel paid little attention to these predictions,
+but returning sadly to his house, he was accosted on entering by M.
+Salhorgne, who told him that Mgr. Frayssinous, Bishop of Hermopolis,
+and Minister of Religious Worship under Charles X, had just come,
+begging an asylum from the persecution that pursued him.
+
+These revelations bore an impress of truth which it was difficult to
+ignore; so in feigning to mistrust them, M. Aladel listened with the
+deepest interest. He began to persuade himself that the spirit of God
+inspired this young Sister; and after seeing the accomplishment of
+several things she had foretold, he now felt disposed to give credence
+to other and more marvellous communications she had confided to him.
+
+According to her testimony, the Most Holy Virgin had appeared to her,
+these apparitions were repeated various times, she had been charged to
+acquaint her Director with what she had seen and heard, an important
+mission had been confided to her, that of having struck and circulated
+a medal in honor of the Immaculate Conception.
+
+The third chapter of this volume gives a detailed account of these
+visions, just as they have been transmitted to us from the hand of the
+Sister herself.
+
+Notwithstanding the sensible assurances of the Sister's veracity, M.
+Aladel listened to these communications with mistrust, as he tells us
+himself, in the canonical investigation prescribed in 1836 by Mgr.
+de Quelen; he professed to consider them of little value, as if they
+had been the pious vagaries of a young girl's imagination. He told
+her to regard them in the same light, and he even went so far as to
+humble her, and reproach her with a want of submission. The poor
+Sister, unable to convince him, dared speak no more of the apparitions
+of the Blessed Virgin; she never mentioned the subject to him except
+when she felt herself tormented and constrained to do so by an almost
+irresistible desire.
+
+"Such was the reason," says M. Aladel, "that she spoke to him
+concerning the matter but three times, although the visions were much
+oftener repeated." After thus relieving her heart, she became perfectly
+calm. The investigation also shows us that Sister Catherine sought no
+other confidant of her secrets than her confessor; she never mentioned
+them to her Superior or any one else. It was to M. Aladel Mary had
+directed her, to him only did she speak, and she even exacted of him
+the promise that her name would never be mentioned.[3]
+
+    [Footnote 3: Verbal process of the investigation made by order
+    of Mgr. de Quelen in 1836, upon the origin of the medal, MS. p.
+    10.]
+
+After this pledge, M. Aladel related the vision to M. Etienne and
+others, but without designating the Sister's identity, directly or
+indirectly. We shall see later how Providence always guarded her secret.
+
+These celestial communications, we may easily imagine, produced in the
+soul of Sister Laboure profound impressions, which usually remained
+even after she had finished her devotions, and which rendered her in
+some degree oblivious of what was passing around her. It is related
+that after one of these apparitions she rises like the others at the
+given signal, leaves the chapel, and takes her place in the refectory,
+but remains so absorbed that she never thinks of touching the meal
+apportioned her.
+
+Sister Caillaud, third Directress, going her rounds, says bluntly to
+her: "Ah! Sister Laboure, are you still in an ecstasy?" This recalls
+her to herself, and the good Directress, who knows not how truly she
+has spoken, suspects nothing.
+
+Meanwhile, Sister Catherine approached the end of her Seminary term,
+and in spite of her affirmations at once so artless and so exact, her
+Director always refused to credit them. She had the affliction of
+leaving the Mother House without being able to obtain anything, even a
+hope.
+
+It was because the affair was graver than she thought; the supernatural
+origin of the favor he was directed to communicate to the public could
+be contested, and the prudent Director saw that in such a matter he
+could neither exact too many proofs, nor take too many precautions.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Sister Laboure was clothed with the holy habit in the month of January,
+1831, and sent under the name of Sister Catherine to the Hospital
+d'Enghien in the faubourg St. Antoine. Here she could continue her
+communications with M. Aladel. This good father did not lose sight of
+her; though apparently giving no credit to his penitent revelations,
+he was studying her carefully to convince himself whether or not these
+visions were the product of a weak, enthusiastic mind and excited
+imagination. But the more he studied her, the more confident he felt
+that there was nothing of this in Sister Laboure. The judgment formed
+of her by the Directresses of the Seminary was, that she had a somewhat
+reserved but calm, positive character, which M. Aladel qualified as
+cold and even apathetic.
+
+This last epithet, however, was not applicable to Sister Catherine,
+in whom her companions, on the contrary, recognized a very impulsive
+temperament. But his opinion proves, at least, that there was no
+excessive imagination. Moreover, she proved herself solidly grounded
+in virtue, whilst no one ever perceived anything extraordinary in her
+demeanor, and especially in her devotions.
+
+Before going to her new destination, Sister Laboure passed some days in
+one of the large establishments of Paris. Wishing to examine the young
+Sister more leisurely, M. Aladel made a pretext of visiting the Sisters
+at this house. The account of these visions had already been circulated
+throughout the Community, and it was known that M. Aladel had received
+the Sisters' confidence; hence, as soon as he appeared, the Sisters
+surrounded him, and each one eagerly plied him with questions. He had
+his eye upon Sister Catherine, who, without being disconcerted, quietly
+mingled her inquiries with the others. The worthy missionary was
+reassured, understanding that the Sister kept her secret.
+
+The last time the Blessed Virgin appeared to Sister Laboure in
+the sanctuary of the Mother House, she said to her: "My daughter,
+henceforth you will see me no more, but you will hear my voice during
+your meditations." And, indeed, during the whole course of her life,
+she had frequent communications of this kind. They were no longer
+sensible apparitions, but mental visions, that she well knew how to
+distinguish from the illusions of imagination or the impressions of a
+pious fervor.
+
+Her mission had not been accomplished in regard to the medal. Some
+months elapsed, and the Immaculate Virgin complained to Sister
+Catherine that her orders had not been executed.
+
+"But, my good Mother," replied Sister Catherine, "you see that he will
+not believe me." "Be calm," was the answer; "a day will come when he
+will do what I desire; he is my servant, and he would fear to displease
+me."
+
+These words were soon verified.
+
+When the pious missionary received this communication, he began to
+reflect seriously. "If Mary is displeased," said he, "it is not with
+the young Sister, whose position prevents her doing anything; it must
+be with me." This thought troubled him.[4] A long time previous, he
+had related these visions to M. Etienne, then Procurator General. One
+day, at the beginning of the year 1832, when they had gone together on
+a visit to Mgr. de Quelen, M. Aladel profited by the opportunity to
+speak to the latter of these apparitions, and especially of his own
+embarrassment, since the Blessed Virgin had complained to the Sister of
+the delay in fulfilling her commands.
+
+    [Footnote 4: Verbal process of the investigation, p. 5.]
+
+Mgr. de Quelen replied that, seeing nothing in it at all contrary to
+faith, he had no objection to the medal being struck at once. He even
+asked them to send him some of the first.
+
+The ravages of the cholera, which had broken out meanwhile, retarded
+the execution of this design until June; the 30th of that month, two
+thousand medals were struck, and M. Aladel hastened to send some of
+them to the Archbishop of Paris.
+
+Mgr. de Quelen wished to make an immediate trial of its efficacy; he
+was very much troubled concerning the spiritual condition of the former
+Archbishop of Mechlin, Mgr. de Pradt, now on the verge of death; he
+desired his conversion so much the more earnestly, as the death of this
+prelate might be the occasion of scandal and grave disorders, such as
+have accompanied the interment of the constitutional bishop Gregory.
+Providing himself with a medal, he went to visit the sick man. At
+first he was refused admittance, but very soon the dying man repents
+of it, and sends him an apology, with a request to call again. In this
+interview, he testifies to His Grace a sincere repentance for his past
+life, retracts all his errors, and after receiving the Last Sacraments,
+he dies that very night in the arms of the Archbishop, who, filled with
+a holy joy, eagerly imparts this consoling news to M. Aladel.
+
+The worthy missionary sent a medal to Sister Catherine, who received
+it with great devotion and respect,[5] and said: "Now it must be
+disseminated." This was easy to do among the Daughters of Charity, who
+had all heard whispers of these apparitions; the eagerness to receive
+the medals was general, they were distributed freely, and cures and
+conversions multiplied themselves accordingly in all ranks of society,
+so that very soon the medal received the appellation of miraculous.
+
+    [Footnote 5: Verbal process of the investigation.]
+
+A witness of these wonders, the heart of Father Aladel dilated with
+joy, and he believed it his duty to publish a notice of the origin of
+the medal, and thus satisfy all the inquiries addressed him on the
+subject. For the glory of God and Mary, he added an account of all the
+consoling facts that had come to his knowledge.
+
+What said Sister Catherine in hearing of these wonderful occurrences?
+Less than any one; she was astonished; doubtless her joy was great, but
+it was confined within the silence of her heart. Occasionally she sent
+some new message to M. Aladel, begging him to have an altar erected
+commemorative of the apparition, and telling him that many graces and
+indulgences would be attached thereto, and fall most abundantly upon
+himself and the Community.
+
+She urged him also to solicit particular spiritual favors, assuring him
+that he might ask freely, for all his requests would be granted.
+
+But this worthy priest, whose position in the Community, as we have
+already said, was that of simple chaplain, prudently kept silence,
+holding himself in reserve until the favorable moment should arrive
+for him to act. Some years after, M. Etienne, his intimate friend, was
+elected Superior General, and he was made assistant of the Congregation
+and Director of the Daughters of Charity; in concert, they formed the
+design of erecting to the Immaculate Mary an altar more in accordance
+with her maternal bounty and the gratitude of her children. Providence
+itself seemed to co-operate with the execution of their plan, the
+Community receiving from the government just then a present of two
+magnificent blocks of white marble, in recognition of the Sisters'
+services to the cholera patients and their orphans. One was destined
+for an altar, the other for a statue of the Immaculate Mary.
+
+Meanwhile, the number of inmates at the Mother House, the Seminary
+especially, increased daily. The new life infused into the Community
+had awakened many vocations, and the centre of reunion had become
+inadequate in size to its purposes, the chapel particularly was much
+too small. In enlarging it, the architect had a difficult problem to
+resolve: he must respect the sanctuary honored by Mary's visit, and
+yet extend the enclosure. He did so by adding side aisles, on a lower
+foundation, surmounted with galleries. If the edifice, always too low
+and small, gained nothing in the way of art, it has, at least, the
+advantage of preserving intact the exact spot where the Most Holy
+Virgin appeared.
+
+The former altar was taken into the side chapel dedicated to St.
+Vincent, and the holy founder was there represented holding that heart,
+burning with love of God and the poor, as it had appeared to Sister
+Catherine in the vision. A plaster statue of the Immaculate Conception
+occupied temporarily the place over the main altar, destined for the
+marble statue, which for various causes was not solemnly inaugurated
+till 1856.
+
+It was a day of great rejoicing for the Mother House; the statue was
+not a cold, mute representation; ... it was an eloquent image of Mary;
+here had this merciful Mother spoken and promised her graces; daily
+experience had confirmed these promises, and the statue still awakens
+in the hearts of those who come to pray at her feet, the deepest and
+tender emotions. Yes, Mary is indeed here. She speaks to the hearts of
+her children. She makes them feel that she loves and protects them!
+
+Sister Catherine said also to M. Aladel, in the early period of her
+vocation: "The Blessed Virgin wishes you to found a Congregation, of
+which you will be the Superior. It is a Sodality of Children of Mary;
+the Blessed Virgin will shower many graces upon it, and indulgences
+will be granted it."
+
+The reader will see, in the course of the volume, how this work was
+realized, and how admirably Providence has extended the association.
+
+She also told him that the month of May would be celebrated with much
+magnificence, and become universal in the Church; that the month of St.
+Joseph would likewise be kept with solemnity; that devotion to this
+great Saint would greatly increase, as well as devotion to the Sacred
+Heart of Jesus.
+
+So many miracles wrought everywhere and every day, so many signal
+testimonies of Mary's protection, made it an obligation on the
+Community, and especially the Seminary where they had originated, to
+perpetuate so precious a souvenir.
+
+Two pictures were therefore ordered, one representing the vision of
+the medal, the other that of St. Vincent's heart. The artist, wishing
+to depict the Blessed Virgin as accurately as possible, consulted M.
+Aladel as to the color of the veil.----
+
+The missionary's embarrassment was great; he had forgotten this item,
+but attaching more importance to the details than Sister Catherine
+thought, he wrote to her, and under the pretext of warning her against
+the illusions of the demon, he asked her to describe again the Blessed
+Virgin's appearance in the vision of the medal. Sister Catherine
+made this answer: "Just now, my Father, it would be impossible for me
+to recall all that I saw, one detail alone remains, it is, that the
+Blessed Virgin's veil was the color of morning light."
+
+This was just what M. Aladel wished to know, and precisely the only
+thing Sister Catherine could recollect.
+
+These little incidents, regulated by Providence, were not lost; they
+increased the confidence of the wise Director. When the pictures were
+placed in the Seminary, M. Aladel discreetly took measures to have
+Sister Catherine come to see them, just at the very time he would
+be there as if by chance. Another Sister, accidentally meeting them
+there, has a suspicion of the truth, and turning suddenly to the worthy
+Father, she says: "This is certainly the Sister who had the vision!"
+He is greatly embarrassed, and sees no way of extricating himself from
+the difficulty, except by calling upon Sister Catherine to answer. She
+laughed, saying: "You have guessed well," but with such simplicity that
+the other Sister said to the Father: "Oh! I see plainly that it is not
+she; you would not have asked her to tell me."
+
+During the course of her long life, Sister Catherine was subjected to
+trials of this sort.
+
+The details Mgr. de Quelen had received from M. Aladel concerning
+the vision of the medal interested him deeply, and he was anxious to
+become acquainted with the favored Sister. M. Aladel replied that
+the Sister insisted upon remaining unknown. "As for that," said His
+Grace, "she can put on a veil and speak to me without being seen." M.
+Aladel excused himself anew, saying it was for him a secret of the
+confessional.
+
+M. Ratisbonne, miraculously converted in 1842 by the apparition of the
+Miraculous Medal, also ardently desired to speak with the Sister first
+favored by this celestial vision, and he often but vainly entreated her
+Director's permission.
+
+Those around her frequently asked embarrassing questions, or
+expressed their suspicions. When too closely pressed, she found means
+of making the curious feel their indiscretion, so that it was not
+repeated. Moreover, her great simplicity ordinarily disconcerted her
+interrogators.
+
+On several occasions, the Blessed Virgin seemed to aid her; thus, in
+the investigation of 1836, and in the deposition made to the Promoter,
+M. Aladel declared that he had vainly endeavored to persuade Sister
+Catherine to be present, he could not overcome her repugnance; and
+moreover, they would interrogate her to no purpose, she had forgotten
+everything concerning the event.
+
+The same thing happened one day, it is said, in the presence of M.
+Etienne, then Superior General; he could not succeed in making her
+speak, she remembered nothing. It is this which gave rise to the rumor
+in the Community, that the vision was completely effaced from the
+memory of the Sister who had been favored with it.
+
+Thanks to this opinion, Sister Catherine was enabled to remain long
+years truly concealed in her modest duties; employed first in the
+kitchen, then in the clothes-room; afterwards, for nearly forty years,
+she had charge of the old men's ward of the Hospital d'Enghien,
+combining with this duty the care of the poultry yard.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+She loved these humble duties. Everything was kept in perfect order,
+and for her there was no greater happiness than that of being among
+her poor. At the end of her life, she spoke of it as her chief
+consolation. "I have always," said she, "loved to stay at home;
+whenever there was question of a walk, I yielded my turn to others that
+I might serve my poor."
+
+And this was true. One walk only was she unwilling to forego, that
+which led to the Community, and she knew no other road but that to the
+Mother House. When she could make this visit she never yielded her turn.
+
+Her attraction for silence and the hidden life always kept her in the
+rear, as the place most suitable for her, and most favorable to the
+spirit of recollection. She ceded to none the lowest and most repulsive
+duties of her ward, duties which she termed the pearls of a Daughter
+of Charity; she moved calmly and quietly, avoiding precipitation, and
+when advanced in years, the young Sisters, her assistants, often heard
+from her lips these words: "Ah! my dear, do not be so agitated, be more
+gentle."
+
+She regarded as one of the most cherished souvenirs of her Community
+life, that of her first Sister-Servant, "a dear soul," said she, "who
+every year sent the first fruits of her garden to the indigent families
+of the faubourg, or to her old men. The Sisters were not allowed to
+touch them until this had been done."
+
+This aged Superior was Sister Savard, who never supposed that Sister
+Catherine was favored with especial graces, and particularly with the
+vision of the Blessed Virgin.
+
+Our humble daughter Catherine respected and loved all the Sisters under
+whom she served, and never did she utter a word against them; she saw
+only their virtues and good qualities.
+
+"Child of duty and labor, but especially of humility," says her last
+Superior, "Sister Catherine was not truly appreciated except by
+those who studied her sufficiently to perceive the great simplicity,
+uprightness, and purity pervading her soul, her mind, her heart, her
+whole person.
+
+"Never arrogating to herself the slightest merit on account of the
+singular favors with which the Immaculate Virgin had loaded her, she
+said, one day towards the close of her life, when Providence permitted
+a slight allusion to this subject: 'I, favored Sister! I have been
+only an instrument; it was not for myself the Blessed Virgin appeared
+to me. I knew nothing, not even how to write; it was in the Community
+I learned all I know; and because of my ignorance the Blessed Virgin
+chose me, that no one might doubt."
+
+Is not the conclusion inspired by the spirit of St. Vincent, "I have
+been chosen, because being nothing, no one could doubt that such great
+things are the work of God."
+
+Sister Catherine cared little for the esteem or contempt of others.
+Despite her rigid silence, there always hovered over her the suspicion
+that it was she who had seen the Blessed Virgin; no one dared tell her
+so; but in consequence of the suspicion, she was more closely observed,
+and more severely judged than any one else, and if by chance her
+companions discovered in her some slight weakness of nature, or even
+the absence of some heroic virtue, the thought was immediately rejected
+that the Blessed Virgin had chosen so ordinary a person.
+
+The testimony of one of her first companions confirms the impression
+on this point, an impression repeated a hundred fold. This companion
+writes to Sister Dufes: "Having passed six years with Sister
+Catherine, and worked constantly with her one year, it would seem
+that I could cite a great number of details full of interest and
+edification; but I am forced to confess that her life was so simple,
+so uniform, that I find nothing in it to remark. Notwithstanding the
+whispered assurances that she was the Sister so favored by the Blessed
+Virgin, I scarcely credited it, so much was her life like that of
+others. Sometimes, I sought to enlighten myself indirectly on the
+subject by questioning her as to the impression such extraordinary
+occurrences had produced in the Seminary, hoping that her answers would
+betray her, and thereby satisfy my curiosity, but she replied with so
+much simplicity that my hopes were always deceived."
+
+It is true, Sister Catherine had nothing remarkable about her, and yet
+nothing common or trivial.
+
+Her height was above the medium; her regular features bore the seal
+of modesty; and her clear blue eye was indicative of candor. She was
+industrious, simple, and not the least mystical in her spiritual
+exercises; she affected neither great virtues nor particular devotions,
+well pleased to cherish them in the depths of her heart, and practice
+them according to the rule with fidelity and exactness.
+
+After her death, some notes were found written by her own hand during
+one of the annual retreats. Everything in them is simple, solid,
+practical, and there is not one word of allusion to the extraordinary
+graces she had received; even when addressing the Blessed Virgin,
+nothing recalls the familiarity with which Mary had treated her. Here
+are some extracts, in which no changes have been made except those of
+fault-spelling.
+
+    "I will take Mary for my model at the commencement of all my
+    actions; in everything, I will consider if Mary were engaged
+    thus, how and wherefore she would do this, with what intention.
+    Oh! how beautiful and consoling is the name of Mary ... Mary!
+
+    "Resolution to offer myself to God without reserve, to bear
+    every little contradiction in a spirit of humility and
+    penance, to beg in all my prayers that the will of God may be
+    accomplished in me. O my God! do with me as Thou wilt! O Mary!
+    grant me your love, without which I perish; bestow upon me all
+    the graces I need! O Immaculate Heart of Mary! obtain for me
+    the faith and love which attached you to the foot of the cross
+    of Jesus Christ!
+
+    "O sweet objects of my affections, Jesus and Mary, let me
+    suffer for you, let me die for you, let me be all for you and
+    no longer anything for myself!
+
+    "Not to complain of the little contradictions I meet with among
+    the poor, and to pray for those who cause me suffering. O Mary,
+    obtain for me this grace, through your virginal purity!
+
+    "To employ my time well, and not to spend one moment
+    unprofitably. O Mary, happy those who serve you and put their
+    confidence in you!
+
+    "O Mary, Mary, Mary, pray, pray, pray for us, poor sinners, now
+    and at the hour of our death! Mary, O Mary!
+
+    "In my temptations and times of spiritual dryness, I will
+    always have recourse to Mary, who is purity itself. O Mary,
+    conceived without sin!----
+
+    "O Mary, make me love you, and it will not be difficult to
+    imitate you!
+
+    "Humility, simplicity and charity are the foundation of our
+    holy vocation. O Mary, make me understand these holy virtues!
+    St. Vincent, pray, pray for us!
+
+    "O Mary, conceived without sin, pray, pray for us! Deign, O
+    Queen of Angels and of men, to cast a favorable eye upon the
+    whole world ... especially upon France ... and each person
+    in particular! O Mary, inspire us what to ask of you for our
+    happiness!"
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Sister Catherine lived forty-six years in a large establishment, under
+the direction of five successive Superiors; she was brought in contact
+with many companions of different dispositions and different degrees of
+virtue, consequently the esteem in which she was held varied. If they
+sometimes gave her to understand that her mind was failing, such things
+troubled her little, and she always quietly went her way, receiving
+kindness with grateful simplicity, and ungracious words without
+flinching.
+
+Faithful to the rule with such uniform exactness, that merit seems
+to disappear before habit, she never uttered a word against charity.
+Even when age had given her some privileges over her young companions,
+rarely did she allow herself to blame or advise them; not, at least,
+unless they consulted her, then she advised submission. "Everything
+is in that," said she, "without obedience, Community life is not
+possible." To the very end of her days, her obedience to her Superior
+was as perfect as when she left the Seminary.
+
+We must not, however, suppose that Sister Catherine was of a yielding,
+gentle temperament, to which obedience was natural; no, on the
+contrary, she had a strong will and quick temper. Thoroughly versed in
+household labors, she performed her part with great care and assiduity,
+and directed most scrupulously all that was entrusted to her charge.
+Her impulsive temper sometimes displayed itself in little sallies of
+impatience, the firm tone of her words revealing at times what virtue
+ordinarily caused her to repress. When the first heat was over, she
+immediately repented of it and humbled herself.
+
+It was often observed that this first movement of surprise, just ready
+to escape, was held captive, not by human respect, but by a superior
+will; thus proving that her implicit obedience was due her fidelity to
+grace.
+
+Understanding her nature, we can now form an idea of what Sister
+Catherine suffered from the opposition she experienced in realizing her
+mission; even though these contradictions, especially after the medal
+had been struck, were more apparent than real on the part of her wise
+Director, they were none the less painful to her. Might we not say that
+these trials constituted an interior martyrdom sustained by God and
+known to him alone?
+
+Sister Catherine, despite her strong constitution, was not exempt from
+physical suffering, and her companions were sometimes astonished at the
+simplicity with which she asked for little comforts that a mortified
+soul would have denied itself. These slight defects formed a veil that
+obscured the sight of many, and partially concealed the beauties of her
+soul.
+
+Apparently, the very depths of this simple nature might be read at a
+glance, and yet she faithfully guarded the secrets of God. In her were
+seen, by a singular contrast, prudence and discretion allied to perfect
+simplicity. Thus, whilst some found her a little too thoughtful of her
+health, others observed that on all great feasts of the Blessed Virgin,
+particularly that of the Immaculate Conception, she was either sick
+or suffering acute pain, which trials the humble Sister received as a
+favor from her celestial Mother.
+
+The Superior of the Hospital d'Enghien relates that, one year, when
+Sister Catherine had gone with several of her companions to spend the
+beautiful Feast of December 8th at the Community, on getting into the
+omnibus that evening she fell and broke her wrist. She said not a word,
+and no one perceived the accident. Some minutes after, seeing that
+she held her arm in her handkerchief, Sister Dufes inquired what had
+happened. "Ah! Sister," she quietly replied, "I am holding my bouquet;
+every year the Blessed Virgin sends me one of this sort."
+
+Detachment from the esteem and affection of creatures was still another
+trait characteristic of our dear Sister. God sufficed her; that God
+who had manifested Himself to her in so wonderful a manner, that
+Immaculate Virgin whose charms had ravished her heart, were her sole
+joy and delight. The Blessed Virgin, pointing to the sacred tabernacle
+where her divine Son reposes, had said to her: "In all your trials, my
+daughter, it is there you must seek consolation." Faithful to these
+words of her good Mother, Sister Catherine in moments of trial sought
+the chapel, whence she soon returned to her occupations with renewed
+serenity of soul and countenance ever cheerful. Jesus and Mary alone
+received the confidence of her sufferings and her fervor, so that her
+virtues in a measure were concealed from creatures.
+
+One of the Sisters of the house says that, having often observed her
+closely to discover, if possible, some trace of her communications with
+God, she could find nothing especial except that during prayer she
+did not cast down her eyes, but always kept them fixed upon the image
+of Mary. She remarks, also, that Sister Catherine never wept except
+from great anguish of heart, but many times she saw her shed tears in
+abundance on listening to some traits of protection or some conversion
+obtained through the Blessed Virgin's intercession, or, as in 1871, at
+the evils afflicting the Church and France.
+
+Solidly pious in the midst of companions apparently more so, we see
+nothing indeed in our humble Sister to distinguish her from others.
+Only one especial circumstance has been remarked, the importance
+she attached to the recitation of the chaplet. Let us hear what her
+Sister-Servant says on this point--
+
+"We were always struck," writes Sister Dufes, "when saying the chaplet
+in common, with the grave and pious manner in which our dear companion
+pronounced the words of the Angelical Salutation. And what convinced
+us of the depth of her respect and devotion was the fact that she,
+always so humble, so reserved, could not refrain from censuring the
+indifference, the want of attention, which too often accompanies the
+recitation of a prayer, so beautiful and efficacious."
+
+Her love for the two families of St. Vincent, far from diminishing with
+age, only incited her to employ continually in their behalf the sole
+influence at her disposal, prayer; regularly every week, she offered a
+Communion to attract the benediction of Heaven upon the Congregation of
+the Mission; her prayers for her Community were incessant.
+
+Sister Catherine always retained the same duty at the Hospital
+d'Enghien; with truly admirable solicitude, she nursed the old men
+entrusted to her, at the same time not neglecting the pigeon house,
+which recalled the purest and sweetest joys of her childhood. The young
+girl of former days, whom we have seen with her dear pigeons hovering
+round her, was now a poor Sister, quite aged, but none the less
+attentive to her little charge.
+
+Sister Catherine was, then, the soul of the little family in charge of
+the hospital. During these later years, the number of our Sisters had
+increased considerably, and consequently the administration of the two
+houses, d'Enghien and Reuilly, being very difficult for one person, an
+assistant was sent me for the hospital. If Sister Catherine had not
+for years been moulded to obedience and abnegation, it would have been
+hard to her quick, impulsive nature, to recognize the authority of a
+companion so much younger than herself; but far different were the
+thoughts of this humble Sister, who always endeavored to abase herself.
+
+    "She was the first to tender her perfect submission. 'Sister,'
+    said she, 'be at ease, it suffices that our Superiors have
+    spoken; we will receive Sister Angelique as one sent from God,
+    and obey her as we do you.' Her conduct justified her words.
+
+    "Although Sister Catherine guarded rigorously the supernatural
+    communications she had received, she occasionally expressed her
+    views to me on actual occurrences, speaking then as if inspired
+    by God.
+
+    "Thus, at the time of the Commune, she told me that I would
+    leave the house accompanied by a certain Sister, that I would
+    return the 31st of May, and she assured me I need have no
+    fears, as the Blessed Virgin would take my place and guard the
+    house. At the time, I paid very little attention to the good
+    Sister's words.
+
+    "I left, indeed, and realized, contrary to my plans, and
+    without a thought on the subject, all that Sister Catherine
+    had predicted. On my return from the Community, May 31st, I
+    expressed my anxiety concerning the house, which had been in
+    the hands of the Communists, and, it was said, plundered.
+    Sister Catherine endeavored to reassure me, repeating that the
+    Blessed Virgin had taken care of everything, she was confident
+    of it, for the Blessed Virgin had promised her.
+
+    "We found on our arrival that this Mother of mercy had, indeed,
+    guarded and saved all, notwithstanding the long occupation of
+    our dear house by a mob of furies, whose Satanic pleasure was
+    to destroy.
+
+    "One circumstance in particular struck me most forcibly; these
+    wretches had made useless efforts to overthrow the statue of
+    Mary Immaculate placed in the garden--it had withstood all
+    their sacrilegious attempts.
+
+    "Sister Catherine hastened to place upon the head of our august
+    Queen the crown she had taken with her in our exile, telling
+    the Blessed Virgin she restored it in token of gratitude.
+
+    "Many times did Sister Catherine thus reveal her thoughts to
+    me with the simplicity of a child. When her predictions were
+    not realized, she would quietly say: 'Ah! well, Sister, I was
+    mistaken. I believed what I told you. I am very glad the truth
+    is known.'[6]
+
+    [Footnote 6: Persons favored with supernatural communications
+    are not thereby preserved from error. They may be deceived in
+    misunderstanding what they see or hear, they may be duped by
+    the illusions of the demon, they may involuntarily mingle their
+    own ideas with those which come from God, and they may fail in
+    transmitting with accuracy what has been revealed to them. We
+    must also remark that prophecies are frequently conditional,
+    and their accomplishment depends upon the manner in which the
+    conditions are fulfilled; so that, when the Church approves
+    these private revelations, she does nothing more than declare
+    that, after grave examination, they may be published for the
+    edification of the faithful, and that the proofs given are
+    sufficient to ensure belief.
+
+    To the Sacred Writers alone belongs the privilege of
+    infallibility in receiving and transmitting divine
+    inspirations.]
+
+    "Meanwhile, time fled, and our good Sister often spoke of her
+    approaching end. Our venerated Superiors began to feel anxious
+    about losing her, and the Superior General one day sent for
+    her to come to the Community that he might receive from her own
+    lips certain communications which he considered very important.
+
+    "Sister Catherine, to whom this was wholly unexpected, was
+    almost speechless with amazement. On her return, she expressed
+    to me her emotion, and, for the first time, opened her heart
+    to me concerning that which she had formerly so much feared to
+    reveal.
+
+    "This repugnance had vanished; seeing herself on the borders
+    of the tomb, she felt constrained to make known the details
+    which she thought buried with the venerated Father Aladel,
+    and she expressed great grief that devotion to the Immaculate
+    Conception was less lively and general than it had been.
+
+    "These communications, moreover, were for myself alone; I
+    did not impart them to the other Sisters. It is true, the
+    greater number were informed of this pious secret, but they
+    never learned it from Sister Catherine herself. All they could
+    observe in connexion with it was her ardent love for Mary
+    Immaculate and her zeal for the propagation of the Miraculous
+    Medal, also that, when she heard one of our Sisters express
+    a desire to make the pilgrimage to Lourdes or some other
+    privileged sanctuary of Mary, she could not refrain from
+    saying, somewhat impetuously: 'But why do you wish to go so
+    far? Have you not the Community? Did not the Blessed Virgin
+    appear there as well as at Lourdes?' And a most extraordinary
+    fact is, that, without having read any of the publications
+    concerning this miraculous grotto, Sister Catherine was more
+    familiar with what had taken place there than many who had made
+    the pilgrimage. Leaving these incidents aside, never did she
+    utter a word calculated to give the impression that she had
+    any part in the singular favors the Blessed Virgin had lavished
+    upon our humble chapel at the Mother House.
+
+    "Since opening her heart to me, this good companion had become
+    very affectionate; it was a rest for her, a consolation to
+    find some one who understood her. Our worthy Father Chevalier,
+    Assistant of the Congregation of the Mission, occasionally
+    visited her to receive her communications concerning the
+    apparition. One day, he spoke to her of the new edition he was
+    preparing of the notice of the medal. 'When M. Aladel's edition
+    of 1842 appeared,' replied Sister Catherine, 'I said to him,
+    truly, that he would never publish another, and that I would
+    never see another edition, because it would not be finished
+    during my lifetime.' 'I shall catch you there,' replied M.
+    Chevalier, who expected it to appear very soon. But unforeseen
+    difficulties having retarded the publication, he subsequently
+    recognized that the good Sister had spoken rightly.
+
+    "From the beginning of the year 1876, Sister Catherine alluded
+    very frequently to her death; on all our feast days, she never
+    failed to say: 'It is the last time I shall see this feast.'
+    And when we appeared not to credit her assertion, she added: 'I
+    shall certainly not see the year 1877.' We could not, however,
+    believe her end so near. For some months she had been obliged
+    to keep her bed, and relinquish that active life she had led so
+    many years.
+
+    "Her strength was gradually failing; the asthma joined to some
+    affection of the heart undermined her constitution; she felt
+    that she was dying, but it was without a fear, we might say
+    without emotion. One day, when speaking to her of her death:
+    'You are not afraid, then,' said I, 'dear Sister Catherine.'
+    'Afraid! Sister!' she exclaimed; 'why should I be afraid? I am
+    going to our Lord, the Blessed Virgin, St. Vincent.'
+
+    "And, truly, our dear companion had nothing to fear, for her
+    death was as calm as her life.
+
+    "Several days previous, one of our Sisters was talking
+    familiarly with her, when, without any allusion to the subject
+    from the other, our sick Sister said: 'I shall go to Reuilly.'
+    This was the name given the House of Providence, separated
+    from d'Enghien Hospital by a vast garden, and similar to it
+    in the nature of its works. 'What! to Reuilly?' answered her
+    companion; 'you would not have the heart to do so, you who love
+    so well your Enghien, that you have never left.' 'I tell you, I
+    shall go to Reuilly.' 'But when?' 'Ah! that is it!' said Sister
+    Catherine, in a decided, mysterious tone, that disconcerted
+    her companion. After a few moments, she added: 'There will be
+    no need of a hearse at my funeral.' 'Oh! what do you mean?'
+    replied the Sister. 'It will not be needed,' said the sick one,
+    emphatically. 'But why not?' 'They will put me in the chapel at
+    Reuilly.' These words struck her companion, who repeated the
+    conversation to me. 'Keep that to yourself,' said I.
+
+    "On the 31st of December, she had several spells of weakness,
+    symptoms of her approaching end. We then proposed to her the
+    last consolations of religion; she gratefully consented, and
+    received the Sacraments with indescribable peace and happiness;
+    then, at her request, we recited the litany of the Immaculate
+    Conception.
+
+    "Being one day near her bed, speaking to her of Heaven and
+    of the Blessed Virgin, she expressed a desire to have during
+    her agony sixty-three children, each invoking the Blessed
+    Virgin by one of her titles in the litany of the Immaculate
+    Conception, and especially these very consoling words: 'Terror
+    of demons, pray for us.' It was observed that there were not
+    sixty-three invocations in the litany. 'You will find them in
+    the office of the Immaculate Conception,' said she. Measures
+    were taken to comply with her desires, the invocations were
+    written upon slips of paper and kept for the final hour,
+    but, just at the time of her agony, we could not collect the
+    children; she then asked that the litany be recited, and had us
+    repeat three times the invocation which makes hell tremble.
+
+    "Our Sisters were especially touched to hear her exclaim, with
+    an accent of deep tenderness: 'My dear Community! my dear
+    Mother House!' So true is it, that what we have loved most in
+    life returns to us with renewed vigor at the hour of death!
+
+    "Some of her former companions and friends of the House came
+    during the day to see her for a last time; one of them,
+    holding an office in the Seminary, approaching her, said
+    sadly: 'Sister Catherine, are you going to leave us without
+    telling me a word of the Blessed Virgin?' Then the dying
+    Sister leaned towards her, and whispered softly in her ear
+    quite a while. 'I ought not to speak,' said she; 'it is M.
+    Chevalier who is commissioned to do that.' ... She continued,
+    without interruption: 'The Blessed Virgin has promised to
+    grant especial graces every time one prays in the chapel, but
+    particularly an increase of purity, that purity of mind, heart,
+    will, which is pure love.'
+
+    "This good daughter, animated with the true primitive spirit
+    of the Community, was, in uttering these last words, the
+    unconscious echo of the venerable Mother Legras, whose writings
+    breathe the same thought.
+
+    "A Sister-Servant, who came to visit her, approaching the sick
+    Sister, reminded her of the necessities of the Community and
+    of the Seminary, and ended by saying: 'Dear Sister Catherine,
+    when you get to Heaven, do not forget all this, attend to all
+    my commissions.' Sister Catherine answered: 'Sister, my will is
+    good, but I have always been so stupid, so dull, I shall not
+    know how to explain myself, for I am ignorant of the language
+    of Heaven.' Upon which the other, delighted with so much
+    simplicity, was inspired to say: 'Oh! my dear Sister Catherine,
+    in Heaven we do not speak as we do on earth; the soul regards
+    God, the good God regards the soul, and all is understood--that
+    is the language of Heaven.' Our dear Sister's countenance
+    became radiant at this, and she answered: 'Oh! Sister, if it is
+    thus, be tranquil, all your commissions will be fulfilled.'
+
+    "M. Chevalier came, also, that day to give her his blessing,
+    and he spoke to her on the same subject. Sister Catherine
+    answered him with faculties undimmed, and said to him, among
+    other things: 'The pilgrimages the Sisters make are not
+    favorable to piety. The Blessed Virgin did not tell me to go
+    so far to pray; it is in the Community chapel she wishes the
+    Sisters to invoke her, that is their true pilgrimage.'
+
+    "The poor, to whom she was so devoted, likewise occupied her
+    thoughts.----
+
+    "At four in the afternoon, another attack of weakness collected
+    us all around our dear, dying one, but the supreme moment had
+    not yet come. We surrounded her bed until evening. At seven,
+    she seemed to sink into a slumber, and without the least agony
+    or the least sign of suffering, she yielded her last sigh.
+    Scarcely could we perceive that she had ceased to live....
+    Never have I seen a death so calm and gentle."
+
+    "The deepest emotion now filled our hearts; we pondered the
+    celestial interview of our blessed companion with that good God
+    who had so often revealed Himself to her during her Seminary
+    life, and that beautiful Virgin, whose charms can never be
+    depicted on earth.
+
+    "It was not sorrow which pervaded our hearts; not a tear was
+    shed in these first moments; we yielded to an indescribable
+    emotion; we felt ourselves near a Saint; the veil of humility
+    under which she had lived so long concealed was now rent, that
+    we might see in her only the soul favored by Heaven.
+
+    "Our Sisters disputed the happiness of passing the night beside
+    her venerated remains, a magnetic attraction drawing them to
+    her.
+
+    "To perpetuate the fact that she had received these favors
+    whilst still a Seminary Sister, we thought of having her
+    photograph taken, also, in the Seminary habit; it succeeded
+    completely in both costumes.
+
+    "We now carried her blessed remains into the chapel. There
+    the Immaculate Virgin watched over her; lilies and roses
+    surrounded her virginal body, and her cherished device--'O
+    Mary! conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to
+    thee'--surrounding this little sanctuary, seemed the last echo
+    of her life.
+
+    "Then commenced the miracle of glorified humility; this
+    humble Sister, who in life had been scarcely noticed, was
+    suddenly surrounded by persons of every age and condition, who
+    considered it a very great happiness to come, not to pray for
+    her, but to recommend themselves to her blessed intercession.
+
+    "As for us who were keeping watch around our dear relic, we
+    could not bear to think of the moment which would take her
+    from us. This house which had been protected by her presence
+    for forty-six years, would it be deprived of her forever? The
+    thought was heart-breaking; it seemed as if we were about
+    to lose the protection of the Immaculate Virgin, who would
+    henceforth cease to hover over us.
+
+    "On the other hand, to keep our dear Sister with us appeared
+    impossible. Our Superiors being consulted, permitted us to
+    take measures in accordance with our wishes. We had a world of
+    difficulties to surmount.
+
+    "'Pray,' said I to our Sisters; and they passed the night
+    supplicating the Immaculate Mary to let our beloved companion
+    remain with us.
+
+    "All night long, I vainly tried to think of a suitable resting
+    place for her, when suddenly, at the sound of the four o'clock
+    bell, I thought I heard these words: 'The vault is under the
+    chapel of Reuilly.' 'True enough,' said I, joyfully, like a
+    person who suddenly sees the realization of a long deferred
+    hope. I remembered now that, during the construction of the
+    chapel, a vault had been made communicating with the children's
+    refectory. Our worthy Mother Mazin had assigned to it no actual
+    purpose, saying we might have use for it hereafter.
+
+    "There was no time to lose. We were on the eve of her funeral,
+    and the authorization, so difficult to obtain, had not yet been
+    solicited.
+
+    "The vault was hastily prepared, and the petition, sustained by
+    influential persons, succeeded as if by enchantment.
+
+    "January 3d, the feast of St. Genevieve, was the day appointed
+    for the interment of her, whom we regarded as the tutelary
+    angel of our house. But the word 'interment' is not appropriate
+    here--'triumph' is the proper expression--for it was a
+    veritable triumph for our humble Sister.
+
+    "A deputation was sent from all the houses of our Sisters, that
+    had received timely notice, and the little chapel was much too
+    small to accommodate the numbers that came. Mass over, the
+    funeral cortege which was to accompany the body in procession
+    from d'Enghien Hospital to the vault at Reuilly was organized,
+    as follows: The inmates of our industrial school, Children of
+    Mary, came first, bearing their banner; next to these, all our
+    little orphans; then, our young girls of the Society (both
+    externs and those belonging to the house), wearing the livery
+    of the Immaculate Mary; the parishioners, and lastly, our
+    Sisters preceding the clergy.
+
+    "This lengthy procession passed slowly through the long garden
+    walk, and whilst the solemn chants of the Benedictus resounded
+    afar, the modest coffin appeared in sight, covered with lilies
+    and eglantines, emblems of purity and simplicity.
+
+    "At the entrance of the vault, the crowd stood aside, and our
+    Children of Mary greeted the arrival of the body by singing the
+    blessed invocation: 'O Mary! conceived without sin, pray for us
+    who have recourse to thee!' It would be impossible to describe
+    the effect of these funeral obsequies, of a nature so entirely
+    new.
+
+    "To preserve our treasure, it was necessary to wall up the
+    subterranean entrance, but we had an opening made communicating
+    with the chapel.
+
+    "The poor, whom Sister Catherine had nursed, lay a magnificent
+    crown on the tomb of St. Vincent's humble daughter, who, in
+    life, sought only the lowliest paths, and who had supplicated
+    the Blessed Virgin to keep her unknown and unsought."----
+
+The life of dear Sister Laboure was the faithful realization of Our
+Lord's words in the Gospel: "I return Thee thanks, Father, that Thou
+hast concealed these things from the wise of this world and hast
+revealed them to little ones." Never were the gifts of God better
+concealed in a soul, under the double mantle of humility and simplicity.
+
+For forty-six years did she lead a life of obscurity and toil, seeking
+no other satisfaction than that of pleasing God; she sanctified herself
+in the lowliest paths by a faithful correspondence to grace, and an
+exact compliance with the practices of a Community life. The favors she
+received from Heaven never filled her heart with pride; witness of the
+wonders daily wrought by the medal, she never uttered a word that might
+lead others to suspect how much more she knew about it than any one
+else.
+
+Might we not say, she had chosen for her motto these words of A Kempis:
+"Love to be unknown and accounted as nothing?" How faithfully these
+traits portray the true daughter of the humble Vincent de Paul!
+
+What, in Heaven, must be the glory of those whose earthly life was
+one of self-abasement? Do we not already perceive a faint radiance of
+this glory? The obsequies of the humble servant of the poor resembled
+a triumph; by an almost unheard of exception, her body remains in
+the midst of her spiritual family; her tomb is visited by persons of
+every condition, who, with confidence, recommend themselves to her
+intercession, and many of whom assure us that their petitions have
+been granted. In fine, this biographical notice discloses what Sister
+Catherine so carefully concealed, and thus accomplishes Our Lord's
+promise: "He who humbleth himself, shall be exalted."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+    MARY'S AGENCY IN THE CHURCH.
+
+    THIS AGENCY, EVER MANIFEST, SEEMS TO HAVE DISAPPEARED DURING THE
+    EIGHTEENTH AND IN THE BEGINNING OF THE NINETEENTH CENTURY--MARY
+    APPEARS IN 1830--MOTIVES AND IMPORTANCE OF THIS APPARITION--THE
+    IMMACULATE CONCEPTION.
+
+
+Devotion to the most Blessed Virgin is as ancient as Christianity,
+and we find traces of it from the very origin of the Church, among
+all nations who accepted the Gospel. During the first ages, it was
+concealed in the obscurity of the catacombs, or veiled itself under
+symbolical forms to escape the profanation of infidels; but when the
+era of peace succeeded that of bloody persecutions, it reappeared
+openly and in all the brilliancy of its ravishing beauty. It developed
+a wonderful growth, especially in the fifth century, after the Council
+of Ephesus had proclaimed the divine maternity of Mary, thereby
+sanctioning the exceptional homages rendered her above all the saints.
+
+The image of the Virgin Mother, circulated throughout Christendom,
+becomes the ornament of churches, the protection of the fireside, and
+an object of devotion to the faithful. It is at this epoch, especially,
+we see everywhere gradually disappearing the last vestiges of paganism.
+The Immaculate Virgin, the Mother of tenderness, the Queen of Angels,
+the Patroness of regenerated humanity, supplants those vain idols,
+which for ages had fostered superstition, with its train of vices and
+errors.
+
+Every Catholic admits that the Church's veneration of Mary rests upon
+an inviolable foundation--both faith and reason unite in justifying it.
+Events have proved that God Himself has authorized it, for it has often
+pleased Him to recompense the confidence and fidelity of her servants,
+by sensible marks of His power, by extraordinary graces--in a word,
+by true miracles. By a disposition of His Providence, He has decreed
+Mary's intervention in the economy of the Church and the sanctification
+of souls, as He did in the mysteries of the Incarnation and Redemption.
+Her character of Mediatrix between Heaven and earth obliges her to make
+this agency felt, to display the power she has received in favor of
+man. These manifestations of the Blessed Virgin in the Church, these
+marvelous proofs of her solicitude for us, form an interesting portion
+of the history of Catholicity. The liturgy is full of such souvenirs,
+and several feasts have been instituted to commemorate them. Christian
+countries abound in traditions of this nature; they are one of the
+sources whence piety derives its nourishment.
+
+The majority of pilgrim shrines owe their origin to some supernatural
+intervention of the Blessed Virgin. Sometimes she has manifested
+herself under a visible form, most frequently to a poor shepherd
+or peasant; again, she has wrought a miracle, as the recovery of
+a sick person, the conversion of a hardened sinner, or some other
+prodigy betokening the power of a supernatural agency. Sometimes, a
+statue, a picture, apparently not fashioned by the hand of man, is
+accidentally discovered; the neighboring population are touched, their
+faith is reanimated, and soon a shrine, a chapel, or even a splendid
+basilica, is erected to protect this gift of Heaven, this pledge of
+Mary's affection. Innumerable generations repair to the spot, and new
+favors, new miracles, ineffable consolations, ever attest the tutelary
+guardianship of her, whom humble, confiding hearts have never invoked
+in vain. We might cite hundreds of names in support of these assertions.
+
+The history of devotion to Mary in Catholic countries gives rise to
+an observation worthy of remark, that the faith of a country is in
+proportion to its devotion to the Blessed Virgin. We can also add that,
+when God wishes to revive the Faith among any people, He commissions
+Mary to manifest there her goodness and power.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Every age has furnished the Church with constantly increasing proofs of
+Mary's mediation; there are epochs in which she seems to be so lavish
+of her presence, that we might say she lives familiarly among mankind,
+and that her delights are to converse with them.
+
+Again, on the contrary, she appears to retire, to hold herself aloof
+from the world, to give no more signs of her intervention. We have a
+striking example of this in a somewhat recent age. More than a century
+do we find deprived of Mary's sensible mediation; history records in
+all that period not one of these apparitions, not a new pilgrim shrine
+founded, not a signal grace obtained through the intercession of the
+Mother of Mercy. If a few events of this kind took place, they were at
+least very rare, and have remained in obscurity. This age, forsaken by
+the Blessed Virgin, was the eighteenth century, to which we must add
+the first thirty years of the nineteenth.
+
+At this epoch, when impious rationalism endeavored to efface all idea
+of the supernatural, when the most firmly established truths were
+attacked, when among Christians the standard of virtue was lowered and
+character was of slight esteem in any class or station of society, we
+might believe that Mary, fatigued with men's ingratitude, had resolved
+to leave them to their own devices, and let them govern the world
+according to their ideas of assumed wisdom. She did, in reality, not
+renounce her mission of Mediatrix in favor of the Church, she still
+watched over her great adopted family, she listened to the prayers
+of her faithful servants, but she remained invisible, she no longer
+displayed any of those marks of tenderness her maternal heart had
+lavished upon them in the ages of faith.
+
+We know the consequences of Mary's abandoning the earth, and how these
+sages who wished to dispense with God governed society. The history of
+their reign is written in letters of fire, of blood and of filth.
+
+This revolutionary and impious naturalism was prolonged into the
+nineteenth century; it still exerts a deplorable influence at the
+present day, but it encounters opposition; the supernatural order is
+firmly asserted, the truths of Faith are warmly defended, the holy
+Church is respected and obeyed, its august Head is held in veneration
+to the very extremities of the earth, God's kingdom is still opposed,
+but it numbers devoted subjects, who, if needful, would shed their
+blood in its defence. Indifference, human respect, jeering scepticism,
+are gradually disappearing, leaving the Church with only sincere
+friends or declared enemies. It is a progress no one can ignore.
+
+Whence comes this change? and what the date of so consoling a
+resurrection? Beyond a doubt, it owes its origin to God's infinite
+bounty--but the instrument, can it be ignored or contemned? Is it not
+the Blessed Virgin Mary? Has not her mediation been visible for forty
+years? Yes; it is Mary who has wrought this astonishing transformation,
+and through the medal styled miraculous has this series of wonders been
+inaugurated.
+
+In 1830, does Mary for the first time, after an interval of a century
+and a half, manifest her desire of a reconciliation with earth.
+
+It is the first sign of pardon she accords man, after her long silence.
+
+It is the announcement of a new era which is about to commence.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The apparition of November 27th, in the chapel of the Mother House of
+the Daughters of Charity, Paris, appears, at first, to be of little
+importance, yet it was destined to have an immense bearing upon the
+future and its consequences were to be incalculable. Like a stream
+whose source is concealed at the foot of a mountain, but which receives
+as it advances numberless tributaries, and finally becomes a majestic
+river, fertilizing the provinces and kingdoms through which it flows;
+so the vision of the medal has been the initiatory step in a religious
+movement, which, to-day, extends throughout the world, sitting in
+justice upon old errors, superannuated prejudices; systems inimical to
+truth, and fully revealing the true Church and true sanctity, rendering
+to Mary Immaculate, Mother of God and Mother of men, such tributes of
+veneration, love and devotion, as she has never received since the
+preaching of the Gospel.
+
+The reader is already acquainted with Sister Catherine, the humble
+daughter whom Mary deigned to select for her confidante. The following
+chapter gives a detailed account of the apparitions.
+
+We have said that this event was the dawn of a new era, the signal
+of renewed devotion to Mary throughout the world. It seemed as if
+this tender Mother wished, by lavishing extraordinary graces upon her
+children, to make them forget the severity with which she had punished
+their offences.
+
+A rapid glance at the development of devotion to Mary, during half a
+century, will suffice to show the truth of this affirmation.
+
+The medal, scarcely struck, is circulated by millions; it immediately
+becomes the instrument of so many cures and conversions, that it is
+universally styled the Miraculous Medal, a name which clung to it,
+and which is justified by the constant working of new miracles, as
+the second part of this book will show. But this medal was destined
+not only to work miracles, it had an object still higher, it had a
+dogmatical signification, it was to popularize the belief in the
+Immaculate Conception of Mary.
+
+As far as is possible for us to penetrate the adorable designs of
+Providence, everything inclines us to believe that the Immaculate
+Conception is one of those truths whose proclamation is interwoven
+with the welfare of modern society, and whose influence upon
+Catholicity is incalculable. It is the complement of the Blessed
+Virgin's glory; even with the incomparable prerogative of her divine
+maternity, her grandeur would still lack something, were she not
+proclaimed free from original sin. The germ contained in the Holy
+Scriptures, preserved by tradition, taught by the Fathers and holy
+Doctors, supported by the Roman pontiffs, solemnized from the earliest
+ages in many churches, adopted instinctively by the piety of the
+faithful, and depicted under most graceful forms by brush and chisel of
+Christian artist, this belief received, through the medal, the seal of
+a popular devotion. The prayer revealed by the Blessed Virgin herself:
+"O Mary! conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee!"
+this prayer, repeated incessantly by numberless mouths from infancy to
+old age, by poor and rich, and in every quarter of the globe, entered
+as a formula into the practices of a Christian life, and hastened, we
+might safely say, the day when Pius IX was to declare the Immaculate
+Conception an article of faith.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The wonderful circulation of the medal, and the miracles wrought by
+means of it, would soon have made the chapel of the rue du Bac a much
+frequented pilgrim shrine, as many who were indebted to Mary for
+their cure or conversion wished to testify their gratitude by leaving
+there ex-voto offerings. But the Superiors of the Community deemed
+it inadvisable to allow this. However, Divine Providence, wishing to
+maintain this pious impulse, opened in the very centre of Paris a
+sanctuary, to receive what the chapel of the Daughters of Charity had
+refused.
+
+The pastor of Notre-Dame-des-Victoires, M. Desgenettes, who had
+taken a lively interest in the apparition of 1830, was inspired to
+consecrate his parish to the holy and immaculate Heart of Mary. An
+Arch confraternity was established for the conversion of sinners; the
+success was as rapid as it was wonderful, and soon the whole world
+resounded with accounts of the miracles accorded the associates'
+prayers. To remind them that Notre-Dame-des-Victoires is allied with
+the vision of the Sister of St. Vincent de Paul, an article of their
+rule enjoins them to wear, with respect and devotion, the indulgenced
+medal of the Immaculate Conception, known as the Miraculous Medal, and
+they are advised to recite occasionally the prayer engraven upon that
+medal: "O Mary! conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to
+thee!"
+
+Some years later, in 1846, the Blessed Virgin manifests herself upon
+the mountain at La Salette to two little shepherd children, charging
+them to warn mankind of the necessity of doing penance in order to
+avert the impending evils.
+
+At Lourdes, in 1858, Mary appears to a poor and ignorant young girl;
+she tells her name, calling herself by that which is most dear to
+her: "I am the Immaculate Conception," and she promises abundant
+benedictions to all who come to pray in that favored place.
+
+In 1871, she appears in the village of Pontmain to some children;
+she comes to revive their drooping courage and restore hope to their
+fainting hearts.
+
+It would take too long to enumerate these manifestations of Mary
+in various parts of Christendom--those images which seem animated;
+those mysterious voices which warn, which encourage the world; those
+supernatural revelations to privileged souls--all, we might say,
+favors of a tender Mother, who pardons her guilty children, and who
+wishes by multiplied tokens of her love to make them oblivious of her
+past severity.
+
+To so many marks of the Immaculate Mary's tenderness, the Catholic
+world has responded by an admirable outburst of filial piety; each
+year sees hundreds of thousands of pilgrims seeking her privileged
+sanctuaries; her Feasts are celebrated with admirable splendor;
+devotion to her is clothed in every form capable of expressing
+admiration, gratitude and tenderness. Who could enumerate the churches
+and monuments everywhere erected in her honor, the associations
+established under her invocation, the books composed in her praises?
+
+But the homage which eclipses all others, is the definition of the
+dogma of the Immaculate Conception in 1854. This definition, ardently
+desired by the devout faithful, enthusiastically welcomed by the whole
+world, was the grand thought of Pius IX after his elevation to the
+chair of St. Peter, and it will be recorded in history as the crowning
+event of his Pontificate, already illustrious for so many other causes.
+
+Mary, by this, has received from her children all the glory it was
+in their power to procure her; her prerogatives appear in all their
+lustre; she is acknowledged as sovereign mistress of Heaven and earth;
+she occupies in the economy of religion the true place Divine wisdom
+has assigned her. Let us hope she will soon display to the world the
+effects of her powerful protection, that she will crush the infernal
+serpent's head, that she will calm the storms hell has unchained--in
+fine, that she will assure the triumph of the Church and the reign of
+Jesus Christ in justice and truth.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+    APPARITIONS OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN
+
+    _TO SISTER CATHERINE_.
+
+    FIRST APPARITION: THE ANGEL CONDUCTS THE SISTER TO THE CHAPEL; MARY
+    CONVERSES WITH HER--SECOND APPARITION: MARY UPON A GLOBE, HER HANDS
+    EMITTING RAYS OF LIGHT, SYMBOLIC OF GRACE; MARY ORDERS A MEDAL TO
+    BE STRUCK--THIRD APPARITION: MARY RENEWS THE COMMAND.
+
+
+When Sister Catherine was favored with these apparitions of the Blessed
+Virgin she related by word of mouth to her Director, what she had seen
+and heard, and he, though apparently attaching little importance to her
+communications, carefully took note of them. The Sister never thought
+of writing them, she judged herself incapable of doing so, and,
+moreover, in her opinion, it would have been contrary to humility.
+
+In 1856, when events had confirmed the truth of her predictions, M.
+Aladel told her to commit to writing all she could recollect of the
+supernatural visitations of 1830. She obeyed, despite her repugnance,
+and sketched an account of her vision of St. Vincent's heart, which we
+have already read, and that of the apparitions of the Blessed Virgin.
+
+In obedience, she again wrote in 1876, an account of these same
+apparitions.
+
+Finally, another copy, not dated, was found among her papers after
+death.
+
+These three narrations accord perfectly in the main, yet differ
+sufficiently in detail to prove that one was not copied from the other.
+
+To these manuscripts, in which no change has been made, except a
+correction of faults in style and orthography, are we indebted for the
+following account of the apparitions.
+
+It is to be regretted that M. Aladel's notes should have been almost
+entirely destroyed; no doubt they contained very interesting details,
+but what portion of them remains, is of little importance.
+
+Before quoting Sister Catherine's own narration, we must remark, that
+the first vision, having little reference to anything but the Sister
+herself and St. Vincent's two Communities, M. Aladel did not deem it
+advisable to have published; also, that although the account of the
+vision of the medal in the first editions of the notice, seems to
+differ notably from that related by the Sister, we will see later how
+these discrepancies can be explained, and that in the main the two
+versions are identical.
+
+[Illustration: _FIRST APPARITION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN_
+
+_To Sister Catherine Laboure, Daughter of Charity. After a picture
+painted from instructions given by Sister Catherine. (See the
+explanation at the list of engravings._)]
+
+Sister Catherine, already favored with celestial visions, ardently
+desired, with all the simplicity of her nature, to see the Blessed
+Virgin. To obtain this grace, she invoked her good Angel, St. Vincent,
+and the Blessed Virgin herself.
+
+On the 18th of July, 1830, eve of the Feast of St. Vincent de Paul,
+the Directress of the Seminary gave an instruction on devotion to
+the Saints and the Blessed Virgin; this but inflamed our Sister's
+pious desire. Fully imbued with the thought, she retired for the
+night, recommending herself to her blessed Father, St. Vincent, and
+confidently believing that her prayers would be answered.
+
+About half-past eleven o'clock, she hears her name, "Sister Laboure,"
+distinctly called three times; suddenly awaking, she opens her curtain
+on the side whence the voice proceeds, and what does she perceive? A
+little child of ravishing beauty, four or five years of age, dressed
+in white and enveloped in the radiant light beaming from his fair hair
+and noble person. "Come," said he, in a melodious voice, "come to the
+chapel, the Blessed Virgin awaits you." But, thought Sister Catherine
+(she slept in a large dormitory), the others will hear me, I shall be
+discovered. "Have no fears," said the child, answering her thought, "it
+is half-past eleven, everybody is asleep, I will accompany you."
+
+At these words, no longer able to resist the invitation of her amiable
+guide, Sister Catherine dresses hastily and follows the child, who
+walks always at her left, illuming the places through which he passes;
+and everywhere along their path, to the Sister's great astonishment,
+does she find the lamps lighted. Her surprise redoubles, on seeing the
+door open at the child's touch, and on finding the altar resplendent
+with lights, "reminding her," she said, "of the midnight Mass."
+
+The child conducts her into the sanctuary; here she kneels, whilst her
+celestial guide remains standing a little behind at her left.
+
+The moments of waiting seem long to Sister Catherine; at last, about
+midnight, the child says to her: "Behold the Blessed Virgin, behold
+her!" At that instant, she distinctly hears on the right hand side of
+the chapel, a slight noise, like the rustling of a silk robe; a most
+beautiful lady enters the sanctuary, and takes her seat in the place
+ordinarily occupied by the Director of the Community, on the left side
+of the sanctuary. The seat, the attitude, the costume (a white robe of
+a golden tinge and a blue veil), strongly resemble the representation
+of St. Anne in the picture adorning the sanctuary. Yet it is not
+the same countenance, and Sister Catherine is struggling interiorly
+against doubt. Can this indeed be the Blessed Virgin? she asks herself.
+Suddenly, the little child, assuming the voice of a man, speaks aloud,
+and in severe words asks her if the Queen of Heaven may not appear to a
+poor mortal under whatever form she pleases.
+
+Her doubts all vanish, and following only the impulses of her heart,
+the Sister throws herself at the Blessed Virgin's feet, familiarly
+placing her hands upon the Blessed Virgin's knees, like a child beside
+its mother.
+
+    "At this moment," said she, "I felt the sweetest emotion of
+    my life, it would be impossible for me to express it. The
+    Blessed Virgin told me how I must act in all my trials; and
+    pointing with her left hand to the foot of the altar, she told
+    me it was there I must come and lay open my heart, adding
+    that it was there I would receive all needful consolation.
+    Then she also said to me: 'My child, I am going to charge you
+    with a mission; you will suffer many trials on account of
+    it, but you will surmount them, knowing that you endure them
+    for the glory of the good God. You will be contradicted, but
+    you will be sustained by grace, do not fear; with simplicity
+    and confidence, tell all that passes within you to him who
+    is charged with the care of your soul. You will see certain
+    things, you will be inspired in your prayers, give an account
+    to him.'
+
+    "I then asked the Blessed Virgin for an explanation of what she
+    had already shown me. She answered: 'My child, the times are
+    very disastrous, great trials are about to come upon France,
+    the throne will be overturned, the entire world will be in
+    confusion by reason of miseries of every kind.' (The Blessed
+    Virgin looked very sad in saying this.) 'But come to the foot
+    of this altar, here graces will be shed upon all--upon all who
+    ask for them with confidence and fervor.
+
+    "'At a certain time the danger will be great indeed, it will
+    seem as if all were lost, but do not fear, I shall be with you;
+    you will acknowledge my visit, the protection of God and that
+    of St. Vincent upon the two Communities. Have confidence, do
+    not be discouraged, you are in my especial keeping.
+
+    "'There will be victims in other Communities.' (Tears were
+    in the Blessed Virgin's eyes as she said this.) 'Among the
+    clergy of Paris there will be victims, Mgr. the Archbishop
+    will die.' (At these words her tears flowed anew.) 'My child,
+    the cross will be despised, it will be trampled under foot,
+    our Lord's side will be opened anew, the streets will flow
+    with blood, the entire world will be in tribulation.'" (Here
+    the Blessed Virgin could no longer speak, grief was depicted
+    in her countenance.) At these words Sister Catherine thought,
+    when will this take place? And an interior light distinctly
+    indicated to her in forty years.
+
+Another version, also written by her own hand, says forty years, then
+ten, after which, peace. In connexion with this M. Aladel said to her:
+
+    "Will you and I see the accomplishment of all these things?"
+    "If we do not, others will," replied the simple daughter.
+
+The Blessed Virgin also entrusted her with several communications for
+her Director concerning the Daughters of Charity, and told her that
+he would one day be clothed with the necessary authority for putting
+them in execution.[7] After this, she said again: "But great troubles
+will come, the danger will be imminent, yet do not fear, St. Vincent
+will watch over you, and the protection of God is always here in a
+particular manner." (The Blessed Virgin still looked very sad.) "I
+will be with you myself, I will always keep my eye upon you, and I
+will enrich you with many graces." The Sister adds: "Graces will be
+bestowed, particularly upon all who ask for them, but they must pray,
+they must pray.----
+
+    [Footnote 7: M. Aladel was made Director of the Community in
+    1846.]
+
+    "I could not tell," continues the Sister, "how long I remained
+    with the Blessed Virgin; all I can say is that, after talking
+    with me a long time, she disappeared like a shadow that
+    vanishes."
+
+On arising from her knees, Sister Catherine perceived the child just
+where she had left him, to throw herself at the Blessed Virgin's feet.
+He said: "She has gone," and, all resplendent with light as before, he
+stationed himself anew at her left hand, and conducted her back to the
+dormitory by the same paths as they had come.
+
+    "I believe," continues the narration, "that this child was my
+    Guardian Angel, because I had fervently implored him to procure
+    me the favor of seeing the Blessed Virgin.... Returned to my
+    bed, I heard the clock strike two, and I went to sleep no more."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+What has just been recounted was only a part of Sister Catherine's
+mission, or rather a preparation for a future mission to be given her
+as a pledge of the Immaculate Mary's tenderness for the human race.
+
+In the month of November of this same year, 1830, Sister Catherine
+communicates to M. Aladel a new vision; but it is no longer that of
+an afflicted Mother weeping over the evils menacing her children, or
+the martyrdom of her dearest friends. This vision recalls the rainbow
+appearing in a sky still black with storms, or the star shining through
+the tempest to inspire the mariner with confidence--it is the Virgin
+Queen, bearing the promise of benediction, salvation and peace.
+
+M. Aladel relates this to the Promoter of the diocese, and we find it
+inserted in the verbal process of the investigation, dated February 16,
+1836, as follows:
+
+    "At half-past five in the evening, whilst the Sisters were in
+    the chapel taking their meditation, the Blessed Virgin appeared
+    to a young Sister as if in an oval picture; she was standing on
+    a globe, only one-half of which was visible; she was clothed
+    in a white robe and a mantle of shining blue, having her hands
+    covered, as it were, with diamonds, whence emanated luminous
+    rays falling upon the earth, but more abundantly upon one
+    portion of it.
+
+    "A voice seemed to say: 'These rays are symbolic of the graces
+    Mary obtains for men, and the point upon which they fall most
+    abundantly is France.' Around the picture, written in golden
+    letters, were these words: 'O Mary! conceived without sin,
+    pray for us who have recourse to thee!' This prayer, traced in
+    a semi-circle, began at the Blessed Virgin's right hand, and,
+    passing over her head, terminated at her left hand. The reverse
+    of the picture bore the letter M surmounted by a cross, having
+    a bar at its base, and beneath the monogram of Mary, were the
+    hearts of Jesus and Mary, the first surrounded with a crown of
+    thorns, the other transpierced with a sword. Then she seemed
+    to hear these words: 'A medal must be struck upon this model;
+    those who wear it indulgenced, and repeat this prayer with
+    devotion, will be, in an especial manner, under the protection
+    of the Mother of God.' At that instant, the vision disappeared."
+
+According to the testimony of Sister Catherine's Director, this
+apparition appeared several times in the course of a few months, always
+in the chapel of the Mother House of the Daughters of Charity, either
+during Mass or some of the religious exercises. M. Aladel adds that he
+was not certain as to their number, but he knows they were repeated
+thrice, at least, the Sister having mentioned it three different times.
+
+Here is the account written by the Sister's own hand:
+
+    "The 27th of November, 1830, which was a Saturday and eve of
+    the first Sunday in Advent, whilst making my meditation in
+    profound silence, at half-past five in the evening, I seemed
+    to hear on the right hand side of the sanctuary something
+    like the rustling of a silk dress, and, glancing in that
+    direction, I perceived the Blessed Virgin standing near St.
+    Joseph's picture; her height was medium, and her countenance
+    so beautiful that it would be impossible for me to describe
+    it. She was standing, clothed in a robe the color of auroral
+    light, the style that is usually called _a la vierge_--that is,
+    high neck and plain sleeves. Her head was covered with a white
+    veil, which descended on each side to her feet. Her hair was
+    smooth on the forehead, and above was a coif ornamented with a
+    little lace and fitting close to the head. Her face was only
+    partially covered, and her feet rested upon a globe, or rather
+    a hemisphere (at least, I saw but half a globe). Her hands were
+    raised about as high as her waist, and she held in a graceful
+    attitude another globe (a figure of the universe). Her eyes
+    were lifted up to Heaven, and her countenance was radiant as
+    she offered the globe to Our Lord.
+
+[Illustration: _SECOND APPARITION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN_
+
+_To Sister Catherine Laboure. First picture._ (_See the explanation at
+the list of engravings._)]
+
+    "Suddenly, her fingers were filled with rings[8] and most
+    beautiful precious stones; the rays gleaming forth and
+    reflected on all sides, enveloped her in such dazzling light
+    that I could see neither her feet nor her robe. The stones were
+    of different sizes, and the rays emanating from them were more
+    or less brilliant in proportion to the size.
+
+    [Footnote 8: The rings were three on each finger; the largest
+    next to the hand, then the medium size, then the smallest; and
+    each ring was covered with precious stones of proportional
+    size; the largest stones emitted the most brilliant rays, the
+    smallest the least brilliant.]
+
+    "I could not express what I felt, nor what I learned, in these
+    few moments.
+
+    "Whilst occupied contemplating this vision, the Blessed Virgin
+    cast her eyes upon me, and a voice said in the depths of my
+    heart: 'The globe that you see represents the entire world, and
+    particularly France, and each person in particular.'
+
+    "I would not know how to express the beauty and brilliancy of
+    these rays. And the Blessed Virgin added: 'Behold the symbol
+    of the graces I shed upon those who ask me for them,' thus
+    making me understand how generous she is to all who implore
+    her intercession.... How many favors she grants to those who
+    ask. At this moment I was not myself, I was in raptures! There
+    now formed around the Blessed Virgin a frame slightly oval,
+    upon which appeared, in golden letters, these words: 'O Mary!
+    conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee!'
+
+    "Then I heard a voice which said: 'Have a medal struck upon
+    this model, persons who wear it indulgenced, will receive great
+    graces, especially if they wear it around the neck; graces will
+    be abundantly bestowed upon those who have confidence.'
+
+    "Suddenly," says the Sister, "the picture seemed to turn," and
+    she saw the reverse, such as has already been described in the
+    previous account of the investigation.
+
+Sister Catherine's notes do not mention the twelve stars surrounding
+the monogram of Mary and the two hearts. Yet they are always
+represented on the medal. It is morally certain that she communicated
+this detail, by word of mouth, at the time she related the apparitions.
+
+Other notes in Sister Catherine's own hand-writing complete the
+account. She adds, that some of these precious stones did not emit
+rays, and when she expressed her astonishment at this, she was told
+that they were a figure of the graces we neglect to ask of Mary. On a
+hasty perusal, our Sister's account of the vision appears to differ
+from M. Aladel's. We were struck with this, and had to study these
+interesting and authentic documents attentively, in order to decide
+whether the visions differed essentially or were really the same.
+
+[Illustration: _SECOND APPARITION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN_
+
+_To Sister Catherine Laboure. Second picture._ (_See the explanation at
+the list of engravings._)]
+
+According to M. Aladel's testimony in the investigation, the
+apparitions relative to the medal were always similar, and Sister
+Catherine, before her death, confirmed this assertion. As we have just
+learned from our Sister's own words, the Blessed Virgin always appeared
+with the terrestrial globe under her feet, and at the same time in her
+virginal hands, pressing it and warming it, as it were, against her
+maternal heart, and offering it to her Divine Son in her quality of
+Advocate and Mother, with an ineffable expression of supplication and
+love.
+
+This is what the Sister saw. Was it all? No, after the first act of
+sublime intercession, after this most efficacious prayer of our divine
+Mediatrix, her hands are suddenly filled with graces, under the figure
+of rings and precious stones, which emit such brilliant rays that
+all else is invisible, Mary is enveloped in them, and her hands are
+bent beneath the weight of these treasures. Her eyes are cast upon
+the humble Sister whose ravished glances can scarcely support this
+celestial effulgence. At the same time, an oval frame is formed around
+the vision, and a voice directs the Sister to have a medal struck
+according to the medal presented. The medal is a faithful reproduction
+of this picture, at the moment the symbolical part disappears in the
+sheaves of light.
+
+Sister Catherine being asked if she still saw the globe in the
+Blessed Virgin's hands, when the luminous sheaves issued from them,
+answered no, there remained nothing but the rays of light; and that
+when the Blessed Virgin spoke of the globe, she meant that under her
+feet, there being no longer any question of the first. Hence, we may
+conclude, that Sister Catherine's description of the apparition and
+M. Aladel's agree perfectly. The small globe which the Blessed Virgin
+holds in her hands, and the large one on which she stands, are both
+inundated with the same dazzling rays, or enriched with the same
+graces. The august Mary seems to indicate by the small globe merely a
+figure of the world, imperfectly represented beneath her feet, thus
+reminding us that she is the all merciful Queen of the human race.
+
+There is yet another variation in the description of the two
+apparitions. M. Aladel, in conformity with the popular belief, that
+white and blue combined constitute the Blessed Virgin's livery,
+as emblems of purity, celestial purity, gives the mantle an azure
+tint. Sister Catherine expresses the same idea several times in her
+notes, saying: "White signifies innocence, and blue is the livery of
+Mary." However, the blue mantle is not mentioned in the notice of
+the apparition, Sister Catherine speaks only of the robe and veil of
+auroral light.
+
+When questioned as to a more definite description of this color, she
+replied that it was a deep white, tinted with the mild, beautiful
+radiance of dawn,[9] thus wishing, no doubt, to give some idea of the
+celestial hue of the robe and veil. It is this hue that tortures the
+artist, for he feels his pencil powerless to depict the beauties of
+another sphere.
+
+    [Footnote 9: We must remember that Sister Catherine's childhood
+    was passed in the country, where she could admire the beauty
+    of that luminous tint which precedes the sun, and colors the
+    horizon at break of day with its increasing radiance.]
+
+We can understand from the above, how M. Aladel could have mistaken
+some details furnished by Sister Catherine, or have confounded the
+apparition of the medal with the visions of July 18th and 19th, in
+which the Blessed Virgin's apparel was white and blue.
+
+However, the accessories of the mantle and its indescribable hue, in no
+wise affect the reality of the apparition.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+We recollect with what indifference, we might say severity, M. Aladel
+received his penitent's communications, bidding her give no heed
+to them, but dismiss them from her mind, as altogether unworthy of
+attention. But Sister Catherine's obedience, attested by her Director
+himself, could not efface the delightful remembrance of what she had
+seen and heard; to return to Mary's feet was her greatest happiness;
+the thought never left her, nor the firm conviction that she would see
+this dear Mother again. And, indeed, in the course of December, she
+was favored with another vision, similar to that of November 27th, and
+occurring at the same time, during evening meditation. But there was
+a striking difference between this and the previous one, the Blessed
+Virgin, instead of stopping at St. Joseph's picture, passed on, and
+rested above the tabernacle, a little behind it, and precisely in the
+place the statue now occupies. The Blessed Virgin appeared to be about
+forty years of age, according to the Sister's judgment. The apparition
+was, as it were, framed from the hands in the invocation: "O Mary!
+conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee!" traced
+in golden letters. The reverse presented the monogram of the Blessed
+Virgin, surmounted by a cross, and beneath were the divine hearts of
+Jesus and Mary. Sister Laboure was again directed to have a medal
+struck upon this model. She terminates her account in these words: "To
+tell you what I understood at the moment the Blessed Virgin offered the
+globe to Our Lord, would be impossible, or what my feelings were whilst
+gazing on her! A voice in the depths of my heart said to me: 'These
+rays are symbolic of the graces the Blessed Virgin obtains for those
+who ask for them.'"
+
+These few lines, according to her, should be inscribed at the base of
+the Blessed Virgin's statue. On this occasion, contrary to her usual
+custom, she could not refrain from an exclamation of joy at the thought
+of the homages which would be rendered Mary! "Oh! how delightful to
+hear it said: 'Mary is Queen of the Universe, and particularly of
+France!' The children will proclaim it, 'She is Queen of each soul!'"
+
+When Sister Laboure related the third apparition of the medal, M.
+Aladel asked her if she had seen anything written on the reverse. The
+Sister answered that she had not. "Ah!" said the Father, "ask the
+Blessed Virgin what to put there."
+
+The young Sister obeyed; and after having prayed a long time, one day
+during meditation, she seemed to hear a voice saying: "The M and the
+two hearts express enough."
+
+None of these narrations mention the serpent, yet it always figures in
+representations of the apparition, and certainly in conformity with
+Sister Catherine's earliest revelations of the vision. The following
+shows why we are so positive of this fact.
+
+Towards the close of her life, after a silence of forty-five years, M.
+Aladel being no more, this good daughter was interiorly constrained to
+confide to one of her Superiors the communications she had received
+from the Blessed Virgin, that they might serve to reanimate devotion
+and gratitude to Mary. Having done this, her mind was relieved; she
+felt that now she could die in peace.
+
+The Superior, favored with her confidence, wishing to realize one of
+her venerable companion's most cherished desires, proposes a statue
+of Mary Immaculate, holding the globe. On asking Sister Catherine if
+the serpent must be represented under the Blessed Virgin's feet, she
+answered: "Yes; there was a serpent of a greenish color, with yellow
+spots." She also remarked that the globe in the Virgin's hands was
+surmounted by a little cross, that her countenance was neither very
+youthful nor very joyous, but indicative of gravity mingled with
+sorrow, that the sorrowful expression vanished as her face became
+irradiated with love, especially at the moment of her prayer.
+
+Our attempt at representing the vision was successful, although the
+tint of the robe and veil, the celestial radiance of the face, the
+splendor of the rays, must always remain an impossibility for art;
+as the good Sister, whilst declaring her satisfaction, betrayed by
+her tone of voice and expression the disappointment she felt at the
+impotency of human skill to depict the beauty of the celestial original.
+
+Thirty-five years before, M. Aladel had vainly attempted a
+representation of the same apparition, as we learn from a curious
+fragment, a small design[10] representing the Immaculate Virgin holding
+the globe, etc., as described by Sister Catherine. His note directing
+the details is in exact conformity with the Sister's description,
+except in one particular, the blue mantle. But little satisfied with
+this attempt, which gave but a confused idea of the apparition, and
+his own especial impression of it, he relinquished the undertaking, and
+held to the known model.
+
+    [Footnote 10: The author of this design is M. Letaille, editor
+    of religious imagery.]
+
+We may say, with truth, that nothing can equal the beauty, the grace,
+the expression of tenderness depicted in the attitude of this Virgin,
+whose graciously downcast glances and hands, filled with blessings,
+proclaim her the Mother, inviting her little child to cast itself into
+her arms, or earnestly entreating the prodigal son to confide in her
+merciful mediation.
+
+This image of the Immaculate Mother, universally admired and honored,
+has a mute eloquence which never fails to touch the heart; and, truly,
+may it ever be styled the miraculous Virgin. Were we to cite only those
+which have come to our knowledge, a volume would be insufficient to
+contain an account of all the wonderful conversions, cures, marks of
+protection, wrought since the appearance of this vision to the present
+day.
+
+The production of new models, representing the Immaculate Virgin in a
+different attitude, should never supplant this, which is, as it were,
+the type of all others; nor weaken the devotion heretofore accorded it
+by popular gratitude.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+    PROPAGATION OF THE MEDAL.
+
+    ITS WONDERFUL CIRCULATION--CANONICAL INVESTIGATION ORDERED BY MGR.
+    DE QUELEN.
+
+
+We have already seen with what mistrust M. Aladel received Sister
+Catherine's communications, and how he hesitated to assume the mission
+proposed to him. At last, after grave reflection, after consultations
+with enlightened persons, and upon the formal authorization of Mgr.
+de Quelen, Archbishop of Paris, he decided to have the medal of the
+Immaculate Conception struck. This was in 1832.
+
+When about to depict the details as related by the Sister, many
+difficulties presented themselves. In what attitude should the Blessed
+Virgin be represented, for in the apparition she had several? Should
+a globe be in her hands? Again, at one instant she was enveloped in
+waves of light, but this could not be gracefully reproduced in an
+engraving. After mature consideration, it was decided to adopt the
+already existing model of the Immaculate Virgin, which represents her
+with hands extended; to this were added the luminous rays escaping from
+the rings on her fingers, the terrestrial globe on which she stands,
+and the serpent she crushes under her feet. Around the oval were
+inscribed these words: "O Mary! conceived without sin, pray for us who
+have recourse to thee!" The reverse bears the letter M, surmounted by a
+cross, and the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary below the M, the first
+surrounded with a crown of thorns, the second pierced by a sword.
+
+    "As soon as the medal was struck," says M. Aladel, "it was
+    freely circulated, especially among the Daughters of Charity,
+    who, knowing something of its origin, wore it with great
+    confidence. Shortly after, they gave it to several sick
+    persons, six of whom experienced most beneficial results. Three
+    cures and three conversions were wrought, some of them in
+    Paris and some in the diocese of Meaux, all of a very sudden
+    and unexpected nature. And now there was heard everywhere
+    a great demand for the Miraculous Medal, the medal which
+    heals--virtuous mothers of families giving it as a New-Year's
+    present to their children, who received it so gladly and wore
+    it with such respect that no one could doubt how their innocent
+    hearts prized it. All the pious hastened to procure it as soon
+    as it was known to be within reach; but the event it gives us
+    most pleasure to record here, and which edified us most in
+    these early days of the propagation of the medal, is that,
+    in two cities of the province, nearly all the young people
+    united in wearing the medal as the safeguard of their youth.
+    Four hundred silver medals were sent for, to be indulged for
+    this purpose. Very soon entire parishes in various counties
+    solicited their pastors to get them medals, and in Paris an
+    officer of high rank bought sixty for brother officers at their
+    request.
+
+    "Thus, the medals of the Immaculate Conception were circulated
+    in a truly wonderful manner, in all the provinces and among
+    all classes; from every side we heard most consoling things;
+    priests filled with the spirit of God wrote to us that these
+    medals reanimated piety in the cities as well as in the
+    country; grand vicars, enjoying the high esteem due their piety
+    and intellect, prelates, even more distinguished, assured us
+    of their entire confidence in the medals, which they regarded
+    as means sent by Providence to revive the faith so sensibly
+    enfeebled in our age; that in reality they did awaken faith
+    daily in many hearts apparently devoid of it, that they
+    re-established peace and union in families divided by discord,
+    in fine, that not one of all those wearing the medal but had
+    experienced most salutary effects.
+
+    "Mgr. de Quelen himself (whose great charity brought him
+    in contact with all classes) told me several times, that
+    he had given the medal to numbers of sick persons of every
+    condition in life, and never had he failed to recognize the
+    blessed results. Very soon he publishes these in a circular of
+    December 15th, 1836, on the occasion of consecrating the parish
+    church of Our Lady of Loretto. It is a fact we are jealous
+    of confirming, and the knowledge of which we desire should
+    reach even the most remote parts of the Catholic world; in our
+    diocese this devotion has become more deeply rooted with time;
+    the afflicted still affirm, increase and extend its marvelous
+    progress; signal favors, graces of healing, preservation and
+    salvation seem to multiply among us, in proportion as we
+    implore the tender pity of Mary conceived without sin. 'We
+    exhort the faithful,' adds he in the beginning of the same
+    circular, 'to wear the medal struck a few years ago in honor
+    of the Blessed Virgin,' and to repeat frequently the prayer
+    inscribed around the image: 'O Mary! conceived without sin,
+    pray for us who have recourse to thee!'
+
+    "Moreover, in every part of France have we witnessed the
+    increasing eagerness of the faithful of all ages, sexes
+    and conditions, to procure the Miraculous Medal. Careless
+    Christians, hardened sinners, Protestants, the impious and even
+    Jews, asked for it, received it with pleasure and wore it with
+    religious veneration.
+
+    "Not only in France were we forced to admire the propagation
+    of the medal; it spread rapidly and extensively throughout
+    Switzerland, Piedmont, Italy, Spain, Belgium, England, America,
+    in the Levant, and even China. It is also said, that at Naples,
+    as soon as they heard of it, the Metropolitan Chapter sent
+    for some to one of our establishments in that city, that the
+    king had silver medals struck for all the royal family and
+    court, and a million of another medal, which were distributed
+    during the cholera--that the image is there venerated in nearly
+    every house, and the picture in several churches. At Rome, the
+    Superior Generals of religious orders took pains to circulate
+    it, and the Sovereign Pontiff himself, placed it at the foot of
+    his crucifix. We also received a letter informing us that His
+    Holiness gave it to several persons as a particular mark of his
+    pontifical affection.
+
+    "Moreover, to estimate the propagation of this medal, it
+    suffices to consult the registry of M. Vachette, to whom was
+    entrusted the striking of it.[11] This examen shows that, from
+    June, 1832, to the present time, he has sold: 1st, two millions
+    in silver or gold; 2d, eighteen millions of a cheaper metal.
+    According to him, eleven other manufacturers in Paris have
+    sold the same quantity; at Lyons, four others with whom he
+    was acquainted, at least double the number; and in many other
+    cities, whether of France or foreign countries, the manufacture
+    and sales are incalculable."
+
+    [Footnote 11: _Quai des Orfevres_, number 54. They are of
+    different sizes, and the invocation is inscribed in several
+    languages.]
+
+Struck with this marvelous propagation, and the universal anxiety
+to learn the origin of the medal, Sister Catherine's pious Director
+published, in 1834, a short notice containing a brief narration of the
+apparition, and of the graces obtained by means of the medal. This
+book sold rapidly, and new editions had to be printed; when the eighth
+appeared in 1842, the number of copies sold amounted to a hundred and
+thirty thousand, and each successive edition was increased by well
+authenticated accounts of many new miraculous occurrences.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+In consequence of all this, the venerable priest found himself engaged
+in a vast and active correspondence, which, to the end of his days,
+filled his heart with ineffable consolation, at the thought of his
+thus assisting in the accomplishment of the Immaculate Mary's promises
+throughout the universe.
+
+Among the communications he received in the course of the year 1836,
+there was one which appeared to him the confirmation of Sister
+Catherine's vision. He published it in the notice of the medal.
+It was the vision of a Swiss religious, already favored with many
+extraordinary graces. We reproduce it here for the edification of the
+reader:
+
+    "The 17th of August, 1835, the first day of her retreat, this
+    religious, in an ecstasy after Holy Communion, sees Our Lord
+    seated upon a throne of glory, and holding a sword in His hand.
+    'Where goest thou, and what seekest thou?' He asked. 'O Jesus!'
+    she answered, 'I go to Thee, and it is Thyself alone I seek!'
+    'Where dost thou seek Me, in what and through whom?' 'Lord,
+    in myself I seek Thee, in Thy holy will and through Mary.'
+    Here Our Lord disappeared, and the religious, awaking from her
+    ecstasy, was reflecting upon His words, when there suddenly
+    appeared to her the Blessed Virgin, all lovely and resplendent.
+    She held in her hand a medal, on which was engraven her image
+    and the inscription: 'O Mary! conceived without sin, pray for
+    us who have recourse to thee!' And sheaves of light gleamed
+    from her hands. 'These rays,' said Mary to her, 'are symbols
+    of the graces I obtain for men.' She then turned the medal,
+    and the religious saw on the reverse the letter M surmounted
+    by a little cross, beneath which were the Sacred Hearts of
+    Jesus and Mary. 'Wear this medal,' said the Queen of Heaven,
+    'and thou wilt enjoy my very especial protection; take pains,
+    also, that all who are in any pressing necessity wear it, that
+    efforts are made to procure it for them.... Be in readiness,
+    for I will put it upon thee myself, on the Feast of my beloved
+    servant Bernard; to day, I leave it in thy hands.' The Blessed
+    Virgin afterwards reproached her for misplacing the medal and
+    taking little pains to find it; the religious acknowledged
+    indeed, that she had received it in July, and that having lost
+    it, she really gave herself no anxiety, considering it merely
+    an ordinary medal, knowing neither its origin nor its effects
+    till this vision. This is attested by the Superior of the
+    Community. The Blessed Virgin kept her promise, and on the 20th
+    of the same month, the Feast of St. Bernard, she placed on the
+    neck of the religious, the medal she had already put in her
+    hands, recommending her to wear it respectfully, to repeat the
+    invocation frequently, and to apply herself to the invitation
+    of the Immaculate Mary's virtues.
+
+    "During her retreat in August, 1836, she sees the medal every
+    day, suspended, as it were, in the air. At first, it appeared
+    very high, shining a few moments like the sun, then like gold;
+    again, it seemed not so high and was apparently of silver;
+    finally, very near the earth, and of a baser metal. The
+    religious gazed in admiration, though without comprehending the
+    meaning of this vision, until Vespers, when it was explained
+    to her. A sweet but unfamiliar voice asked her which of these
+    medals she preferred. She answered, the most brilliant, and the
+    same voice congratulating her on the choice she had made, told
+    her, that the brilliant medal shining like the sun, was that of
+    faithful Christians, who, in wearing it, honor Mary perfectly,
+    and contribute to her glory; the gold medal, that of pious
+    persons who have a tender and filial devotion to Mary, but
+    who keeping it within their hearts, advance but slightly this
+    divine Mother's cause; the silver medal, that of all who wear
+    it with respect and devotion, but who sometimes lack constancy
+    and generosity in imitating Mary's virtues--finally, that the
+    brass medal, represented that of all, who contenting themselves
+    with invoking Mary, take no pains to walk in her footsteps, and
+    thus remain sadly attached to earth. The same voice added, that
+    there is, however, a very especial and peculiar union among
+    these various persons, marked, we might say, with the precious
+    seal of Mary Immaculate; they all necessarily aid one another
+    in a very particular manner by prayer, so that with this
+    powerful assistance, the third can elevate the last, the second
+    sustain the third, and the first, thus happily attract all the
+    others.
+
+    "These details have been communicated to us, from the abbey of
+    Our Lady of Hermits at Einsiedlen, so renowned for the great
+    virtues of its fervent religious, and the immense concourse of
+    pilgrims, who repair hither from all parts of the world."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Up to this time, the medal had received only the verbal approbation of
+the Archbishop of Paris; a formal authorization was necessary to assure
+the faithful of its authenticity, and to conform moreover to the laws
+of the Church, which exact a canonical judgment, before permitting
+the introduction of new images in the liturgical worship. A juridical
+examination was consequently requested, in order to confirm the origin
+of the medal.
+
+Mgr. de Quelen willingly complied, and by his order an investigation
+was begun February 16th, 1836, under the direction of M. Quentin, Vicar
+General, Promoter of the diocese; it was prolonged into the month of
+July, and had not less than nineteen sittings.
+
+We still possess the verbal process of this inquiry. Various witnesses
+appeared, the principal of whom was Sister Catherine's Director, M.
+Aladel.
+
+In the course of the process, the Promoter asked, why God had chosen
+the Daughters of Charity for so rare a favor, and not one of those
+convents noted for the observance of an austere rule, such as rigorous
+fasts, mortifications, etc. For it was not in a contemplative order,
+but in the Mother House of this modest institution so useful to
+humanity, in the chapel which for a long time contained the mortal
+remains of St. Vincent, the father of the poor, that the apparition,
+which was the model of the medal, took place.
+
+We believe the reason of this preference is to be found in the two
+usages observed among the Daughters of Charity, from the beginning of
+their Society; the first, an act of consecration to the Blessed Virgin
+on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception; the second, the ending each
+decade of the chaplet by the following profession of faith: "O Most
+Holy Virgin! I believe and confess thy Holy and Immaculate Conception,
+pure and without spot! O Most Pure Virgin! by thy virginal purity, by
+thy Immaculate Conception and thy glorious quality of Mother of God,
+obtain for me of thy dear Son, humility, charity, great purity of
+heart, body and soul, holy perseverance in my dear vocation, the gift
+of prayer, a good life and a happy death."
+
+The proofs admitted in the inquiry to establish the authenticity of the
+vision of the medal, are:
+
+    1st. The Sister's character--she is a poor young country girl,
+    uneducated and without talent--of solid but simple piety,
+    good judgment, and calm, sedate mind; we perceive at once
+    that everything about her excludes all suspicion of deceit or
+    illusion. The better to preserve her incognito, she will not
+    allow her name to be mentioned, and she even refused to appear
+    before the Promoter of the investigation.
+
+    2d. The wisdom of the Sister's Director, who took all possible
+    precautions to guard against deception, and who yielded to his
+    penitent's reiterated entreaties, only from fear of displeasing
+    the Blessed Virgin, and by the advice of his Superiors.
+
+    3d. The apparition in itself, contains nothing, either in its
+    character or object, opposed to the teachings of the Church,
+    but is, on the contrary, conducive to edification. Being
+    several times renewed and always in the same manner, we may
+    conclude, that the Sister's imagination had nothing whatever to
+    do with it.
+
+    4th. The wonderful circulation of the medal, confirmed by the
+    testimony of the first engraver, M. Vachette, and the extensive
+    sales of copies of the notice, reaching 109,000 in sixteen
+    months, as attested by the publisher, M. Bailly, must be
+    regarded as a confirmation of its supernatural origin.
+
+    5th. The extraordinary graces obtained through the
+    instrumentality of the medal, cures and conversions, several
+    of which are legally attested by the deposition of reliable
+    witnesses, who appeared before the Promoter and signed the
+    verbal process, give a last proof to the fact it was sought to
+    establish, namely, that the Miraculous Medal must be of divine
+    origin. Such is the formal conclusion, in the report addressed
+    to the Archbishop by the Promoter, at the end of the inquiry.
+
+Unfortunately, the ecclesiastical authority did not pronounce judgment;
+we know not why the inquiry did not receive the sanction to which it
+apparently led. The death of Mgr. de Quelen, at the end of the year
+1839, caused all proceedings to be abandoned. Everything remains still
+in the domain of private devotions, and the model of the Immaculate
+Virgin, with its symbolical attributes, is not yet authorized as an
+object of public veneration in the churches.
+
+This deplorable omission is so much the more difficult to understand,
+as, personally, Mgr. de Quelen took a serious interest in the
+apparition of 1830, the compass of which he comprehended. It was he who
+urged M. Aladel to have the medal struck; he expressed a wish to have
+some of the first; he received them, and experienced their efficacy.
+Before ordering the investigation, he had summoned to him the Mother
+General of the Daughters of Charity, together with the officers forming
+her council, and other Sisters well versed in Community affairs, to
+learn from them what usages of the Community could have drawn down upon
+it such a favor as the Blessed Virgin had just bestowed. Not content
+with possessing the Miraculous Medal, the pious prelate had in his own
+chamber a statue of the Immaculate Conception after the Sister's model.
+It was cast in bronze, under his own eyes, as he wished to assist at
+the operation. When, in 1839, the solemn octave of the Immaculate
+Conception was celebrated in the diocese of Paris, for the first time,
+this statue, on a throne surrounded with flowers, was exposed to the
+veneration of the faithful. The 1st of January of this same year, he
+consecrated his diocese to Mary Immaculate.
+
+In commemoration of this, he had a picture painted, which represents
+him standing at the foot of Mary's statue, his eyes fixed upon her
+with love and confidence. The statue rests upon a globe which bears
+these words: "_Virgo fidelis_." And the invocation, "_Regina, sine labe
+concepta, ora pro nobis_," is inscribed upon the picture.
+
+On the Feast of the Assumption, he presented this picture to his
+chapter, that it might, he said, be a monument of his devotion and
+that of the chapter of Paris to the Immaculate Conception of the Mother
+of God.[12]
+
+    [Footnote 12: "Life of Mgr. de Quelen," by the Baron Henrion.]
+
+A medal, bearing date of January 1, 1839, reproduces this picture upon
+one of its faces. On the other is a vessel, tempest-tossed, and a star
+guiding it to the haven of peace. These words of St. Bernard, "_Respice
+stellam, voca Mariam_,"[13] explain the allegory. The following lines
+complete the explanation:
+
+"_Vana, Hyacinthe, furit; Stella maris auspice, vincis._"[14]
+
+    [Footnote 13: Look at the star, invoke Mary.]
+
+    [Footnote 14: In vain, Hyacinthe (de Quelen) is the tempest
+    unchained; under the auspices of the Star of the Sea, thou wilt
+    triumph over its fury.]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+    DEVELOPMENT OF THE DEVOTION TO THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION
+
+    MGR. DE QUELEN'S CIRCULAR.
+
+
+The principal end of the Blessed Virgin's apparition to Sister
+Catherine was to develop among the faithful, devotion to the Immaculate
+Conception; and the medal was the instrument used to accomplish this.
+Its influence was so prompt and perceptible that, in the year 1836, the
+Promoter charged with directing the canonical inquiry attributed to
+it, in a great measure, the wonderful development of devotion to the
+Virgin Immaculate. This pious impulse, once firmly rooted, continued to
+increase throughout the world; but, according to the ordinary ways of
+Providence, whilst the effects struck the eyes of all, the cause was
+forgotten, it was forgotten especially that God had chosen a modest
+Daughter of Charity to revive in the Church devotion to the Blessed
+Virgin. The medal was known everywhere, it was worn by everyone, it
+accomplished numberless prodigies, but whence did it come? This no
+one thought of asking. It is miraculous; that epithet includes its
+name, its origin, its value, and the humble Daughter who received it
+from Mary, to bestow upon mankind, silently admires these astonishing
+results, and says, like her blessed Father: "I am nothing in all this
+but a vile instrument, I cannot attribute to myself any of the glory
+without committing an act of injustice."
+
+The august Virgin had said that the graces obtained for mankind through
+her intercession would be particularly abundant in France. Events
+have proved the reality of the promise. It is in France, especially,
+that the medal has been propagated, miracles multiplied, and devotion
+to the Immaculate Conception most rapidly developed; it may be said,
+with truth, that that country has, indeed, merited the title of Mary's
+kingdom. As, among all the French dioceses, Paris was the one favored
+with these apparitions of the Blessed Virgin, so was Paris the one
+to inaugurate the religious movement. Faithful echo of the Church's
+ancient traditions concerning the Immaculate Conception, a prelate,
+whose piety equaled his nobility of character, and whose virtue
+received a new lustre from the fire of persecution, Mgr. de Quelen
+distinguished himself among all the bishops by his zeal in honoring the
+privilege so dear to Mary. A witness of the influence exerted by the
+medal upon the sensibly increasing devotion of the faithful to Mary
+conceived without sin, and struck with the already abundant fruits of
+this devotion in the conversion of sinners, the pious Archbishop was
+filled with joy. Incited by a just hope of seeing the gifts of Heaven
+still more abundantly multiplied, if devotion to Mary were produced
+under new forms, he addressed a petition to the Sovereign Pontiff with
+the view of obtaining from His Holiness: 1st. To celebrate solemnly, on
+the second Sunday of Advent, the Immaculate Conception of Mary, that
+the devotion might be maintained and strengthened among the faithful;
+2d. To add to the preface, _Et te in Immaculata Conceptione_; 3d. A
+plenary indulgence, in perpetuity, for this same day.
+
+Our Holy Father, Pope Gregory XVI, approved the Archbishop's petition,
+and granted it by a rescript of December 7, 1838. The privileges he had
+just obtained, in honor of Mary, conceived without sin, this venerable
+prelate joyfully published the first of the following January in a
+solemn circular, which clearly depicts his eminent piety. We here
+reproduce it for our readers' edification:
+
+    "_Circular of the Archbishop of Paris on the subject of the Feast
+    of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of
+    God._
+
+    "HYACINTHE LOUIS DE QUELEN, by the divine mercy and grace
+    of the Holy Apostolic See, Archbishop of Paris, etc.
+
+    "To the clergy and faithful of our diocese, health and benediction
+    in our Lord Jesus Christ.
+
+    "We do not wish, dearly beloved brethren, to await the end of the
+    year which begins to-day, and which we dare regard as one fruitful
+    in all manner of spiritual blessings, ere announcing to you the new
+    favor we have just received from the Holy Apostolic See, so much
+    have we loved to persuade ourselves that the joy of your hearts
+    will equal our own, so confident are we that this favor is for us,
+    the presage of multiplied graces, and that it becomes henceforth
+    for our diocese an abundant source of sanctification and salvation.
+
+    "Let us hasten to proclaim this favor: it treats of devotion to our
+    august Queen, Mother and Mistress, the Most Holy and Immaculate
+    Virgin Mary, honored especially in the mystery of her most pure
+    Conception.
+
+    "Mary was conceived without sin: Behold what the Catholic Church,
+    what the infallible Church, what the true and only Church of Jesus
+    Christ authorizes us to teach, without, however, declaring it an
+    article of Faith,[15] what she prevents us denying publicly, what
+    she instils into all the faithful, when in her general council,
+    she declares, she proclaims, that in the decree treating of
+    original sin, her intention is not to include therein the Blessed
+    and Immaculate Virgin Mary, Mother of God.[16] Behold! what the
+    Sovereign Pontiffs permit us to say, that always, and with a
+    view of nourishing the piety of Mary's servants, who invoke her
+    by recalling the first of her privileges, that which approaches
+    nearest the sanctity of God, always do they deign to second
+    these prayers, and zealously open the treasure of indulgences of
+    which they are the supreme dispensers, in favor of a devotion so
+    legitimate.
+
+    [Footnote 15: The Immaculate Conception had not then been defined.
+    (Note by translator.)]
+
+    [Footnote 16: Conc. Trid. sess. V. _Decret. de peccato originali_.]
+
+    "Mary was conceived without sin. Behold! what the Church of Paris
+    glories in professing and maintaining; what her Doctors hold it
+    an honor to teach and defend; what her children are jealous of
+    preserving as one of their dearest possessions after the sacred
+    dogmas of faith; what they do not hesitate to regard as an
+    immediate consequence of their faith, not believing it possible
+    to separate in Mary, the title of Immaculate Virgin from that of
+    Virgin Mother of God, and not considering it possible to refuse the
+    privilege of a Conception without spot, to her who was to receive
+    and who indeed did receive, that of the divine Maternity. Behold!
+    what respect and love for the Word made Flesh, inspire for the
+    chaste bosom the Most High sanctified, because He was to descend
+    there, and there clothe Himself with our nature, there become man
+    by the operation of the Holy Ghost.
+
+    "Mary was conceived without sin. Behold! what for years, has been
+    repeated thousands and thousands of times, not in this great city
+    or diocese only, but in every part of France, among strangers
+    and in the most distant countries. Behold! the cry of hope which
+    suffering danger, public or private necessities, have wrung from
+    mouths accustomed to bless God, and celebrate the praises of His
+    Holy Mother. Behold! what has been written, engraved, religiously
+    deposed, wherever there were spiritual or temporal favors to be
+    asked, graces of protection, of healing or conversion; at the
+    entrance of cities, at the doors of dwellings, on the breast of the
+    sick, on the couch of the dying. Behold! what in these later times
+    especially, has taken such deep root in all Christian hearts, what
+    has received an extraordinary impulse, what has been propagated in
+    so remarkable a manner, what seems to justify moreover, (the fact
+    can no longer be disguised) the numberless graces obtained through
+    the invocation of Mary conceived without sin.
+
+    "Mary was conceived without sin. Behold! what the chaste generation
+    has taken the pious custom of placing on its heart with the sign
+    of the cross as an impenetrable buckler against the inflamed darts
+    of Satan, and under which its innocence and virtue are shielded.
+    Behold! what inspires it, fortifies it, renders it invincible in
+    combats with the demon of darkness; what makes it victorious over
+    all the seductions of the world and the attacks of hell; what
+    attracts, what leads it to follow Mary in the path of angelic
+    perfection, and makes it taste that celestial word which is not
+    given to all to understand; finally, behold! what everywhere and in
+    all conditions, fills with holy emulation, souls truly pious; what
+    encourages them to walk with constancy in the ways of justice; what
+    communicates to them a just horror of sin and the highest esteem
+    for sanctifying grace, of which the Immaculate Virgin is for them
+    the faithful mirror and venerable sanctuary.
+
+    "And behold, also, our very dear brethren, what has urged, and
+    determined us to regard as a consolation, a duty of our episcopate
+    to second your piety in this regard, at the same time, that we
+    satisfy our devotion to this Immaculate Virgin, to whom we are
+    indebted for many signal benefits. We thought it not a rash zeal,
+    to supplicate our Holy Father, the Pope, to deign confide to us the
+    means of increasing devotion to Mary Immaculate in her Conception,
+    to render it easier and thus more popular. The Feast of the Blessed
+    Virgin's Conception, being now in France only one of devotion,
+    we have feared that even if the memory of it were not gradually
+    effaced, it might become insensibly neglected, and the fruits of
+    sanctification and salvation diminished.
+
+    "The Sovereign Pontiff has deigned to accord our humble request.
+    The rescript we have received, our very dear brethren, sufficiently
+    testifies how our petitions have been welcomed, our prayers
+    answered, upon what foundation the regulations we are going to
+    prescribe rest, and the advantages we have had reason to expect
+    from them. We long, yes, we long, from lively gratitude, from
+    tender love to Mary, to give vent to our transports and salute her
+    solemnly by the title of Immaculate in her Conception that day, for
+    distant day it seems to our hearts, when we will be permitted to
+    proclaim it joyfully before the assembled faithful, and during the
+    celebration of the holy mysteries.
+
+    "O Mary! thou whom wisdom hast possessed in the beginning of thy
+    ways, cloud divinely fruitful, always in light and never in shade,
+    new Eve, who didst crush the infernal serpent's head; courageous
+    Judith, glory of Jerusalem, joy of Israel, honor of thy people,
+    amiable Esther, exempt from the common law which presses as a
+    yoke of anathema upon all the children of Adam, full of grace,
+    blessed among all women. O Mary! conceived without sin, pray for
+    us who have recourse to thee! By thy most Holy Virginity and thy
+    Immaculate Conception, O most Holy Virgin! obtain for us purity of
+    heart and body, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of
+    the Holy Ghost. Amen!"
+
+But this does not satisfy the prelate's piety; he also entreats the
+Sovereign Pontiff that the belief in the Immaculate Conception be
+expressed in the litanies of the Blessed Virgin. The Holy Father
+grants this petition, and permits the addition to the litany of
+the invocation: "_Regina sine labe concepta, ora pro nobis_." Then
+Monseigneur, in a new circular of June 24th, orders that the Sunday
+following its reception, this invocation should be chanted three
+times at Benediction, and in future chanted or recited every time the
+litany was chanted or recited, adding that no prayer-book without this
+invocation inserted in the litany would have his approbation. The
+prelate also exhorted all the clergy, pastors and others, to instill
+into the faithful, devotion to the Immaculate Conception, recommending
+the use of the formula, "_Regina sine labe concepta, ora pro nobis_."
+
+At last, seeing the near approach of that epoch so dear and solemn, he
+could not refrain, in spite of his extreme weakness and the violent
+sufferings of a mortal malady, from giving vent to his feelings in
+a third circular, which displays at the same time his zeal for the
+Immaculate Virgin's honor and his indefatigable solicitude for the
+welfare of his flock.
+
+The feast and octave of the Immaculate Conception, announced and
+prepared with so much zeal by the pious Bishop, were celebrated with
+extraordinary solemnity in all the churches throughout the diocese
+of Paris, and especially at Notre Dame. It was one of the last
+consolations this great prelate enjoyed upon earth. He died the 31st
+of December, crowning a life rich in virtues and sacrifices, by an act
+of filial homage to Mary Immaculate, and a final testimony of tender
+solicitude for the flock he was about to leave. He loved this flock
+during life, and before dying, he confides it to the inexhaustible
+charity of the Immaculate Heart of the Mother of Jesus, he conceals it
+under the mantle of her purity, that he may feel assured of the victory
+over the enemies of its happiness. He had consecrated his person, his
+diocese and all France to this Virgin, conceived without sin. Was it
+not to her maternal protection the venerable prelate owed that generous
+submission, that admirable tranquility, that tender love and sweet
+serenity of the just, when he was hovering on the brink of eternity? He
+had placed all his confidence in thee, O Mary! at that last moment, he
+invoked thee as the Star of the Sea that was to guide him to Heaven,
+and it was under thy auspices his beautiful soul winged its flight to
+the bosom of its God.
+
+           *       *       *       *       *
+
+In emulation of the example of the illustrious Archbishop of the
+capital, the other Archbishops and Bishops of France petition the
+Holy See for the same privileges, publishing them in their respective
+dioceses by solemn circulars, and proclaiming them a new source
+of benediction for the people. Thus, in the same year, 1839, the
+Archbishops of Toulouse and Bourges, the Bishops of Montauban, Pamiers,
+Carcassonne, Frejus, Chalons, Saint-Flour and Limoges; in 1840, the
+Cardinal Archbishop of Rouen, the Archbishop of Lyons and Besancon,
+the Bishops of Bayeux, Evreux, Seez, Coutance, Saint-Die, La Rochelle,
+Tulle, Ajaccio, Nantes and Amiens; in 1841, the Archbishop of Bordeaux,
+the Bishops of Versailles, of Nimes and Lucon, Mende and Perigueux. We
+are fully persuaded, and even assured, of the fact that a great number
+of the dioceses in France requested and obtained the same privileges;
+but we cite only those of which we ourselves have kept note.
+
+    "What should be our transports of joy, confidence, admiration and
+    gratitude, at this universal tribute of honor and homage to the
+    Virgin conceived without spot! All earth unites with Heaven in
+    a concert of praise and thanksgiving, proclaiming that Mary has
+    been conceived without sin; all hearts vie with one another in
+    celebrating the signal favors, the miraculous cures and conversions
+    God has deigned to accord those who invoke the Blessed Virgin
+    under the title of Immaculate in her Conception." (Circular of the
+    Archbishop of Bourges.)
+
+    "This new lustre bestowed upon the devotion to Mary conceived
+    without sin, should console religion and raise our hopes.... Oh!
+    in this desolated region, how should we rejoice to see appear
+    in Heaven, if not an omen of the end of all combats, at least
+    the pledge of new triumphs and new conquests!" (Circular of the
+    Archbishop of Digne.)
+
+           *       *       *       *       *
+
+    May this beautiful devotion, be powerful in attracting the
+    benedictions of Heaven upon earth, ever increase. Let us fervently
+    implore the Immaculate Mother of God to enkindle it in all hearts,
+    to bless that France whose protectrice she has so often proved
+    herself, to preserve and augment therein faith and piety, and to
+    make all the children of France but one family, united by the bonds
+    of religion and charity. Let us also implore the same grace for all
+    countries, all peoples. Let each one of us wear the precious sign
+    of her maternal tenderness, this Miraculous Medal, which, recalling
+    to our minds the first and most glorious of her privileges, she
+    gives us as the pledge of all her favors.
+
+    Oh! if we knew the gift of our Mother! oh! if we understood
+    the excess of her bounty! Does she not seem longing to give us
+    knowledge, when she displays to us the abundance of her riches and
+    the prodigies of her liberality, in those rays of grace she showers
+    upon us like a deluge of love and mercy? Does she not likewise
+    unveil to us the mystery of her charity, in the image of her heart
+    united to that of the divine Jesus?... The same fire consumes them,
+    the same zeal devours them, thirst for our salvation. This union
+    of love and sacrifice is very clearly represented by the august
+    Mary's initial joined to the sacred sign of the cross above the
+    two hearts, as an authentic testimony, of the co-operation of the
+    Mother of the Saviour in the salvation of the human race.
+
+    Wear then, little children, this cherished medal, this precious
+    souvenir of the best of mothers; learn and love to say: "O Mary!
+    conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee!"
+
+    Morning Star, she will delight to guide your first steps and to
+    keep you in the paths of innocence. Wear it, Christian youth,
+    and amidst the numberless dangers lurking in your paths repeat
+    frequently: "O Mary! conceived without sin, pray for us who have
+    recourse to thee!" Virgin most faithful, she will preserve you
+    from all peril. Wear it, fathers and mothers; say often: "O Mary!
+    conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee!"
+    And the Mother of Jesus will shed upon you and your families the
+    most abundant benedictions. Wear it, ye old and infirm; say also:
+    "O Mary! conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse
+    to thee!" Help of Christians, she will aid you in sanctifying
+    your sufferings and the closing years of life. Wear it, souls
+    consecrated to God, and never cease repeating: "O Mary! conceived
+    without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee!" Queen of
+    Virgins, she will implant in the garden of your heart those fruits
+    and flowers which constitute the delight of the Spouse, and which
+    will form your crown at the nuptials of the Lamb. Amidst the trials
+    and tribulations of life, let us invoke Mary, conceived without
+    sin, and our tears will be dried, our sufferings assuaged, our
+    sorrows sweetened, for she dispenses the dew of all graces. In our
+    combats against the demon, the world and the flesh, let us appeal
+    to Mary, conceived without sin; Strength of combatants and Crown
+    of victors, she will shield us against their most violent assaults
+    and assure us of the victory; but oh! when standing on the brink
+    of that moment which summons us before the Sovereign Judge, then
+    especially must we invoke Mary, conceived without sin, and she
+    whom the Church calls Gate of Heaven will herself receive our last
+    sigh and introduce our soul into the abode of glory and perfect
+    happiness.
+
+    And you also, poor sinners, though covered with the wounds of sin,
+    buried in the deepest abysses of passion, the arm of an avenging
+    God lifted to descend upon your guilty head, despair seizing your
+    soul, raise your eyes to the Star of the Sea; you are not bereft
+    of Mary's compassion; take the medal, cry from the depths of your
+    hearts, "O Mary! conceived without sin, pray for us who have
+    recourse to thee!" Unfailing Refuge of sinners, her charitable hand
+    will apply to your cruel wounds a healing ointment; she will rescue
+    you from the depths whence you have fallen, she will turn aside
+    the formidable blows of Divine justice, she will pour over your
+    soul the balm of sweet hope, she will guide you anew in the paths
+    of righteousness and conduct you even to the haven of a blessed
+    eternity.
+
+    Would that all might taste this means of salvation! the dismal
+    shades of voluntary death would soon cease to terrify our cities
+    and rural districts. Yes, the short prayer, "O Mary! conceived
+    without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee!" made with
+    faith, would, even amidst the violent agitation of a homicidal
+    thought, banish the tempter; a simple glance at the medal of the
+    Immaculate Mary would dissipate despair. "No one commits suicide
+    under the eyes of a mother," said very truly, His Eminence, the
+    Cardinal Archbishop of Rouen. And the same might be said of many
+    other crimes of daily occurrence.
+
+    Oh! you whose souls are cruelly afflicted night and day,
+    virtuous wives, who shed burning tears over the irreligion of a
+    tenderly-loved husband; sorrowful mothers, bitterly deploring the
+    wanderings of a child reared in the bosom of an eminently Christian
+    family, but drawn into the vortex of bad example; pious sisters,
+    praying fervently and incessantly for the conversion of a brother,
+    who once, like yourselves, enjoyed the sweet consolations of
+    religion; Christian children, secretly bewailing the indifference
+    of a father who seems to have lost, long since, the precious gift
+    of Faith, console yourselves; a new hope is offered you, and it
+    comes to you through the beneficent hands of Mary; offer, give the
+    image of this tender Mother to the dear objects of your solicitude;
+    the thought of this precious medal or a glance at it, will banish
+    many a temptation, for we may say with truth of the soul as well as
+    of the body, "no one commits suicide under the eyes of a mother."
+    If they refuse your offer do not despair; Mary will find her way to
+    these hardened hearts, and in spite of themselves, she will take
+    them under her protection; imitate the pious ruse of many others,
+    who in a like extremity, have stealthily slipped the precious medal
+    under the pillow of the impenitent sick on the verge of death;
+    imitate those mothers, those wives, those Christian daughters, who
+    carefully concealed in the clothing of that child, that spouse,
+    that father, the medal they had refused to wear, do this, and one
+    day they will appreciate the pledge of your piety and tenderness.
+    No, no, never does any one wear in vain, the medal of her to whom
+    the Church applies these words of Scripture. "He who finds me,
+    will find life, and will obtain salvation from the Lord."[17]
+
+    [Footnote 17: Prov. viii.]
+
+    But it is not enough to wear the medal as a mere pledge of the
+    Immaculate Mary's love; we must regard it also, as an assistant in
+    reaching perfection. This Mother, all amiable, proposes herself to
+    our imitation, she places herself, in a measure, before our eyes,
+    that seeing her so pure and perfect, we may be attracted by her
+    charms. It is the image of her beauty and goodness she brings us
+    from Heaven. It is a mirror in which we learn to know the Sun of
+    Justice, by the perfections with which he has enriched His divine
+    Mother.... It is on one side, the picture of what we should be, and
+    on the other, an eloquent lesson of what we should practice. The
+    shining purity of the Immaculate Mary, reveals to us the beauty of
+    our soul, created in the image of the thrice holy God, and exciting
+    in us, the love of that amiable virtue which makes us resemble the
+    angels, it necessarily inspires us with the most vivid horror of
+    evil, and causes us to shun the slightest imperfections, since they
+    tarnish this divine resemblance.
+
+    And, as though it were not enough to excite our fervor by the
+    sight of her ravishing beauty, this faithful Virgin discovers to
+    us the means of preserving innocence or recovering it, should we
+    have been so unfortunate as to lose it. This is the lesson of the
+    symbolic figures engraven on the reverse of the medal: "Nothing
+    shall be written on the reverse of the medal; ... what is already
+    there says enough to the Christian soul." The Sacred Heart of
+    Jesus and Mary placed beneath the cross tell us that purity is
+    preserved or restored by love and union with our Lord.... Love
+    covers a multitude of sins; love is the bond of perfection, the
+    consummation of all virtues.... Love assures fidelity. It must
+    be stronger than death to make us die to the world, to sin and
+    ourselves, that we may be attached inseparably to Jesus crucified.
+    There is also another lesson to be learned--that taught by Mary's
+    holy name, united to the sign of the cross. It is placed above the
+    two hearts because true love leads to sacrifice; it immolates, it
+    fastens, it nails to the cross of Jesus Christ, and this union of
+    sufferings on earth is the pledge of a glorious and eternal union
+    hereafter.
+
+    Children of Mary, respond to her loving tenderness; be docile to
+    the salutary lessons of our divine Mother, gratefully acknowledge
+    this inappreciable testimony of her ingenious liberality. Go to
+    Mary with the simplicity of a child, who lovingly clings to her
+    bountiful hand until he obtains the object of his desires. Amidst
+    all the storms of life, let your eyes be fixed upon this Star of
+    the Sea. Invoke Mary; ever seek her amiable protection; she will
+    never refuse to hear our petitions. May her remembrance and love
+    reign always in our minds and hearts! May we repeat incessantly
+    this sweet invocation: "O Mary! conceived without sin, pray for
+    us who have recourse to thee!" and when strength and speech have
+    failed us may the Miraculous Medal be pressed to our dying lips,
+    and the last throb of our heart protest that we wish to die
+    murmuring: "O Mary! conceived without sin, pray for us who have
+    recourse to thee!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+    EXTRAORDINARY GRACES
+
+    OBTAINED THROUGH THE INSTRUMENTALITY OF THE MIRACULOUS MEDAL.
+
+    I.
+
+    _Graces Obtained from 1832 to 1835._
+
+
+"Bless the God of heaven," said the angel to Tobias and his son; "chant
+His praises among all mankind for the blessings with which He has
+loaded you, for it is good to conceal the secret of the king, but it is
+glorious to reveal and publish the works of God. _Elenim sacramentum
+regis abscondere bonum est; opera autem Dei revelare et confiteri
+honorificum est._"[18] Blessed, then, always and everywhere, be the God
+of heaven and earth, for the numberless benefits He has been pleased to
+confer upon us through Mary! Let us adore the mysterious destiny of
+the Mother of the King of Kings, "who, by reason of this title, truly
+merits the name of Queen," says St. Athanasius; and let us rob neither
+God nor Mary of the honor and glory due them. Let us publish the
+Lord's works of power and goodness to man through the mediation of the
+Immaculate Virgin, whom He has established Depositary and Dispensatrix
+of the treasures of His mercy, that mercy which embraces our corporal
+infirmities as well as spiritual needs.
+
+    [Footnote 18: Tob., xii, 7.]
+
+An account of the extraordinary graces obtained by means of the
+Immaculate Conception Medal will be for all Christian souls a source of
+precious benedictions. At the view of these prodigies of mercy, these
+marvelous cures and conversions, the reader will be led to thank God
+and glorify His Holy Mother; those who have already loved Mary will be
+incited to still greater love; careless Christians, those who are tried
+by suffering, those who have the misfortune to be in a state of sin,
+will feel their confidence awakened, and they will tenderly invoke her
+whom the Church so justly styles Health of the weak, Refuge of sinners,
+Comforter of the afflicted.
+
+Experience proves this. Every one knows, moreover, that an example of
+virtue or an event which clearly reveals God's agency, acts much more
+powerfully on the soul than a simple consideration of the subject or a
+series of arguments. "_Verba movent, exempla trahunt_--words can move,
+example attract."
+
+We also hope for something more from the publication of these
+accounts--we hope by them to convince the faithful that Mary's dearest
+title is that of Immaculate, and that she knows not how to refuse the
+petitions of those who, with lively faith, invoke her by this dearest
+title. It is, moreover, the Church of Rome which thus reveals, as it
+were, all the merciful tenderness of Mary's Heart, and presents us the
+devotion to her spotless Conception as the sure means of enriching
+ourselves from the exhaustless treasures of that Heart and according
+to all our necessities. "_Sacra Virgo Maria ... sentiant omnes tuam
+juvamen quicumque celebrant tuam sanctam Conceptionem_;"[19] and
+surely this prayer of the Mother of all churches--prayer which we
+might readily style prophetic--has long since been answered. We have
+recently seen a compilation, made in 1663 by a Jesuit father, with
+the approbation of the Ordinary, containing an account of sixty-two
+conversions or cures effected in different places by the invocation
+of Mary conceived without sin, and apparently nothing less than
+miraculous. It is also a well known fact, mentioned in the life of
+B. Peter Fourrier, founder of the Congregation of Notre Dame, that
+these simple words, "Mary was conceived without sin," worn with faith,
+brought relief to a multitude of sick persons during an epidemic. The
+same means obtained not less visible protection at Nemours, when that
+city was in imminent danger of being sacked, and also at Paris in 1830.
+But we confine ourselves to the graces obtained through the Miraculous
+Medal. Our choice of examples will show that, in bestowing especial
+favors upon France, the Immaculate Mary gives no less striking proofs
+of her protection in other countries where the medal is known and
+piously worn.
+
+    [Footnote 19: Offic. Concept. B.V.M.R. viii.]
+
+Among the traits of protection obtained through the medal in the
+diocese of Paris, nine (three conversions and six cures) underwent a
+detailed examination, and were pronounced veritable by the Promoter in
+the investigation of 1836. We mention them in this edition, adding to
+each one's title the word--Attested.
+
+Quite a number of incidents printed in the edition of 1842 we have
+omitted here, in order to insert (without greatly increasing the size
+of the volume) more recent accounts equally reliable, thus proving that
+the medal is not less miraculous in our day than at the time of the
+apparition.
+
+The extraordinary graces of which it has been the instrument, would
+have formed an uninterrupted series from the year 1832 till the
+present, if unfortunately, neglecting to keep note of them, an interval
+of several years had not crept into the documents in our possession.
+
+For the future, please God, no such omission will occur, and all the
+authenticated accounts which come to our knowledge will be carefully
+registered for the glory of Mary conceived without sin, and the
+edification of her servants.
+
+
+    CONVERSION OF A SOLDIER AT ALENCON--1833.
+
+    The 14th of April, 1833, there was brought to the hospital of
+    Alencon (Orne) a sick soldier, who came from the hospital of Vitre
+    (Ile-et-Vilaine). His impiety there had greatly distressed the
+    hospitable ladies of St. Augustin, in charge of that establishment,
+    a circumstance communicated to us by persons who witnessed the
+    insulting manner in which he rewarded the kind attentions of their
+    unfailing charity. Arrived at the hospital Alencon, we soon saw
+    what he was, irreligious, impious, and brutally rude. The chaplain
+    hastened to visit him, and condole with him on his sufferings; and
+    as the opening of the Jubilee very naturally paved the way for a
+    few words on that extraordinary grace, he gently exhorted the sick
+    man to imitate the example of other soldiers who were preparing to
+    profit by it, but his words were answered by insults. The chaplain
+    did not insist, and contented himself for several days with merely
+    visiting him, and kindly sympathizing with his sufferings; the sick
+    man scarcely replied, and seemed much annoyed, even at the visits.
+
+    The Daughters of Charity in charge of this hospital, met with no
+    better treatment, notwithstanding the kind attentions they lavished
+    on him. His malady increased; seeing that it was becoming very
+    necessary for him to receive the consolations of religion, the
+    chaplain urged him again to make his peace with the good God, but
+    he was answered by blasphemies. "Ah! yes, the good God, little He
+    cares for me." In answer to this the abbe made a few observations
+    full of charity, and the patient continued: "Your good God does
+    not like the French; you say He is good and He loves me; if He
+    loved me, would he afflict me like this, have I deserved it?"
+    These outbursts of impiety only inflamed the charitable zeal of
+    the minister of a God who died for sinners, and inspired him with
+    forcible language, to depict the justice and merciful goodness of
+    the Lord. The sick man soon interrupted him by invectives: "You
+    worry me; let me alone; go away from here; I need neither you nor
+    your sermons," and he turned over to avoid seeing the priest.
+    His treatment to the Sisters was no better; and he continued to
+    utter the most horrible blasphemies against religion, and those
+    who reminded him of it; he carried this to such a degree, that
+    the other soldiers were indignant, especially at his outrageous
+    behaviour, after any one has spoken to him about his soul, or there
+    had been prayers or a little spiritual reading in the room--he
+    appeared dissatisfied, until he had vomited forth his stock of
+    blasphemies and imprecations. Some days passed and nothing was
+    said to him on the subject of religion, but every care for his
+    bodily comfort was redoubled; no one now scarcely dared hope
+    for his return to God, for his malady increased, and likewise
+    his impiety; all contented themselves with praying for him, and
+    recommending him to the prayers of others. The Sister in charge of
+    that ward, having great confidence in the Blessed Virgin's promises
+    to all under the protection of the medal, felt urged interiorly
+    to hang one at the foot of his bed; she yielded to the apparent
+    inspiration, and, unknown to him, the medal was there. He still
+    showed no signs of relenting, and even became indignant when some
+    of the other soldiers prepared themselves, by confession, to gain
+    the Jubilee. The medal had now been six days hanging at the foot of
+    his bed, and many and fervent were the prayers offered up to God
+    for this miserable creature's conversion, although nearly every one
+    despaired of it. One day, when all the convalescents of the ward
+    were assisting at Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament, the Sister
+    approached his bed, detached the medal and held it up before him.
+    "Look," said she, "at this medal, it is miraculous; I hung it to
+    your bed several days ago, and thereby put you under the Blessed
+    Virgin's especial protection. With her powerful assistance, I
+    confidently hope for your conversion. Look at this good Mother, she
+    is praying for you now." He never raised his eyes, but already was
+    grace working in his heart, for he showed no signs of irritation
+    which had heretofore been the inevitable consequence of mentioning
+    religion. Profiting by this, the Sister spoke to him of God's
+    mercy, and begged him again to cast a glance at the medal she had
+    just hung at the foot of his bed on the inner side. After being
+    repeatedly urged, he opened his eyes and looked towards it. "I do
+    not see your medal," said he to the Sister, "but I see the candle
+    which, doubtless, you have just lit; yes, it is certainly a light."
+    It was five o'clock in the afternoon, June 13th; his bed was so
+    placed that it could not receive any reflection of the sun's rays,
+    and the chaplain, after examining the spot felt assured, that at
+    no time could a reflection strike it in that direction. "You are
+    mistaken," said she, "look at it carefully." He repeated in the
+    most positive manner, "I see it distinctly, it is certainly a
+    light." Astonished beyond expression, but fearing her patient's
+    sight was affected, the Sister showed him other and more distant
+    objects; these he distinguished perfectly, and continued to see
+    this light for a quarter of an hour. During this interval, the
+    Sister spoke to him of God; suddenly, fear and love filled his
+    heart. "I do not wish to die as I am!" he exclaimed, "tell the
+    chaplain to come immediately and hear my confession." Hearing one
+    of the other patients utter an oath, "oh! make that miserable man
+    hush!" said he, to the Sister; "oh! I beg you to make him stop
+    swearing."
+
+    "I was still ignorant," says the chaplain, "of the origin and
+    effects of this medal. It was a very familiar object, and I
+    regarded it as nothing more than an ordinary medal. When told
+    that the sick man wanted me, I went joyfully, and saw for myself
+    what a complete change had taken place in him. Congratulating
+    and encouraging him, without knowing the cause of this change,
+    I hastened to ask him if he wished me to hear his confession.
+    He replied in the affirmative, and made it without delay; I had
+    every opportunity of admiring his good will and the pleasure he
+    manifested at each repetition of my visit. I endeavored to make him
+    explain himself, and asked if he had not acted from mere civility
+    or a desire to rid himself of the importunities by which he had
+    been so long beset. "No," he answered, "I sent for you, because
+    I wished seriously to make my confession and arise from my state
+    of sin." Henceforth he was no longer the same man; he was now as
+    docile, patient, gentle and edifying in all his words and ways,
+    as he had formerly been unmanageable, brutal and scandalous.
+    He eagerly desired the Last Sacraments, which, after proper
+    preparation, he received with lively faith. His happiness seemed
+    beyond expression, and though suffering intensely, no one ever
+    heard the least sign of impatience escape his lips. He continued
+    to give the most unequivocal signs of a true conversion; peace and
+    resignation were depicted in his countenance, and to his last sigh,
+    which he breathed June 27th, 1833, did he persevere most faithfully.
+
+NOTE.--These details are attested by M. Yver Bordeaux, chaplain of the
+Hotel Dieu; by the Sisters of Charity; by a woman patient named Bidon;
+Julien Prevel, an infirmarian; by Jean Francois Royer, of the Seventh
+Cuirassiers; Marie Favry, infirmarian, all eye witnesses, besides
+a large number of other soldiers who left the city whilst we were
+investigating the matter.
+
+
+    CURE OF MADEMOISELLE AURELIE B. (PARIS)--1833. _Attested._
+
+The account of this cure was sent us by the person herself in the month
+of May, 1834.
+
+    The 3d of November, 1833, I was attacked by a typhoid fever, for
+    which I was treated by a skillful physician and the Sisters of
+    Charity, who spared no pains for my recovery. At the end of a month
+    I was able to take a little nourishment, and I had the happiness
+    of assisting at the Holy Mass and receiving Holy Communion on the
+    Feast of the Immaculate Conception. I was still very weak, and
+    utterly incapable of any exertion. In this state of exhaustion, I
+    took a little chocolate. The fever soon returned, and continued
+    with daily increasing violence until Christmas. Then the physician
+    said there was no longer any hope of my recovery. Another physician
+    was called in, who, after an examination, declared me consumptive
+    to the last degree, but said they might try the effect of a few
+    blisters. Those proved of no benefit. The 27th of December, the
+    physicians finding me extremely ill, informed the Sisters that my
+    death was imminent. Moreover, I had been cold for two days. About
+    half-past six that day, I received the last Sacraments, and at nine
+    every one thought I would soon breathe my last. Suddenly, one of
+    the good Sisters around my couch thought of putting the medal on
+    me. I kissed it continually with great confidence, and began to
+    feel better. My condition next morning was a matter of astonishment
+    to the physician, and I continued to improve so rapidly that,
+    at the end of two days, the fever had entirely disappeared. My
+    appetite was ravenous, I soon resumed my occupations, and ever
+    since have been in perfect health. I doubt not, Monsieur, that I
+    owe my recovery to Mary, my good Mother, my love for whom seems to
+    have increased; my greatest happiness being to decorate her altars,
+    and my most earnest desire that of consecrating myself to God in a
+    Community whose works have so touching a connexion with the sublime
+    destiny of the Mother of Jesus; it is under her protection I expect
+    the accomplishment of my designs.
+
+                Yours very respectfully,
+
+                                  AURELIE B.
+
+NOTE.--The nine Sisters of the establishment have attested the truth
+of these details, and one of the two physicians does not hesitate to
+declare her recovery supernatural.
+
+Moreover, this young person has ever since remained in perfect health.
+Her prayers are granted, the Immaculate Mary has also obtained for her
+the grace of being received into the Community she wished to enter,
+which is the reason we do not give her name.
+
+
+    CURE OF A RELIGIOUS (PARIS)--1834.--_Attested._
+
+This fact is known to many; however, to prevent too great a number
+of visitors, the Superior requests us not to publish the name of the
+Community.
+
+A young religious, twenty-seven and a-half years old and eight years
+professed, in an Order especially consecrated to the Blessed Virgin
+(Paris), had been kept in the infirmary by various maladies, for the
+space of five months. At the very time she appeared convalescent, an
+accident of the gravest nature happened; her left thigh bone became
+disjointed and shrunken, the limb was attacked by paralysis, and the
+sick religious lay upon her bed one month, without experiencing the
+slightest alleviation from human remedies. Two physicians and a surgeon
+being consulted at various times, pronounced the displacing of the bone
+due an irritating humor; but they could not check it, even by means of
+cauterizing and issues, so that after a long and painful treatment,
+she remained a cripple. She now had recourse to the Blessed Virgin as
+a child to its good mother; a religious of the house having brought
+her one of those medals called miraculous, which had been given her,
+she received it gratefully, applied it to the afflicted member and
+commenced, Saturday, March 1st, 1834, a novena to the Blessed Virgin.
+All human remedies seemed unavailing; she lost her appetite and was
+unable to sleep. She was also racked with high fever; however, having
+snatched a little repose during the Wednesday night after beginning
+the novena, she was suddenly awakened by a very painful commotion,
+which re-established the bones in their place; the leg which had been
+shortened about six inches, became lengthened almost even with the
+other, and recovered its usual strength. On visiting her next morning,
+the physicians were greatly astonished, but gave orders that she should
+not yet leave her bed. On Sunday, the last day of the novena, the fact
+of the cure was established beyond a doubt. The religious arose quite
+naturally, and without any assistance, ran to kiss the feet of Mary's
+statue, placed over the infirmary fire-place; then, dressed in her
+habit, and accompanied by the Mother Infirmarian, she descended about a
+dozen steps to the chapel to adore the Blessed Sacrament, after which
+she repaired to the community room, where the Superior with her Mothers
+and Sisters were assembled, to give her the kiss of congratulation.
+This touching scene was terminated by the recitation of the _Te Deum_,
+and _Sub Tuum_. No trace of disease remained, except a slight weakness
+for a few days, and as this was felt only in the sound limb, it was
+evidently the result of her having been six months in bed.
+
+Two of the physicians acknowledged, with all the Community, that it was
+a supernatural favor. One of them has even declared in a certificate
+of May 4th, 1834, that without wishing to characterize a fact as
+extraordinary, he observes that in this circumstance there are: 1st,
+spontaneous disjointing; 2d, spontaneous diminution, three days
+convalescence, and these last two are, to the extent of his knowledge,
+without parallel in the records of surgery.
+
+The religious has never had another attack of this infirmity.
+
+
+    CURE OF A SICK PERSON (CHALONS SUR MARNE)--1834.
+
+The Abbe Begin, an eye-witness of this cure, which took place at the
+hospital St. Maur, where he is chaplain, has prepared a verbal process
+which attests: 1st, that the patient was really afflicted; 2d, that she
+was cured March 14th, 1834; 3d, that she declares no other means were
+employed than the medal and prayer. This verbal process is signed by a
+hundred persons of the above-mentioned hospital.
+
+    "Madame C.H., a widow, aged seventy, a charity patient at the
+    hospital St. Maur, was, in consequence of a fall the 7th of
+    August, 1833, crippled to such a degree that it was with great
+    difficulty she could walk, even with the aid of a crutch, and
+    sometimes the additional assistance of another person's arm; she
+    could scarcely seat herself, and to rise was still more of an
+    effort. To ascend the stairs was almost impossible, she could
+    accomplish it only by grasping as she went along whatever lay
+    within reach. She could not stoop or kneel; the left limb, which
+    was the principal seat of her malady, she dragged helplessly after
+    her, not being able to bend it.
+
+    "Such was her sad condition at the beginning of March, 1834.
+    However, she heard something that enkindled a ray of hope in her
+    heart. Some one had spoken to her the January previous of a medal
+    said to be miraculous; it bore on one side the image of Mary
+    crushing the infernal serpent's head, her hands full of graces
+    figured by rays of light proceeding from them, and the invocation:
+    'O Mary! conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to
+    thee!' on the other, the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary, with
+    the letter M surmounted by a cross. She was also informed of the
+    wonders it had wrought, and her heart awoke to the consoling hope
+    of realizing some benefit from the medal which had been promised
+    her. How she sighed for the happy moment when it would be in her
+    possession! How long the time of waiting appeared! At last, her
+    desires were gratified; the 6th of March she received, as if
+    it were a present from Heaven, the long wished-for medal, and
+    hastened, by the reception of the Sacrament of Penance, to prepare
+    herself for the desired favor. Next day, the first Wednesday in
+    the month, she commenced by Holy Communion a novena to the Sacred
+    Hearts of Jesus and Mary. Twenty times, day and night, did she
+    press to her lips the precious medal hung around her neck. For
+    several days of the novena, our Lord severely tried her faith
+    anew. Her sufferings increased greatly, likewise her fervor and
+    confidence, and soon the most blessed results were the recompense
+    of this poor woman's prayers.
+
+    "Seven days of the novena had not elapsed ere she was relieved of
+    the sufferings that had so cruelly afflicted her for seven months.
+    I could not depict the astonishment and admiration of every one,
+    who saw on the morning of March 14th this person so helpless
+    the very evening before, walk with all ease imaginable, bend,
+    kneel, go up and down high steps. One spoke of it to another for
+    mutual edification, and, in turn, came to congratulate her on her
+    recovery, and give thanks to God and Mary. The Superior, who had
+    bestowed constant care upon the sick woman during her crippled
+    state, and had thus been a daily witness of her sufferings,
+    returned solemn thanks for this extraordinary grace, the whole
+    Community chanting a _Te Deum_ in their chapel.
+
+    "P.S.--I forgot to say that the widow has the free use of all her
+    limbs, and has never since had a return of her former infirmity."
+
+The following is what Monseigneur thought proper to append to the
+verbal process, an extract from which we have just read: "We certify
+that credence can, and ought to, be placed in the testimony of the Abbe
+Begin, that of the Sisters and so many other eye-witnesses who have
+spoken conscientiously and from no motive save that of zeal for the
+truth.
+
+    "[Dagger] M.S.F.V., Bishop of Chalons.
+
+    "_Chalons, May 30, 1834._"
+
+
+    CONVERSIONS OF M. DE CASTILLON, CAPTAIN IN THE 21ST LIGHT GUARDS;
+    AND OF A WOMAN--1834.
+
+    Extract from a letter of Sister C. (Herault) to M.E.:
+
+                                            "_November 13, 1834._
+
+    "It should be the duty of children to glorify their mother, and
+    a very sweet one it is for me to acquaint you with two incidents
+    manifesting the boundless charity of Mary conceived without sin.
+
+    "The first relates to a sick soldier in our house. Though we
+    had already witnessed the efficacy of the medal, in effecting
+    the conversion of several soldiers most obstinate in resisting
+    grace, no conversion was so striking as this. M. Frederick de
+    Castillon, aged thirty-five, Captain in the 21st Light Guards,
+    entered the hospital, April 29th, in the last stage of consumption,
+    and attacked by paralysis of the left side. We nursed him a long
+    time, his condition grew alarmingly worse, but how could we
+    mention religion to a young soldier who boasted of having none?
+    I kept myself always informed of his state, and contented myself
+    (apparently) with watching the progress of the disease. Several
+    times I attempted to make him realize his danger, but in vain. One
+    day, when he was much worse, and I had an opportunity of seeing
+    him alone, I ventured to inquire if he were a Catholic. 'Yes,
+    Sister,' he replied, looking steadily at me. I then asked him to
+    accept a medal, to wear it, and frequently invoke the Immaculate
+    Mary, telling him at the same time that, if he did so with faith,
+    this good Mother would obtain for him all the graces he needed, for
+    bearing his sufferings patiently and meritoriously. He received it
+    gratefully, but did not put it on.
+
+    "But our confidence in the Blessed Virgin's influence over him
+    was not diminished, especially when we saw him place the medal
+    on the side of his bed. The Sister in charge of that hall had
+    already slipped one in his pillow-case. Several days passed, his
+    strength was gradually ebbing away, and after many ineffectual
+    efforts to obtain his consent to see a priest, I asked a clergyman
+    to visit him notwithstanding, and I introduced him into the sick
+    man's presence just as some one came to tell me he could not live
+    through that night (October 15th). We found him extremely ill,
+    but still inflexible. After a few moments, I withdrew, and left
+    him alone with the charitable priest, who could get nothing from
+    him but these despairing words: 'Leave me in peace, to-morrow I
+    shall be dead, and all will be over!' Of course, there was nothing
+    else to be done but comply with his request, and you can imagine
+    how painful it was. We redoubled our petitions to the Immaculate
+    Virgin, and this good Mother soon wrought a change in the
+    unfortunate man's heart.
+
+    "Next day, he asked the physician to tell him candidly if his case
+    were hopeless, because he wished to arrange his affairs. That same
+    evening, as soon as the Sister in charge of the hall entered, he
+    said to her very gently and penitently: 'Oh! how sorry I am to have
+    treated the Superior so badly, and the good priest she brought
+    me! Present my apologies to them, I beg you, and ask them to come
+    again.' You know we delayed not a moment in going to see him.
+    Next morning he began his new life, and during the nine days M.
+    Castillon still lived the chaplain visited him several times every
+    day, remaining two hours at a time. One of his brother officers,
+    coming to see him just after his first confession: 'If you had
+    been here a few minutes sooner,' said M. de Castillon, with an
+    utter disregard of human respect, 'you would have found me in good
+    company. I was with the cure, and I could not have been in better.'
+    He had the happiness of receiving the Last Sacraments with the most
+    admirable dispositions. Here are his dying words, which he asked
+    this gentleman to commit to writing: 'I die in the religion of my
+    fathers, I love and revere it, I humbly beg God's pardon for not
+    always having practiced it publicly.' And he expired in the peace
+    of the Lord, October 23d.
+
+    "I now relate the second conversion, that of a woman who, for
+    eighteen years, had been a public scandal, living with a wretch who
+    had abandoned wife and children for her. To such wicked conduct,
+    she added a more than ordinary degree of impiety, boasting that
+    she believed neither in God nor hell, and mocking at everything
+    religion held sacred. Although dangerously ill, she declared that
+    never would she make a confession. Sister N., seeing the rapid
+    progress of the disease and near approach of death, had recourse
+    to the Blessed Virgin; she put a medal around the woman's neck,
+    and began a novena for her conversion, relying upon the assistance
+    of her who, every day, gives us continually increasing proofs
+    that she is our Mother and a most merciful one. Before the novena
+    was finished, this poor creature, yielding to grace, made her
+    confession, and renounced forever the wretch who had been her
+    curse, manifesting as much sorrow for her past life, and proving
+    herself as pious as she had heretofore been shamelessly impious.
+
+    "The above facts, Monsieur, I have thought it my duty to make known
+    to you, for the edification of the faithful and the glory of Mary.
+    May these examples of her power and bounty, lead all sinners to
+    cast themselves into her arms!"
+
+NOTE.--These two events are truly a confirmation of what St. Bernard
+says, "that no one ever invokes Mary in vain;" but what a misfortune
+for those who refuse her succor! A very reliable individual once told
+us, that a sick person to whom a medal had been given, and who began
+to feel the effects of grace, suddenly insisted upon having the medal
+taken off, saying: "It hurts me; I can wear it no longer." To quiet him
+it was taken off, and he soon expired without the slightest sign of
+conversion. The person relating this, was an eye-witness; it happened
+in the month of October, 1834.
+
+
+    CONVERSION AND CURE OF MME. PERON AND CURE OF HER
+    DAUGHTER.--_Attested._
+
+NOTE.--It is Mme. Peron herself who gives us all the details. She lives
+in Paris, rue des Petites-Ecuries, No. 24. We quote her own account,
+written February 26th, 1835, from her dictation, and in presence of the
+Sister who visited her in her sickness.
+
+    "I was sick eight years, and afflicted with very considerable
+    hemorrhages. I suffered much and almost continually. I was without
+    strength; I took but little nourishment, and that little increased
+    my malady, which was gradually exhausting me. I do not remember
+    to have had during these eight years, more than eight entire days
+    of relief from pain; the rest of the time I passed on the bed,
+    unable to perform the work necessary to aid my poor husband in
+    supporting the family. I have even been confined to my bed as
+    long as eighteen months without intermission. I consulted several
+    physicians, who prescribed the remedies usual in such cases, but
+    all to no purpose. My husband, not being able to afford such
+    expense, and seeing no hope of my recovery, lost courage and was
+    almost in despair. Some kind persons sought to cheer him: 'You must
+    not be so low-spirited, my poor Bourbonnais, you must bear up under
+    these trials and show your strength of character; your wife is very
+    sick, but she will recover and your friends will not abandon you.'
+    As for myself, seeing that medicines had no effect and cost us a
+    great deal of money, I dispensed with doctors, and was a long time
+    without seeing one, having resigned myself to a slow death.
+
+    "A neighbor who understood my position, came one day to see me,
+    and urged me not to give up thus, but to have the physician again.
+    I opposed it, because we had not the wherewith to remunerate him.
+    She then proposed to call in a Sister of Charity. I observed that
+    not being in want, perhaps the Sisters would refuse to come, as it
+    might thus deprive of their services, others more unfortunate than
+    myself. This good lady insisted, and I yielded.
+
+    "Next morning, I received a visit from Sister Marie (of St. Vincent
+    de Paul's parish), who brought me some assistance, encouraged me to
+    support my sufferings, and did her best to console me. I can truly
+    say that happiness entered my house with this good Sister. She
+    soon sent a physician, who, after examining me and understanding
+    my case, told her, as I have since learned, that it was a hopeless
+    one, I had a very little while to live, and ought to be sent to
+    the hospital to spare my family the sad spectacle of my death.
+    Hearing this, Sister Marie believed it her duty to give my soul
+    especial attention. I was not an enemy to religion, but I was
+    not very practical; I went sometimes to the parish functions,
+    when my sufferings and occupations permitted, but (and I say it
+    to my shame) I had not approached the Sacraments for years. When
+    the Sister, after several other questions, asked me if I went to
+    confession, blushing, I said 'no.' She begged me to do so, and
+    I replied: 'When I am cured, I will.' The good Sister, little
+    satisfied with my evasive answer, urged me again to see a priest.
+    'Sister,' said I, 'I don't like to be persecuted with things of
+    this sort, when I am cured I will go to confession.' I saw that
+    this answer grieved her, but she never remitted her visits and kind
+    attentions. My malady increased. One Saturday or Sunday night, at
+    the commencement of October, 1834, my whole body was cold, and
+    vainly did my friends endeavor to restore a natural warmth, the
+    chill of death seemed on me. They spoke of reciting the prayers
+    for the dying; I understood a part of what was said, but myself
+    was speechless. Whilst I was so ill, my husband told our eldest
+    daughter to go to bed, and he, thinking me easier because I was
+    feebly breathing, threw himself, without undressing, upon the bed
+    to snatch a little repose; but, getting up a few minutes later, he
+    came to me, put his hand on my face, and was horrified to find it
+    covered with a cold sweat. He thought me dead, and called aloud:
+    'Euphemie,' (this is our eldest daughter's name), 'Euphemie, alas!
+    thy mother is dead!' Euphemie arose and mingled her lamentations
+    with those of her father. Their cries awakened Madame Pelleve, our
+    neighbor, who came to console them. 'Ah! madame,' said my husband,
+    on seeing her, 'my wife is dead!' Having begged him to be resigned
+    to God's will, this lady approached me, and, placing her hand upon
+    my heart: 'No,' she exclaimed, 'she is not dead, her heart still
+    beats.' They kindled a fire, and succeeded in restoring a little
+    warmth to my body.
+
+    "Madame Pelleve went betimes to inform Sister Marie of all this,
+    and the latter hastened to tell the physician. 'I am not at all
+    surprised,' he answered; 'this lady has two incurable diseases.
+    Besides these hemorrhages, she is in the last stage of consumption,
+    as I have already told you, and if not dead before this, she will
+    not live through the day.' My chest had, indeed, been very weak for
+    some time, and the physicians in consultation had all said I could
+    never be cured.
+
+    "At two o'clock in the afternoon I received a visit from Sister
+    Marie, who found me not quite so ill; I could speak. 'Do you
+    love the Blessed Virgin very much?' said she. 'Yes, Sister,' I
+    had indeed always practiced some devotion in honor of this good
+    Mother. 'If you love her very much, I can give you something to
+    cure you.' 'Oh! yes, I shall soon be well.' I spoke of death, for
+    I felt that it was near. Then she showed me a medal and said:
+    'Take this medal of the Blessed Virgin, who will cure you, if you
+    have great confidence in her.' The sight of the medal filled me
+    with joy; I took it and kissed it fervently, for I truly longed to
+    be cured. The Sister now recited aloud the little prayer which I
+    could not read, and urged me to repeat it daily; I promised to add
+    five Paters and five Aves. She then put the medal around my neck.
+    At that instant, there passed through me a new, strange feeling,
+    a general revolution in my whole body, a thrill through all my
+    members. It was not a painful sensation, on the contrary, I began
+    to shed tears of joy. I was not cured, but I felt that I was going
+    to be cured, and I experienced a confidence that came not from
+    myself.
+
+    "Sister Marie left me in this state; after her departure, my
+    husband who had remained motionless at the foot of my bed said:
+    'Put all your confidence in the Blessed Virgin; we are going to
+    make a novena for you.' Towards evening I could raise myself up in
+    bed, which was very astonishing, considering my extreme exhaustion,
+    but a few hours previous. On Tuesday I requested some broth,
+    which was given me at last, and a little while after I took some
+    soup. My strength returned; I felt that I was cured. Finally, on
+    Thursday, I wished to go to church to thank the Blessed Virgin.
+    This suggestion was opposed, but I insisted and at length went.
+    Whilst on the way and alone (for I preferred going by myself), I
+    met Sister Marie, who did not recognize me; I took her hand: 'Oh!'
+    said she, 'it is really yourself!' 'Yes, Sister, it is I indeed; I
+    am going to Mass: I am cured!' 'And what has cured you so quickly?'
+    'The Blessed Virgin, and I am going to thank her.' The Sister was
+    lost in astonishment. I recounted to her how it had all come about
+    in less than three days, and I kept on to church and heard Mass.
+    Since then, I have had no return of my malady; I enjoy good health;
+    I go about my duties, performing a regular day's work, and to the
+    Miraculous Medal am I indebted for it all."
+
+Not only Madame Peron's body but her soul, did the Blessed Virgin
+restore to health; she soon chose a Director and went to confession,
+and she has continued to do so ever since; her life is really very
+edifying. As she deeply regrets having lived so long estranged from
+God, her greatest happiness now is in frequently approaching the
+Sacraments; two things awaken her tears, the recollection of her past
+life, and gratitude for her twofold recovery.
+
+Nor is this all; the Blessed Virgin seems to have chosen this family
+for the purpose of displaying in it the wonders of her power. Madam
+Peron had a daughter aged sixteen, who, after her mother's recovery,
+gave herself to God in an especial manner, employing in exercises of
+piety, all her leisure moments, and edifying her companions in the
+parish confraternity, whenever she could take part in their devotions
+for she lived in another quarter.
+
+The father also was deeply touched at the favors accorded his wife; he
+wears the medal, and he has experienced its blessed effects.
+
+Madame Peron has still another daughter, a little girl six years and
+a-half old, who had great difficulty in speaking, or rather, who did
+not speak at all, although she was not mute. Her utterance was so
+impeded, that she scarcely ever finished a word, thus disconcerting
+the most patient. It was so much the more deplorable, as she was
+quite a bright child. 'What a pity she does not talk!' said everyone
+who witnessed her infirmity. When Sister Marie saw this little girl,
+'Why do you not send her to school,' said she to the mother, 'instead
+of keeping her home all day?' 'You hear how she talks,' answered
+the mother, who did not like to have her child's infirmity exposed.
+However, she yielded to the Sister's wishes, and little Hortense was
+sent to the Sister's parish school. Her imperfect speech did not
+improve, it would sometimes take her five minutes to pronounce half
+a word. Some days after, Sister Marie, who deeply pitied the child,
+spoke to her mother of a novena for curing this defect. "Cure Hortense,
+Sister! it is impossible, it is a natural defect!" The Sister, with
+increasing anxiety insisted. The novena was commenced on Saturday;
+it consisted in hearing Mass every day, and reciting a few prayers
+in honor of the Blessed Virgin. The medal was hung around the little
+girl's neck, and she was to take part in all the exercises of the
+novena. For several days there was no change, but Thursday after the
+Mass of the Blessed Sacrament, Hortense, on leaving church, could
+speak as distinctly and with as much ease as any one. Those who first
+heard her were struck with admiration, the news soon spread, and from
+all sides came persons to see her; they questioned her, and the child
+answered, they scanned her to see if it were really the same, and
+recognizing her, they returned, saying: "This is certainly a great
+miracle, a sudden cure of a natural defect!"
+
+Little Hortense, showing her medal with delight, would say to all who
+knew and congratulated her: "The Blessed Virgin has cured me."
+
+In thanksgiving for so great a benefit, the child was consecrated
+to Mary on the 21st of November, Feast of the Presentation, in the
+same chapel where the apparition of the medal took place, and, in
+commemoration of this great event of her life, she was to wear only
+blue and white until her First Communion. Previous to this ceremony,
+she made her confession, with every evidence of understanding
+thoroughly the importance of the act. When asked if she loves the
+Blessed Virgin, "Oh! yes," she answers, "I love her with more than all
+my heart!" an expression invented, it seems, solely by the fulness of
+her gratitude. She prizes her brass medal so highly, that she would
+not exchange it for one of silver or gold, and she wishes it put in the
+tomb with her when she dies. "We hope, Hortense," said her father not
+long ago, (he always finds a new pleasure in hearing her talk), "we
+hope, when you die, that you will leave us this medal as a souvenir of
+yourself and a relic of the Blessed Virgin." "Certainly, papa, if it
+gives you so much pleasure, but I promised the Blessed Virgin, the day
+of my consecration, that the medal should never leave me, but should
+even descend with me into the tomb when I died."
+
+We publish these details, with the cordial approbation of this family,
+fully imbued with ever increasing gratitude to Mary Immaculate.
+
+These two accounts have been confirmed by nine other persons.
+
+
+    CONVERSION OF SEVERAL SOLDIERS (HOTEL DES
+    INVALIDES)--1834.--_Attested._
+
+NOTE.--All these edifying details, which have already produced a most
+beneficial effect upon many young men, were given us and attested by
+Sisters Radier and Pourrat, who, having charge of that ward, were
+witnesses of the facts, and also instruments of divine mercy in
+operating these prodigies.
+
+    "We had in St. Vincent's ward, number 20, royal hotel des
+    Invalides, Paris, a soldier who had been spitting blood about six
+    months, and who, it was thought, would soon die of consumption. He
+    was naturally polite and grateful for the attentions bestowed upon
+    him, but he showed no signs of religion; his morals were bad, and
+    it was a well-known fact that, for twenty years, his life had been
+    one of scandal.
+
+    "It appeared, however, that faith was not entirely extinguished in
+    his heart, for another patient, his neighbor, being on the point
+    of death and refusing to see a priest, this one entreated him to
+    yield, and was instrumental in bringing about his conversion.
+    Alas! his own turn soon came, we saw him growing worse day by day,
+    he was wasting visibly, and had not once mentioned receiving the
+    Sacraments. As he had urged his neighbor to prepare for death, we
+    hoped he would make his own preparation, without being reminded
+    of it, or, at least, that he would willingly comply with the
+    first suggestion. On the contrary, he absolutely resisted all our
+    entreaties, saying: 'I am an honest man, Sister, I have neither
+    killed nor robbed.' 'Even so,' we would answer, 'we all stand in
+    need of God's mercy, we are all sinners.' 'Oh! Sister, just leave
+    me in peace, I beg you.'
+
+    "However, he began to realize that he had been sinking for several
+    days, and he said aloud: 'There is no hope for me!' This thought
+    appeared to distress him. One day (it was Wednesday, the 26th of
+    November), the disease took such a sudden turn for the worse, we
+    feared he would not live through the day, and, being unable to
+    make any religious impression on him, we warned the chaplain of
+    his condition and his resistance to all our entreaties. The latter
+    went to see him. Our patient received him with great respect, but,
+    wishing to get rid of him adroitly, said: 'I am acquainted with the
+    cure.' A little while after, the cure visited him, and conversed
+    with him some time. On leaving his bedside, the venerable, zealous
+    pastor came to us and said: 'Your patient is very low, and I have
+    not succeeded in getting him to do anything for his soul; indeed,
+    I did not urge him too much, for fear he might say _no_, and then
+    would not revoke it, like so many others, after once giving a
+    decided negative.'
+
+    "The same day a lady of his acquaintance also came to see him, and
+    earnestly but vainly urged him to make his peace with God. To get
+    rid of her importunity he said: 'I know the cure; he has already
+    been to see me, and will return this evening.' The cure returned
+    indeed, according to promise; the sick man, on seeing him, jumped
+    out of bed to show that he was not so ill as to make confession a
+    very pressing matter. The cure, a true Samaritan, rendered him all
+    the little services imaginable, helping him back to bed, and even
+    offering to dress his blister; he then spoke to him about his soul,
+    but without avail, for after an hour's conversation he came to us
+    and said: 'I am deeply grieved, for I have done my utmost, but it
+    has had no effect upon him.' We asked the cure if we must call him
+    during the night, in case the sick man grew worse. 'I think,' said
+    he, 'you had better not, unless he asks for me.' A little later one
+    of us reminded him again of the chaplain, who was passing, but he
+    got enraged and began to swear, so that we had to drop the subject,
+    despite our distress at the thought of his appearing so unprepared
+    before his God. Our grief was so much the greater in proportion to
+    his extreme danger, for the death rattle was already in his throat,
+    and it did not seem possible that he could survive the night. It
+    was then my young companion said to me: 'Oh! Sister, perhaps our
+    sins, as our holy St. Vincent says, have been the cause of this
+    man's impenitence.' Expecting nothing more from the patient, Sister
+    Radier now turned all her hopes towards the Blessed Virgin. During
+    night prayers thoughts of the medal came into her mind, and she
+    said to herself: 'If we put the medal on him perhaps the Blessed
+    Virgin will obtain his conversion,' and she determined to make a
+    novena. After prayers she said to her companion: 'Let us go see the
+    sick man and put a medal on him; perhaps the Blessed Virgin will
+    grant our petitions.' She went immediately, and found him up and
+    in a state of great agitation, and about to leave the room; all
+    the other patients saw it clearly, and said that it was with the
+    intention of committing suicide. The Sister cautiously took away
+    his knife and whatever else might be used in this way, slipped
+    unperceived the medal between his two mattresses, and returned to
+    us very sadly, saying: 'Let us fervently invoke the Blessed Virgin,
+    for I very much fear this poor man will kill himself during the
+    night.'
+
+    "Next day, immediately after rising, and even before seeing the
+    Sister who had kept watch, one of us hastened to visit our patient,
+    and not without most dire forebodings, but, to our astonishment,
+    his mind was calm and he seemed better. On inquiring how he felt,
+    'Very well, Sister,' he answered, 'I passed a good night, I slept
+    well (which I have not done for a long time), and I am better in
+    consequence.' As the Sister retired, he called to her, saying:
+    'Sister, I wish to make my confession, oh! send the cure to me!'
+    'You wish to confess?' replied the Sister, 'take care; are you
+    going to do as you did all day yesterday, do you really want him?'
+    'Yes, Sister, upon my honor.' 'Well, since you wish him, I will go
+    for him, it will certainly be well for you to confess your sins,
+    for it is said that your life has not always been edifying.' Then,
+    without the slightest human respect, he began to mention his sins
+    aloud, and with great sentiments of compunction; we could scarcely
+    induce him to stop. The cure came, and he made his confession,
+    which lasted an hour. Afterwards, one of us having come to see
+    him, he exclaimed joyfully at our reproach: 'Oh! Sister, how happy
+    I am, I have been to confession, I have received absolution, and
+    the cure is to return this evening. Since my First Communion, this
+    is the happiest day of my life!' He appeared deeply affected, and
+    expressed a most ardent desire to receive the good God. 'Do you
+    know what we did?' 'What was it, Sister?' 'We put between your
+    mattresses a Miraculous Medal of the Blessed Virgin.' 'Ah! then,
+    that is why I passed such a comfortable night; moreover, I felt as
+    if there was something about me that wrought a wonderful change,
+    and I do not know why I did not search my bed; I thought of doing
+    so.' The Sister then produced the medal, which he kissed with
+    respect and affection. 'It is this,' he exclaimed, 'that gave me
+    strength to brave human respect. I must place it on my breast; I
+    will give you a ribbon to attach it to my decoration,' (he wore the
+    cross of honor.) The first ribbon offered being a little faded,
+    'No, Sister,' said he, 'not that, but this; the Blessed Virgin must
+    have a new ribbon.' The Sister, regarding his weak state, placed
+    the medal in such a manner that it was somewhat concealed. 'Oh! do
+    not hide it, Sister,' said he; 'put it beside my cross, I shall not
+    blush to show it.'
+
+    "In the afternoon the cure asked us how our patient was, and he
+    was not less edified than ourselves at the account we gave of his
+    admirable dispositions. Preparations were made to give him the last
+    Sacraments. At the sight of the Holy Viaticum, he was so penetrated
+    with emotion that he begged pardon aloud of God for all the sins
+    of his life in detail, and it was with the utmost difficulty he
+    could be persuaded to lower his voice, his heart being too full
+    to contain itself. He passed the following night and the next day
+    in the same dispositions of faith, regret and piety, until Monday
+    morning, December 1st, when he peacefully rendered his soul to God,
+    and we have every confidence that it was received into the arms of
+    His mercy.
+
+    "We relate what we saw and heard; it took place in our ward, which
+    numbers sixty patients, the majority of whom witnessed a part of
+    these details."
+
+NOTE.--Before burial, the Sister took the medal off his corpse, and the
+patient in the next bed begged to have it, so persuaded was he that it
+had been the instrument of this touching conversion.
+
+This consoling return to God was followed by several others not less
+striking or less sincere, and in that very institution, by the same
+means--the medal. Quite lately two have taken place, but the details
+are so very much like the above that for this reason alone we refrain
+from giving them.
+
+All this has been confirmed by M. Ancelin, cure of the Invalides.
+
+
+    CURE OF M. FERMIN, A PRIEST--1834.
+
+This account was sent us by the Superior General of St. Sulpice, who
+was anxious that we should have it. The venerable priest of this very
+estimable Community, who was favored with this grace, wrote the details
+himself, and they were attested by the Superior and the Director of the
+grand Seminary of Rheims, both of whom were witnesses.
+
+    "To the glory of Mary conceived without sin, I, Jean Baptiste
+    Fermin, unworthy servant of the Blessed Virgin, and subject of M.
+    Olier, have, together with my Superior and confreres, thought it
+    my duty to transmit to our very honored Father, an account of the
+    special favor accorded me.
+
+    "Many persons knew what I suffered for six whole years, how I
+    was worn out with a nervous, worrying cough, whose attacks were
+    so frequent and so prolonged that one can scarcely imagine how I
+    ever survived them. My physician himself told me that, for the
+    first three years, my life was in imminent danger, and if in the
+    last three I was less exposed to death at every step, as it were,
+    the giving way of my stomach, the weakness of my chest, were such
+    that all my days were filled with bitterness, and new crosses
+    were laid upon me. In this condition, what ecclesiastical fasts
+    could I keep? Four or five years ago, the desire of complying,
+    in some degree, with the precepts of the Church led me to fast
+    the Ember week before Christmas, and the prejudice to my health
+    was such that I was not permitted to fast again even for a day.
+    Abstinence from meat became impossible, and for having attempted
+    this slight mortification, how much I suffered in consequence, even
+    in the very month of July, 1834! Whilst my health was so impaired,
+    and I saw only a lingering end to my afflictions, it pleased my
+    Superiors to give me a year's rest. I received with gratitude this
+    additional evidence of their consideration for me, and endeavored
+    to co-operate with them in re-establishing my health, of which they
+    had been so thoughtful; but, in my condition, the recuperative
+    powers of nature were of slight avail. Even amidst perfect
+    quiet and rest for four whole months, I experienced but little
+    alleviation of my sufferings, for though my chest became, at least,
+    apparently stronger, my stomach grew weaker and more disordered,
+    so that I was obliged to diet, which, added to the dieting I had
+    already practiced, reduced me to such a state of exhaustion that I
+    could not foresee the consequences.
+
+    "O, Mary, how deplorable was my condition when you cast upon
+    me a look of mercy! The 15th of November, 1834, I was sent a
+    medal, struck in honor of the Immaculate Conception, and already
+    celebrated as the instrument of many miracles. In receiving it,
+    I was penetrated, for the first time, with a strong feeling
+    of confidence, that this was the Heaven-sent means by which I
+    would reach the end of my afflictions; I had not foreseen this
+    hope, still less had I excited it, for I believe I can say,
+    conscientiously, that I felt naturally disinclined to ask a favor
+    of which I deemed myself unworthy. However, the feeling became so
+    strong that I thought it my duty to consider it prayerfully next
+    morning; and not to oppose so good an impulse, I determined to
+    make a novena, and I commenced it on the 16th. From that moment my
+    confidence was boundless, and like a child who reasons no longer,
+    but sees only what he feels sure of obtaining, it sustained me
+    amidst the new trials to which I was subjected; for on the 19th,
+    and several days after, my sufferings were redoubled, affecting at
+    once both stomach and chest. On the 22d I felt considerably better,
+    on the 23d I believed myself strong enough to abandon a diet on
+    which I had subsisted a long time, and on the 24th I wished to eat
+    just what was served the Community; that very morning I commenced,
+    like the hearty seminarians, to take a little dry bread and wine,
+    and it agreed with me. Thus my desires were accomplished. I had
+    implored the Blessed Virgin to give me health to live according
+    to the rule, and she had done so; but a good Mother like Mary
+    would not leave her work imperfect, and she chose the very day of
+    her Conception to bestow upon me her crowning favors. I was still
+    troubled with a slight indisposition of the stomach accompanying
+    digestion after dinner, but it was not positive suffering, and even
+    this remnant of my old infirmity disappeared entirely. On the eve
+    of that Feast my devotion to Mary, which had lost a little of its
+    first fervor, was, when I least expected it, excited anew, and I
+    felt urged to implore the consummation of a good work so happily
+    begun. I did so that evening, and next morning at prayers, at Mass,
+    at my thanksgiving, and it was in finishing this last exercise
+    before a statue of the Blessed Virgin, after a most fervent prayer,
+    that I realized the recompense of my confidence--I felt assured
+    that my petitions had been granted. Since then I have experienced
+    no indisposition worthy of attention. I was able to fast the Ember
+    week before Christmas and the eve of that great solemnity; I sang
+    the ten o'clock High Mass the fourth Sunday in Advent; I followed
+    all the offices of the choir on those days the Church consecrates
+    to the celebration of our Divine Master's birth, and, instead of
+    regretting these efforts, I find in each one of them a new motive
+    for blessing the Lord and testifying my gratitude to our good
+    Mother.
+
+                                         J.B. FERMIN."
+
+
+    "Though surpassing our hopes, we have witnessed the speedy and
+    perfect recovery of M.J. Fermin, which appears to be something
+    supernatural, since he employed no other remedies than great
+    devotion to the Blessed Virgin and a novena in her honor.
+
+                                       "AUBRY, RAIGECOURT GOURNAY."
+
+
+    II.
+
+    _Graces Obtained during the Year 1835, in France, Switzerland,
+    Savoy and Turkey._
+
+
+    CURE OF MADEMOISELLE JOUBERT.
+
+NOTE.--The account of this very striking cure was sent us by M.
+Poinsel, Vicar General of Limoges, whom I took the liberty of asking
+for it.
+
+                                        "_Bishopric of Limoges._
+
+    "Glory to God! honor to Mary!
+
+    "The 10th of February, 1834, Mlle. Joubert, aged twenty-nine
+    years, a person of solid piety, was suddenly cured of a painful
+    and very serious infirmity. For more than a year, she had carried
+    her left arm in a sling, by reason of an unaccountable disease
+    which extended from the shoulder to the hand, and was of such a
+    nature that the afflicted member seemed dead; when necessary to
+    be handled, it had to be done with extreme precaution, and even
+    then the pain was so excessive that often the patient fell sick
+    in consequence. The disease was successively styled rheumatic
+    gout, inflammatory and gangrenous rheumatism; science employed in
+    combating it, baths, shower baths, poultices, liniments of all
+    sort, vain remedies which only aggravated the evil and varied
+    the suffering. Sometimes amputation was spoken of: 'Would to
+    God, Mademoiselle, you had but one arm!' said the physician,
+    not concealing his anxiety and fears of her death, as spring
+    approached, for the diseased arm was pale, livid, and frightful to
+    behold.
+
+    "The young lady, a true Christian, was resigned to all; by
+    meditations upon the cross, she encouraged herself to suffer,
+    and, perceiving the progress of the disease, she thought only of
+    dying the precious death of the just. A friend, one day, proposed
+    to her that she should wear the medal with confidence, and make a
+    novena to Mary. She acted upon the suggestion; at the end of the
+    novena, on the usual day of her confession (she was accustomed to
+    confess weekly), she approached the sacred tribunal, and lo! at the
+    very instant when recollected, contrite and humbled, she received
+    the moral effect of the priest's benediction and holy words, an
+    extraordinary physical change took place in the arm heretofore
+    judged incurable, it suddenly became unloosed and free, all
+    suffering vanished! 'I scarcely knew where I was,' said she, 'but
+    it seemed to me as if a cord that had been tightly drawn around my
+    arm was unwound, ring after ring, and I was cured! My surprise, my
+    joy, were extreme and beyond all power of expression!'
+
+    "On reaching home, she exclaimed: 'A miracle! light a taper, light
+    two, come, come, see the miracle! I can move my arm, animation is
+    restored to it, I am cured!' Oh! how great the joy of that family!
+    They surrounded the favored one, they looked at, they touched the
+    resuscitated member, they tested its powers in various ways, making
+    her lift divers objects and execute a variety of movements; then,
+    all the members of this truly Christian family, moved even to
+    tears, fell on their knees, and recited that hymn of thanksgiving,
+    the _Te Deum_.
+
+    "Since then, (that is, for more than a year), her arm has been
+    perfectly well. The physician himself was struck with this event,
+    which it would be difficult to attribute to concealed resources,
+    or the sudden agency of nature. What is nature without the
+    intervention and action of God? He is sole Master of nature, life
+    and death are at His will. It is not necessary, then, to reason so
+    much on the subject; a little faith will easily make us recognize
+    here a special grace of God, through the intercession of Mary, our
+    kind, sweet Mother, to whom we must ever repair, invoking her with
+    love and confidence.
+
+    "Such is the simple and conscientious account of the event given
+    me, the undersigned, by the person herself, in answer to my
+    questions, in the presence of an intelligent, reliable individual
+    who saw all, having several times dressed the arm, and who, by
+    reason of her skill and long experience, was well calculated to
+    judge of the danger.
+
+    "In attestation of which, etc.
+
+                                         "POINSEL, Vicar General.
+
+    "_February 14, 1835._"
+
+These details are confirmed by two letters of Madame and Mademoiselle
+Joubert, by the testimony of the Superior of the Daughters of Charity
+of Limoges, and that of M. Dumonteil, a lawyer and friend of the family.
+
+
+    CONVERSIONS AND CURES WROUGHT IN SWITZERLAND.
+
+Letter from Sister Boubat, Superioress of the Daughters of Charity in
+Chesne:
+
+                                               "_February 12, 1835._
+
+    "I have not great miracles to recount to-day, but the facts I give
+    are certainly very striking traits of protection. However, I shall
+    tell them just as they are, and let you judge of them for yourself.
+    Those of which I was not an eye-witness have been told me by very
+    reliable parties who were.
+
+    "1st. A woman who had been sick a long time, and given up by the
+    doctors, received, one evening, the Miraculous Medal, and was
+    restored to her usual health that night; feeling perfectly well,
+    she said to her husband next morning that she would get up and
+    prepare breakfast. He treated this as nonsense, and when she really
+    did arise, his astonishment was great, and beyond all bounds when
+    he found that her health was fully restored.
+
+    "2d. In the same village, a young mother had two children, one six
+    the other eight years old. The latter was attacked by a violent
+    malady, described to me as a convulsion, and died in a few days.
+    The younger had a similar attack, and seemed on the verge of death.
+    The poor mother was in the depths of grief, when some one thought
+    of offering her a medal. She received it as a treasure. It was
+    evening; she put it on the dying child, who soon fell asleep, and
+    slept soundly the whole night. In the morning he awoke perfectly
+    cured! This good woman afterwards came to me to get medals for
+    herself and some others. Oh! I wish you could have seen her as she
+    wept for joy whilst expressing to me, with all simplicity, the
+    transports of her soul! Never will I forget it, so deep was the
+    impression it made upon me.
+
+    "3d. A child five years old had been racked for several months by a
+    fever, which resisted all efforts to check it. One day, he was in
+    his grandmother's arms when the paroxysm began. This woman, full of
+    faith, applied the medal; the child soon grew better, and the fever
+    never troubled him again.
+
+    "The attending physician was a relation; on seeing him after this,
+    the child ran towards him, exclaiming with all the animation and
+    artlessness of his age: 'I am cured, but it was not you who cured
+    me, it was the medal.' He repeats these words nearly every time he
+    sees the doctor.
+
+    "4th. A young man, on his death-bed, filled all his friends with
+    serious apprehensions for his salvation. After several vain efforts
+    of the most charitable zeal, the cure induced him to accept a
+    medal, and very soon the dying man expressed a wish to confess. He
+    expired in the most edifying dispositions.
+
+    "5th. Three sinners obstinately refused to assist at the exercises
+    of a mission given in their parish, and even sought to oppose it.
+    One of the missionaries persuaded them to accept a medal, and as
+    soon as they had received it, a great change was visible. They
+    not only made the mission, most devoutly, but became its zealous
+    advocates.
+
+    "I get these details from a very venerable cure, who gave them to
+    me himself.
+
+    "6th. There came to me recently a woman from the neighboring
+    mountainous district, who said without any previous explanation:
+    'You cured one of my daughters whom all the physicians had given
+    up; I now wish you to give me the same thing.' I tried at once to
+    recollect what medicines I had prescribed, and asked question after
+    question concerning the nature of the malady, so as to know what
+    remedy I had dispensed. After puzzling my brain to discover, she
+    told me it was a piece, thus suddenly reminding me that I had given
+    a medal to a young woman from that place, who came to consult me
+    about her failing health. To verify the fact, I sent word for the
+    young woman to come to see me.
+
+    "I pass over in silence a multitude of other events which, without
+    being termed miracles, are none the less real graces; and in my
+    eyes one most precious and great grace for us is, that the Blessed
+    Virgin deigns to make use of our poor little house to propagate
+    devotion to her. Oh! if you could see these good mountaineers
+    of every age and sex come with the greatest confidence and most
+    touching simplicity, asking for _na medaillot_--a medal. It has
+    affected me deeply, and I cannot sufficiently express my gratitude
+    to our tender and Immaculate Mother.
+
+    "Even Protestants have asked us for these medals, and I am
+    assured it was with perfect sincerity. The pastors in Savoy are
+    also very zealous in propagating this devotion to Mary. Since
+    reading the notice, they have mentioned it from the pulpit to
+    their parishioners, many of whom have, in consequence, procured
+    the medal. Likewise, do we see young men about to enter the army
+    fortify themselves with it, and persons undertaking a voyage
+    wearing it as their safeguard; indeed, every one has recourse to it
+    as the universal remedy for soul and body."
+
+
+CURE OF SISTER HYACINTHE, A RELIGIOUS OF CALVARY.
+
+It is the Mother General of the Community who has given us these
+details. Her letter is dated February 7th, 1835.
+
+    "I am overwhelmed with joy; our poor patient is perfectly cured
+    by virtue of the Miraculous Medal. I could say our patients,
+    for our prayers were offered both for the paralytic and that
+    young person whom I told you had been sick eleven months;
+    she was able to remain out of bed only a few hours each day;
+    whenever she could go to Mass, and that was rarely, she had to
+    be assisted, and the support of an arm was necessary when she
+    approached the Holy Table. Since Thursday she walks alone and
+    eats without experiencing the slightest symptom of her former
+    infirmity, except a little weakness. I hope the Lord will
+    finish His work and restore her to perfect health; but let us
+    speak of our dear Sister.
+
+    "The following is a copy of the account I wrote of this marvel
+    to our holy Bishop day before yesterday, after Mass:
+
+    "'I acquaint Your Grace with an incident of God's great mercy,
+    displayed to our Community in the sudden cure of one of our
+    choir religious, named Hyacinthe, aged forty-seven years.
+    This good Mother, the 14th of last January, had a stroke of
+    paralysis. It did not affect her head, but immediately fixed
+    itself in the left side, which became motionless and devoid
+    of feeling. We hastened to summon the physician, who bled
+    her freely in the arm; next day we tried leeches, medicines,
+    a blister on the neck, and three days after one upon the
+    paralyzed limb, but all of no avail. The poor patient, as well
+    as ourselves, must submit to the decrees of Him who strikes
+    and heals at will. At the end of fifteen days I was inspired
+    with the thought of making a novena in honor of the Immaculate
+    Conception, the medal of which, called the miraculous, we all
+    wear. On the fourth day of the novena, as we were about to
+    recite the prayers around her bed, the good Mother desired Holy
+    Communion. She was taken to the choir by three persons; after
+    receiving, the limb felt a little better, and she could return
+    with the aid of two persons only. Her confidence in the Mother
+    of God increased daily; yesterday she asked permission to come
+    down on the last day of the novena, and this morning, with the
+    assistance of a cane and some one to support her, she came down
+    and had the happiness of receiving Holy Communion. Immediately
+    after, we finished the novena prayers, just at the end of which
+    she was seized with a pain in the paralyzed arm, followed by an
+    icy chill and then a sensation of extreme heat. She came to me
+    with both arms lifted, exclaiming, "I am cured!" And perfectly
+    cured she was, being able to walk and use her limbs as freely
+    as if she had never felt a symptom of paralysis.
+
+    "'To give you an idea of our joy and gratitude, Monseigneur,
+    would be impossible. The patient fainted, and I came very near
+    doing the same; it was with difficulty I could continue our
+    prayers of thanksgiving, so marvelous did it seem that the Lord
+    should have granted this favor to our Community, under the
+    government of one of His most unworthy servants.'
+
+    "I send you this copy, which we had kept, of the letter.
+
+    "In the same letter I asked Monseigneur's permission to have
+    a _Te Deum_ chanted at the end of Benediction. His Grace
+    hastened to send word that he not only permitted but ordered
+    it, which order was joyfully complied with. The Vicar General,
+    our Superior, wrote, asking me to defer our Vespers half an
+    hour, as he wished to assist at the _Te Deum_. Several other
+    ecclesiastics also came, and saw our healed ones blessing God.
+    Since that day our good Mother Hyacinthe follows the rules,
+    complies with all her duties, and has never felt the least
+    return of her malady.
+
+    "This miracle created great excitement in our city; the
+    laborers who were working at the house having learned it on
+    the spot, immediately spread the news; the evening previous,
+    they had seen our poor Sister dragging her limb, a cane in
+    hand, and almost carried by two persons, and next morning they
+    beheld her perfectly cured! These men, who have seldom much
+    religion, sang the praises of God's power, and asked me to
+    give them medals. I gave a medal to each with great pleasure.
+    Clergymen have come to learn the particulars of this event, and
+    I let the miraculously cured herself recount the wonders of the
+    Lord.
+
+    "I must not omit informing you that the physician having vainly
+    exhausted all remedies, had been nine days without seeing the
+    patient; and the very eve of her recovery he told one of our
+    boarders that the disease having settled itself he believed
+    our afflicted one might be able to walk, but she could never
+    use her arm again. On coming next day to visit his other
+    patients, he was surprised beyond expression when she appeared
+    before him perfectly cured. Wishing to get his candid opinion
+    on the subject, I remarked that probably it was not real
+    paralysis, but only a numbness. 'It was a strongly marked case
+    of paralysis,' he answered, 'and there is certainly something
+    supernatural in her recovery.'
+
+    "In thanksgiving we continue the novena prayers, but preface
+    them with the _Laudate_.
+
+    "Make such use of this letter as you may deem advisable. If
+    you insert it in the notice, you are at liberty to name our
+    city and house. Oh! how we long to spread abroad the knowledge
+    and love of God's power, signally displayed in answer to our
+    invocation of the Immaculate Mother of His Divine Son.
+
+                                   "SISTER ST. MARIE,
+                              "_Superioress of Calvary of Orleans_."
+
+
+CURE OF MADAME LEBON (DIJON).
+
+NOTE.--"The venerable lady upon whom this cure was wrought
+belongs to a highly honorable family of Dijon, and her personal
+character is very well calculated to inspire the utmost confidence,"
+says _L'Ami de la Religion_, in its issue of April 17th, 1835.
+Moreover, the letter she wrote, March 12th, to one of her friends, and
+which she was anxious should be transmitted to us, is accompanied by
+the certificates of the pastors of St. Michael of Dijon, of Dampierre
+and Beaumont-sur-Vingeanne, also of five members of the municipal
+council, and several other very reliable persons, some of them members
+of her family; more than this, it is followed by a detailed account
+given by the medical attendant, who had charge of her case for sixteen
+years.
+
+    "_Dijon, March 12, 1835._
+
+    "_Madame and Dear Friend_:
+
+    "You ask me the details of the miraculous manner in which it
+    has pleased God to restore me to health. Well! it might be
+    summed up in these few words: I implored Mary to obtain my
+    recovery, and she did obtain it instantly; having said this,
+    you know all, but you desire me to recall the circumstances of
+    my sickness and my experience subsequent to the cure. I give
+    them as follows:
+
+    "You doubtless remember that, for more than twenty years, I
+    could not walk, in consequence of an abscess on the intestines,
+    which left me in such a state of sensibility that ever after a
+    walk of more than a hundred steps I was exposing myself to the
+    most serious accidents. Neither are you ignorant of the fact
+    that, nearly fifteen months ago, by reason of influenza, a
+    second abscess formed, and so increased the irritability that I
+    hovered between life and death, and even when at my best I was
+    scarcely able to drag myself from one room to another. But you
+    have probably never heard that, since the 1st of last December,
+    my condition was so critical that, with great difficulty, could
+    I remain out of bed three or four hours at a time, which made
+    me, as well as those around me, think my end was near and I
+    would not survive the spring.
+
+    "This was my condition, dear friend, when some one mentioned
+    to me the medal of the Immaculate Virgin, and urged me to get
+    it. I was a long time deciding to do so, for I considered it
+    presumptuous to solicit the cure of an infirmity the physicians
+    had pronounced incurable. At last, having thought, on the one
+    side, that the more desperate the malady, the greater God's
+    glory should He deign to cure it; and, on the other, that He
+    had wrought the most wonderful miracles for those who were
+    least worthy, I decided to mention it to my confessor. I did
+    so, and he encouraged me to make the novena.
+
+    "The 2d of February, Feast of the Purification, the first
+    day of the novena and one ever memorable for me, I was taken
+    to church in a carriage; my daughter, sole confidante of my
+    intentions, assisted me to the Blessed Virgin's altar, where,
+    after hearing Mass as well as my infirmity would permit, I
+    received Holy Communion. Scarcely had I knelt to make an act
+    of adoration, when I was obliged to take my seat. A Sister of
+    Charity, whom I did not know was there, for I had not hoped to
+    receive the medal just yet, put it on my neck. Immediately,
+    I got on my knees to beg the Mother of the afflicted to
+    intercede with her divine Son for the restoration of my health,
+    should He foresee that it would be conducive to God's glory and
+    her honor, to my salvation and the happiness of my husband and
+    children. Scarcely had I pronounced a few words, petitioning
+    our Lord to graciously hear His holy Mother's prayer, ere Mary
+    had interceded and God in His great mercy had hearkened; I was
+    cured, Madame, entirely cured.... I finished all the prayers
+    of thanksgiving after Communion and those of the novena on my
+    knees, and, without experiencing the slightest inconvenience,
+    my malady had disappeared and I have never felt the slightest
+    symptom of it since. I walked, unassisted, to the church door,
+    sent away the carriage and returned home on foot.
+
+    "I have given you a detail of the facts, but to express the
+    feelings that filled my heart on re-entering my house would be
+    impossible; my joy, my astonishment, were boundless; I could
+    hardly realize it myself. Cured in an instant! The thought was
+    overpowering! It seemed as if I must be in a dream, but my
+    husband's astonishment, my mother's, and that of the servants,
+    who, seeing the great change wrought in me, although they were
+    ignorant of the means, could not forbear exclaiming: 'But a
+    miracle must have been worked upon you!' convinced me that I
+    was not asleep.
+
+    "Since that time I walk as well as any one; scarcely was my
+    novena finished ere I could go from one end of the city to the
+    other. It has not been six weeks since my cure, and I have
+    already walked more than three miles at a time, and could have
+    accomplished twice as much. You see, Madame and dear friend,
+    that the miracle is a most striking one.
+
+    "I now beg of you, as well as all other pious souls, to unite
+    heartily with me in thanking God and His august Mother.
+
+                             "Your ever devoted
+                                     "ELIS. M. DARBEAUMONT LEBON."
+
+The physician's certificate ends thus: "Whatever may have been the
+cause of a cure, heretofore regarded as impossible by all the doctors
+who attended Mme. Lebon, it should be considered none the less certain
+and positive, for the evidence of the fact is indubitable.
+
+"Wherefore, I sign the present attestation, which I declare sincere and
+true.
+
+                                             "FOURNIER, Doctor.
+"_Dampierre, March 19, 1835._"
+
+
+CURES WROUGHT AT SMYRNA AND CONSTANTINOPLE.
+
+Extract of a letter from M. Le Leu, Lazarist missionary:
+
+    "_Constantinople, March 16, 1835._
+
+    "It has been a long time since I proposed writing you something
+    about the medal. In my eyes, one of the greatest miracles it
+    has ever worked is the rapidity of its propagation and the
+    confidence it inspires. By our demands upon you for medals, you
+    may judge of their effect in this country. We could dispose
+    of thousands and yet not satisfy the innumerable calls we
+    have for them. At Smyrna, it is the same. We had occasion to
+    send a few into the interior of Asia, and the Blessed Virgin
+    showed herself no less powerful or beneficent there than in
+    Europe. At Angora, an old man was deprived of the use of all
+    his limbs, and had neither walked nor worked for years; he
+    lived in frightful poverty, and sighed for death, for he was
+    especially grieved at being so long a burden upon a family in
+    indigent circumstances. (In this country there are numbers of
+    Armenian families very devoted to the Blessed Virgin, and this
+    was one of them.) He had no sooner heard of the Miraculous
+    Medal, than he solicited the happiness of obtaining and wearing
+    it. In these countries the Faith has retained its primitive
+    simplicity; this recipient of a medal does not content himself
+    with praying before it, or hanging it around his neck, but he
+    kisses it with profound respect and applies it to the affected
+    part; the Blessed Virgin cannot resist such confidence, and the
+    good old man instantly recovers the use of his limbs--he now
+    works and supports himself.
+
+    "Here is another incident: A young woman belonging to a
+    respectable and very pious family had, for a long time, been
+    a prey to a disease, the nature of which neither the French,
+    Greek nor Turkish physicians could understand. Its symptoms
+    were most violent pains in the side, which prevented her
+    walking, eating or sleeping, and which sometimes disappeared,
+    only to return with renewed violence. Having heard of our
+    medal, this lady felt interiorly urged to employ it for her
+    recovery, but believing herself unworthy of obtaining a direct
+    miracle, she besought the Blessed Virgin to enlighten the
+    physician and make known to him the proper remedy. Thereupon,
+    she went to the country. At the end of several days, she was
+    astonished to see her physician, who exclaimed as soon as he
+    saw her: 'Madame, good news! I have found the remedy for your
+    disease. I am sure of it; in a few days you will be perfectly
+    well. I do not know why it is, but your case has constantly
+    occupied my mind since your departure, and by a careful study
+    of it I have at last discovered the cause of the disease and
+    the manner of treating it.' The lady recognized at once that
+    this knowledge came from above, and she had not implored Mary
+    in vain. To-day she is in excellent health. It was from the
+    mouth of her mother I received these details. 'O Monsieur,'
+    exclaimed this good mother, 'how happy I am at my poor
+    daughter's recovery! It is the Blessed Virgin who has restored
+    her to me. If you could only get me a few more of these medals;
+    I am overwhelmed with requests for them.' The physician himself
+    published the details I have just given. So persuaded is he of
+    the efficacy of the medal that he calls it his final remedy,
+    and advises his patients to wear it whenever he is at a loss
+    concerning their malady. And the Blessed Virgin has rewarded
+    his faith; for one of his own daughters, a most pious person,
+    but in miserable health, has just experienced its beneficial
+    effects.
+
+    "I could mention numberless other incidents, as many
+    conversions as cures, but one more will suffice for to-day.
+    Not long ago the mother of a family had every symptom of an
+    attack of apoplexy; she had already lost consciousness, when
+    her son, a very pious young man, who wore one of these medals,
+    took it off his neck and put it around hers. He then ran for a
+    doctor and a priest. On reaching the house they were all three
+    astonished to find that she had quite recovered. That evening
+    the son asked his mother for the medal, and she returned it,
+    but a moment after was stricken with another attack. The
+    protection of the Blessed Virgin seemed to have been withdrawn
+    with this sign of her power. He immediately put the medal on
+    her neck again, this time to remain, and she has been well ever
+    since.
+
+    "Oh! do not delay, I beg you, in sending us the medals we have
+    asked of you."
+
+
+CONVERSION AND CURE OF AN OLD MAN AT CASTERA-LES-BAINS.
+
+NOTE.--These details are sent us and attested by M. Bellos,
+clerk of registration at Auch, and by other very reliable persons.
+
+    "In the early part of March, 1835, an old man in the parish of
+    Castera-les-Bains (Gers), fell dangerously ill. The venerable
+    parish priest, M. Barere, hastened to visit him, hoping he
+    might persuade the poor creature to cast himself into those
+    arms that were extended on the cross for all sinners. Our
+    patient, who had not been to confession for long years,
+    received him like an infidel as he was, refused all religious
+    assistance, and ended by saying: 'M. cure, I would rather
+    lose my speech than comply with your wishes!' The charitable
+    pastor retiring, though very reluctantly, now thought of the
+    Miraculous Medal he wore, and, taking it off, gave it to one
+    of the household with instructions to put it in the patient's
+    bed; advising, however, in case the ruse were discovered, no
+    allusion to the subject, so as to spare the unhappy one all
+    occasion of invective against religion. But, oh! marvelous
+    to relate! a little while after, the dying man awakens as if
+    from a profound slumber, and earnestly begs that the cure
+    be sent for to hear his confession. At this news, the good
+    pastor flies to his lost sheep, who receives him with every
+    expression of joy, begs his pardon, and asks to receive the
+    Sacrament of Penance. It would be superfluous for us to dwell
+    at length upon the sentiments and language of the charitable
+    minister of religion. He was so touched by his penitent's
+    dispositions, that he did not hesitate to take him the Holy
+    Viaticum next morning. Many of the faithful accompanied the
+    Blessed Sacrament to the sick man's chamber; confessing again,
+    he abjured his errors before all the assistants, and earnestly
+    entreated them to pardon the scandal his past conduct had
+    given them. Every one was affected to tears, and it was in
+    the midst of this universal emotion that he received the good
+    God, with the deepest sentiments of humility and compunction,
+    and recommending himself to the prayers of all present. In the
+    course of the following night, fearing he might be carried
+    off by a spell of weakness, he requested Extreme Unction, and
+    received it with the same evidences of faith and piety. This
+    conversion was followed by his perfect recovery, and the good
+    old man now blesses Divine Providence, which, through Mary's
+    protection, rescued him from the borders of a frightful abyss
+    into which his infidelity would have plunged him forever.
+
+    "The undersigned, who got these details from the mouth of
+    the cure of Castera, vouches for their authenticity. He has
+    neither added to nor taken from them in the slightest, knowing
+    full well that the Blessed Virgin has no need of falsehoods
+    to prove her power and goodness. It is, then, on his word of
+    conscience he gives this fact, which none of the inhabitants of
+    Castera and the neighboring country would deny, even were he
+    incredulous."
+
+
+CURE OF ROSALIE MORVILLIERS, ACKNOWLEDGED AS MIRACULOUS BY ALL THE
+PARISH.
+
+    "_Hangest_ (_Somme_).
+
+    "I have mentioned to you the cure wrought by the Miraculous
+    Medal upon a person aged fifty years; the fact is
+    incontestable. Rosalie Morvilliers, the recipient of this
+    favor, had never been free from suffering since her seventh
+    year; an affection of the nerves caused almost constant
+    palpitations of the heart and severe headaches, which, however,
+    did not hinder her performing some slight work without
+    aggravating the malady. But about five years ago, she was
+    afflicted by an unmistakable attack of epilepsy, which threw
+    her family into the greatest consternation. Henceforth, she was
+    obliged to keep her bed, and saw no one but her most intimate
+    friends; the very sight of a face that was not familiar was
+    sufficient to throw her into dreadful convulsions for several
+    hours. Independent of any external cause, these paroxysms
+    usually came on three times a day, and so violent were they,
+    that it was with great difficulty she could be kept in her
+    room; she uttered most frightful cries, her features were
+    horribly distorted, her mouth covered with foam, and, indeed,
+    according to the testimony of those who usually witnessed the
+    attacks, it was some time before she regained consciousness.
+
+    "Such was her condition when some one gave her a Miraculous
+    Medal. She received it with the greatest confidence, and
+    immediately applied it to that part of her head where the
+    pain was most acute; the pain disappeared immediately. From
+    that moment she felt urged to make a novena in honor of the
+    Immaculate Conception for the cure of her epilepsy. But
+    diffidence in mentioning the matter to her director made her
+    defer the execution of this pious design six weeks. At length,
+    she yielded to her desires, saying she felt fully persuaded
+    that this novena would ensure her recovery through the Blessed
+    Virgin's intercession, and her confidence was not misplaced.
+    The cure immediately began the novena, engaging in it the
+    sodality of the Holy Family. Whilst at Mass on the morning of
+    the last day, the 17th of Mary's month, the patient was seized
+    with the most violent attack possible, the worst she had ever
+    had, although during the novena, the paroxysms had increased
+    in intensity. Suddenly it ceases. A number of persons begin to
+    pray and recite the chaplet; the patient, regarding them with
+    a smile, gently falls asleep. A few minutes after, she opens
+    her eyes and exclaims: 'I am cured! I am cured! The Blessed
+    Virgin has just cured me of epilepsy! Oh! how good she is, how
+    powerful! It seems to me as if there had just been a general
+    revolution throughout my body. I feel confident, my friends,
+    that this disease has been banished from my system forever.'
+
+    "It was very easy for the assistants to believe that some
+    extraordinary change had really been wrought in her, for her
+    countenance presented not the slightest vestige of the attack.
+    She now desired to communicate, and oh! with what transports of
+    faith, gratitude and love she received the good God!
+
+    "The noise of this cure soon reached the neighboring villages.
+    How beautiful yet, Monsieur, is the simplicity of the faith in
+    these rural districts! Henceforth, every one wished to wear the
+    medal.
+
+    "This event took place on the 17th of May, at nine o'clock
+    in the morning. Since that time the patient has not felt the
+    slightest symptom of epilepsy. She leaves her room, walks about
+    the garden, and receives visitors indiscriminately, without
+    experiencing any ill effects. However, the Blessed Virgin
+    did not cure all her infirmities; she still has the nervous
+    affection that existed before the epileptic attacks, but I
+    should observe that as the novena was made solely for the cure
+    of epilepsy, the Blessed Virgin has obtained all that was asked
+    of her.
+
+    "This, Monsieur, is the exact statement. Some, no doubt, would
+    attribute the cure to natural causes; as for ourselves, we,
+    like the patient, feel convinced that it was owing to Mary's
+    powerful intercession. The cure agrees with us, and so do all
+    who glory in the truths of religion. Honored, then, be the
+    power and goodness of Mary conceived without sin!"
+
+
+CURE OF A DAUGHTER OF CHARITY AND ANOTHER PERSON (DIOCESE OF MOULINS).
+
+The following letter was sent by a gentleman of unquestionable veracity
+to the _Journal du Bourbonnais_, and published in its issue of June 6,
+1835:
+
+    "_Monsieur_:
+
+    "We are all Mary's children; at the foot of her Divine Son's
+    cross did her maternal heart adopt us as her own. All ages
+    have felt the salutary effects of her powerful protection; our
+    fathers have admired them, we ourselves admire them, and our
+    days are filled with marvels. Even recently has she appeared,
+    shedding torrents of grace upon a privileged kingdom, and this
+    kingdom is France. The vision is verified, for the age which
+    saw it has also witnessed the multiplication of countless
+    miraculous cures and conversions.
+
+    "And shall Bourbonnais, our dear country, be excepted in the
+    distribution of Mary's favors? Oh! no; it also shall have a
+    share in this harvest of glory. The truly astonishing rapidity
+    with which the thousand Miraculous Medals brought to our city
+    have been disposed of is to me a sufficient guaranty of our
+    hopes, and it would keep one's pen in daily use to note the
+    wonderful traits of Mary's protection.
+
+    "1st. Sister Chapin, of St. Joseph's Hospital, was for more
+    than two years racked by pains and a fever that defied all
+    medical skill.
+
+    "This angel of earth lamented her inability to fulfil the
+    duties of her noble vocation; far from abating, her charity,
+    zeal and resignation seemed to increase with her gradually
+    declining health, which now excited our serious fears. Having
+    vainly exhausted all the resources of medicine, she turned her
+    back upon art and nature that she might address herself to
+    faith alone. Full of confidence in the Miraculous Medal, she
+    began a novena to Mary for the recovery of her health. Before
+    the novena was ended, both pains and fever had disappeared, and
+    henceforth, she began a new existence, her strength returned,
+    and she is happy to prove herself by deeds (fulfilling with
+    ease the most painful duties) what her virtues have ever
+    proclaimed her, a true daughter of St. Vincent de Paul.
+
+    "2nd. Yesterday, again, was witnessed in our Bourbonnais,
+    another wonderful trait of Mary's protection. Here are the
+    facts: On Monday, June 1st, at eight o'clock in the evening,
+    in the parish of Montilly, near the borders of Allier and the
+    castle of Beau-Regard, a woman was stricken with a violent
+    rush of blood to the head; the lamentations and piercing cries
+    of the family attracted their neighbors. Two alarming crises
+    succeeded; they were followed by a third, which was thought to
+    be mortal. The patient, after violently struggling against the
+    combined efforts of four men to restrain her, fell motionless
+    and apparently lifeless; her limbs were stiff and chill, her
+    face a livid blue, her features distorted, her eyes fixed, her
+    respiration insensible, death seemed imminent. This frightful
+    attack had lasted about half an hour, when some one present
+    thought of the Miraculous Medal; she approaches the dying woman
+    and lays the medal upon her lips. At that instant the latter
+    arouses from her slumber, she breathes, she clasps her hands
+    as if thanking the person who had restored her to life she
+    recognizes all around her, speaks to them and thanks them for
+    their kind attentions.
+
+    "The next morning, Tuesday, it was not at the gates of death
+    she was to be found, but in the streets of Moulins, where I saw
+    her myself and spoke to her.
+
+    "Pardon me, O divine Mary, if among a thousand striking
+    traits of your power and goodness, I dwell upon some which
+    are comparatively slight, it is only because of their recent
+    occurrence in our very midst. Happy shall I esteem myself to
+    awaken among my brethren a passing tribute to Faith, that
+    living, salutary Faith, whose efficacy I have experienced, and
+    whose truths I long to see planted and nourished in all hearts!
+
+    "Deign to accord, etc."
+
+We have learned that Sister Chapin's recovery is permanent.
+
+
+CURE OF MARIE LACROIX (DIOCESE OF LANGRES).
+
+NOTE.--It is M. Barillot, Vicar General, who sends us this
+account:
+
+                              "_Bishopric of Langres, June 20, 1835._
+
+    "_Monsieur_:
+
+    "M. Regnault, cure of Ormoy, canton of Chateau-Villain, in our
+    diocese, an excellent pastor and judicious priest, writes me
+    the subjoined letter of the 19th inst.:
+
+    "'A very extraordinary thing has just taken place in my
+    parish. A young woman aged twenty went blind in consequence
+    of a fall; her hip was displaced, and she lost all use of
+    her limbs, except the arms. For three months she was at a
+    hospital of Bar-sur-Aube, under treatment for these severe
+    afflictions, but in vain. At last, judging her case hopeless,
+    the physicians sent her back to her parents at Ormoy. Here,
+    as at Bar-sur-Aube, she endured for three months incredible
+    sufferings, not even being able to turn herself in bed or
+    change her position in the slightest. Her recovery was now
+    despaired of by all, and lately the minister received a
+    petition (with the accompanying certificates of the two
+    physicians who had attended her at Bar-sur-Aube) asking her
+    admission into the hospital of Quinze-Vingts. Meanwhile,
+    this young woman, who had always appeared to me very pious
+    and submissive to God's will, having received a Miraculous
+    Medal, immediately begins a novena. Seven days elapse, and
+    her sufferings, far from diminishing, are intensified; on the
+    eighth she is bathed in a profuse perspiration, after which she
+    suddenly rises, dresses herself, and walks through the streets
+    to church, to the great astonishment of all the people, who,
+    seeing her, cannot restrain their tears.
+
+    "'I questioned her closely, but did not express my opinion
+    on the subject. I went to Bar-sur-Aube to get additional
+    information; the physician declares it astonishing, especially
+    when we consider her former hopeless condition. The hospital
+    Sisters, the cures of Bar-sur-Aube, the patients, all say it is
+    truly a miracle. The people of Ormoy and even of the vicinity,
+    who come to see her, wonder that I do not mention it from the
+    pulpit. I beg of you to let me know how to act in the affair,
+    and also that you will speak to the Bishop about it.'
+
+    "The Bishop has since sent word through me to the cure
+    of Ormoy, to publish this miraculous occurrence to his
+    parishioners; he has also charged me with forwarding you a copy
+    of the good cure's letter, leaving to your discretion the use
+    you may make of it.
+
+                         "I am, etc.,
+
+                              "BARILLOT, Canon, Vicar General."
+
+Before printing this, we wished to ascertain if the cure were
+permanent, and the Vicar General sent us the following response from
+the cure of Ormoy:
+
+    "The cure is permanent; for several months past the young
+    woman has been with the Ursulines of La Chapelle, who consider
+    her physically able to share in the labors of the house; her
+    condition having been attested by three doctors. Her sudden
+    recovery, as above mentioned, leads us to believe that it was
+    surely supernatural. I was far from meriting this favor which
+    has been granted my poor parish. I hope the Blessed Virgin will
+    finish her work.
+
+    "_November 3, 1835._"
+
+
+CURES WROUGHT IN THE CHABLAIS DISTRICT (SAVOY).
+
+                    "_The Borders of Lake Geneva, June 18, 1835._
+
+    "_Monsieur_:
+
+    "The country purged of Calvin's heresy by the labors of
+    Geneva's holy bishop, is not a stranger to the blessings
+    figured by the medal's mysterious rays. This wonderful
+    instrument of Mary's liberality has been propagated with
+    astonishing rapidity, though only a few months since we heard
+    of it in our midst. I consider it a pious obligation to offer
+    you a few small stones towards the construction of that temple
+    of glory now in process of erection, to the honor of her,
+    who has lately proved herself more powerful and merciful on
+    earth than ever before. I am a young villager living amidst my
+    family; I do not announce miracles to you, but merely recount
+    facts just as I have seen or heard them. I could have subjoined
+    a list of signatures, but I did not judge it necessary, the
+    docile, religious heart deeming them superfluous, and the
+    skeptic, fraudulent, like the facts. On a perusal of the first
+    few phrases in each incident, persons living in the vicinity
+    will recognize the individuals concerned, and thereby be more
+    deeply impressed.
+
+    "1st. In the month of July, 1824, Mlle. C., aged twenty-nine
+    years, bade, as she thought, a last adieu to her family; she
+    and some other generous companions were going to one of the
+    large cities in southern Italy to consecrate themselves there
+    to the service of the sick and poor. After a few months'
+    novitiate in a religious house devoted to works of this nature,
+    she was attacked by one of those debilitating, wasting maladies
+    that physicians are at a loss to define. Attributing it to the
+    climate, the Superiors, after twenty-two months' ineffectual
+    treatment at the novitiate, sent her to breathe her natal
+    air. But change of air proved vain also, and the doctors at
+    last ceased their visits, judging the re-establishment of
+    her health an impossibility. About six years ago, she had
+    improved sufficiently to walk a few steps beyond her chamber,
+    and even remain in the open air some minutes, but amelioration
+    was illusory, and since 1830 she had not been able to leave
+    her couch of suffering except for a few instants. Many times
+    during these last five years was she apparently on the verge
+    of death, and that for several consecutive days, always,
+    however, retaining her hearing and intellectual faculties,
+    since she could respond by signs to the priest who visited
+    her. It was he who gave me these particulars. Her condition
+    had become such that it was judged advisable to administer the
+    Last Sacraments. This house was now a school of edification,
+    where Christians might study the price of sufferings and the
+    heroism of patience. Finally, about the end of last April,
+    this poor creature, so tortured for the past eleven years,
+    conceived a hope of relief through the Miraculous Medal,
+    but, mistrusting the somewhat extraordinary impressions the
+    thought made upon her imagination, it was only from obedience
+    she could be induced to commence a novena. The sole exercises
+    consisted of repeating, three times a day, the invocation: 'O
+    Mary! conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to
+    thee!' On Wednesday, April 24th, the second or third day of
+    the novena, she felt an irresistible desire to arise. It was
+    yet very early in the morning; a little child assisted her
+    to dress. Finding that her limbs support her, she begins to
+    think it must be something miraculous, and, filled with joy,
+    she wishes to announce the news to her mother, who is in an
+    adjoining room. Arrived at the door, she is seized with fright,
+    and precipitately turns back; but, being reassured of her newly
+    restored strength by the facility with which she reaches her
+    own chamber, she overcomes herself, and, retracing her steps,
+    seeks the embraces of her mother, her sister and brother.
+    Her unexpected appearance fills them with great emotion, and
+    abundant tears attest the depths of their joy and gratitude. A
+    clergyman, who often visited this lady, soon heard rumors of
+    her recovery, but gave no credit to them. Meeting her mother
+    on the street not long after, she burst into tears at sight
+    of him, and was unable to express the cause of her emotion.
+    Suspecting it, he went immediately to the house, and saw for
+    himself what a miracle had been wrought. With Mlle. C., he
+    unites in blessing her powerful protectress, the Immaculate
+    Mary.
+
+    "Since that time, April 24, to the present date, June 18th,
+    Mlle. C. rises about seven o'clock, hears Mass on her knees,
+    employs herself in various duties during the day, makes visits
+    and walks of half an hour's or even an hour's duration, and
+    continues well, even her complexion begins to assume a healthy
+    tinge. Her legs are still a little swollen, and she cannot yet
+    take much nourishment.
+
+    "The sudden appearance of this person, whom every one had
+    known to be seriously afflicted for eleven years, created an
+    extraordinary sensation. All eyes were fixed upon her, and many
+    persons even followed her. This took place in the capital of
+    the province.
+
+    "2d. In the month of August, 1833, my sister, at the sight of
+    a child who barely missed falling through an open trap door,
+    was suddenly attacked by frightful nervous convulsions, which
+    henceforth returned daily, and even as often as fifteen times
+    a day. It was only at the end of two months that remedies, and
+    a four weeks' strict hospital treatment, succeeded in checking
+    them. Last year, they manifested themselves again in the month
+    of February, but disappeared, leaving her a prey to great
+    weakness, and a fever that kept her in bed four weeks.
+
+    "In the February of this year, the nervous convulsions
+    returned, and with a frequency and force that were truly
+    alarming. The patient wasted visibly, the paroxysms were
+    renewed seven and ten times a day, and were of a most frightful
+    character; the circulation of her blood seemed checked, her
+    feet and hands were deathly chilled, she jerked her head with
+    violence and precipitation, an agitated cry escaped her breast;
+    the attack lasted from three to six minutes, and left her
+    completely exhausted. The witnesses of this painful spectacle
+    were affected to tears. She was taken to a skillful physician,
+    who after seeing her in one of these convulsions, pronounced
+    the case hopeless, saying, 'it baffled him, he could not
+    understand it.' However, he prescribed remedies. Meanwhile, the
+    first medals arrived in our midst. On Shrove Tuesday, my sister
+    had five attacks, which she assured me were the worst she had
+    ever had. Next day, wearing the medal, she began a novena, and
+    the two convulsions she had that day were the last; never since
+    has she felt the slightest symptom (and that without employing
+    the prescribed remedies), neither has she had a sign of the
+    fever, which last year replaced the less violent convulsions.
+    This cure was wrought in an insensible, but very efficacious
+    manner, the first day of a novena made through the medal. My
+    sister immediately resumed the manifold duties of a laborious
+    household. She attributes, and we also, her recovery to Mary
+    alone. Thousands of times be love and glory to this good Mother!
+
+    "3d. In the Chablais district, on the frontiers of the canton
+    of Geneva, lived a poor widow, the mother of quite a large
+    family. This good woman, about sixty years old, had a natural
+    predisposition to paralysis. At the age of forty-eight, an
+    attack of this disease deprived her of the use of her left
+    arm. At intervals since then, she has had spells of illness
+    so serious and so protracted, that at least a hundred times
+    she seemed on the verge of the tomb. She never consulted a
+    physician, but animated with a lively, persevering faith, she
+    employed only supernatural means. 'God and the Saints are the
+    only good doctors,' she would say, and 'God and the Saints'
+    rewarded her confidence. She has recovered from these hopeless
+    maladies in an extraordinary manner. On the first of last
+    March, her left foot lost the power of supporting her body
+    in walking, doubtless owing to her natural predisposition to
+    paralysis. Persons informed on the subject have given the
+    following description of the convulsive movements of this poor
+    woman's foot: suspended, it preserved its natural position, but
+    on putting it to the ground, it immediately lost its balance;
+    her body was bent, her knee turned out, the sole of her foot
+    exposed, and the left side of her foot was the foundation of
+    support for the left limb in walking. She went thus to church,
+    distant about four minutes' walk; but even in that short space
+    of time, the convulsive movements of the foot were sometimes
+    such that she was not able to keep her balance, but fell to
+    the ground. Every one pitied her, she was always calm and
+    perfectly resigned. Her children had made for her an iron
+    brace which reached to the knee, but after a trial, she was
+    obliged to discard it, the remedy causing more suffering than
+    the disease. During the Lenten season, some charitable persons
+    advised her to seek Mary's assistance through the Miraculous
+    Medal. The good widow did so, and wore her medal with the
+    utmost confidence. On Holy Saturday, she perceived that her
+    foot had become steady; the next day, Easter, without any
+    remedies having been used, it resumed its natural position, and
+    since that time, though a little weaker than the right, not
+    once has it given way or turned. She attributes her recovery to
+    the Blessed Virgin, whom she invoked by wearing the medal, so
+    justly styled miraculous.
+
+    "I could cite many other less striking cases; one time it is a
+    hardy peasant who attributes to Mary's intercession relief from
+    violent pains; another time, a little child, who in a few days,
+    is completely cured of a large tumor under its arm, accompanied
+    by fever; a mother who tells me how her daughter's ill health
+    is sensibly improved by the application of the medal; or a
+    Protestant girl, who, after wearing it, abjures heresy, etc.
+    Nearly all the children of our village wear the Miraculous
+    Medal around their neck, they recite the invocation, they kiss
+    the precious image and give it to their little sisters and
+    brothers in the cradle to kiss.
+
+
+III.
+
+_Graces obtained from 1836 to 1838 in France, Italy, Holland, etc._
+
+
+CONVERSION AND CURE OF M. GAETAN (BOULOGNE).
+
+This account was sent me by the cure of Boulogne, February 8, 1836.
+
+    "In my parish, a young man named Gaetan U---, aged twenty-seven
+    years, was leading a life of criminal intimacy with a woman.
+    Several years after abandoning his mother and brother, that he
+    might be under no restraint in his shameless course, he was
+    prostrated by a serious pulmonary attack. M. Jean Pulioli, an
+    excellent physician, undertook the case; but the violence or
+    the disease overcame his skill, and the patient (still in the
+    house of the bad character with whom he lived,) was reduced to
+    such a deplorable state of exhaustion, that he could not move
+    himself. From the beginning of his sickness he had insisted
+    that he would not be worried by a priest. But the disease
+    making very rapid progress, the doctor believed it his duty to
+    warn a priest of his condition. My chaplain went immediately
+    to see him, and earnestly entreated him to put an end to this
+    scandalous state of affairs by marrying the woman, but all in
+    vain. I then paid him a visit, and besides remarking in him
+    neither any intention of marrying her nor of separating from
+    her, I perceived from the excuses he gave, that his soul was
+    enshrouded in impenetrable indifference. Having uselessly
+    exhausted all efforts to effect a change, I concluded it would
+    be better to leave him awhile to quiet and serious reflection,
+    and return later to know his decision. I urged him to seek
+    the mediation of that refuge of sinners, the Blessed Virgin,
+    and slipping the Miraculous Medal under his pillow, I left.
+    There was no necessity for my returning to learn his decision,
+    he sent his mother for me, with whom he had become reconciled
+    in the meantime; after informing me of the very just reasons
+    he had for not marrying the woman, he asked me if I would
+    not request her to leave, a commission I willingly accepted.
+    She consented, and immediately abandoned the house. The sick
+    man's peace and joy at this were indescribable; when I showed
+    him the medal, he kissed it most fervently and impulsively,
+    notwithstanding his state of exhaustion. Then, with every mark
+    of sincere repentance, he confessed, received the Holy Viaticum
+    and Extreme Unction, for we expected each moment he would
+    breathe his last. This occurred January 19, 1836. Interiorly,
+    he enjoyed unspeakable peace, a favor he always attributed to
+    the Blessed Virgin. From this time he began to improve, and
+    in a few days his health was completely re-established. He
+    continues to persevere in his good resolutions, and full of the
+    tenderest affection for his celestial Benefactress, he still
+    reverently wears the medal I gave him, often kissing it with
+    truly filial love.
+
+    "Monsieur, I was a witness of the above-mentioned fact; I send
+    it to you, not only with the permission of the newly converted
+    and cured, but at his request, and I hope that the knowledge
+    will redound to the honor and glory of the Omnipotent God, who,
+    through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin, has wrought
+    this double miracle.
+
+    "I subjoin the certificate of the physician who attests the
+    disease and its cure."
+
+
+CURE OF A JUDGE AT NAPLES.
+
+The judge of the civil tribunal of Naples, M. Joseph Cocchia, seriously
+debilitated by a chronic disease of the bowels, was afflicted with most
+violent pains, accompanied by a spasmodic sensation that, continually
+increasing, banished sleep and appetite, and perceptibly diminished
+his frame. This was followed by a bilious gastric fever, long and
+obstinate, of fifty days duration. When freed from the fever, the sick
+man found himself in a frightful state of emaciation and exhaustion;
+signs of inflammation in the bowels, and such extreme irritation that
+the least jolt induced fever, made skillful physicians fear lest these
+were the symptoms of an incurable malady still more deplorable. Whilst
+in this pitiable condition, there reached the sick man's ears accounts
+of the prodigies Divine mercy had wrought in favor of those who wore
+the medal; he eagerly asked for one, and received it with faith;
+henceforth, he had no longer any need of medical assistance, for he
+recovered the strength and perfect health he now enjoys.
+
+
+CURE OF F.P. DE MAGISTRIS.
+
+M.F. Paul de Magistris, aged seven years, was attacked about the
+middle of November, 1835, by a bilious gastric fever, which, by reason
+of accompanying circumstances, threatened to shorten his life. After
+three weeks' illness, his nervous system was also attacked, and he
+became a prey to a state of profound drowsiness that resulted in the
+loss of reason and speech. His afflicted parents, seeing the obstinacy
+of the disease, notwithstanding all efforts of medical skill to the
+contrary, considered the case hopeless, and their child lost to them.
+On the evening of January 9th, the cure administered Extreme Unction,
+believing, as did all the assistants, that the little sufferer had but
+a few hours to live. A young person, who came to the house, having
+mentioned the Miraculous Medal brought from France by the priests of
+the Congregation of the Mission, it was immediately procured, and,
+with confidence in its healing powers, applied to the child, whilst
+all present knelt around his bed and recited the _Ave Maris Stella_.
+Scarcely had they finished, ere he was considered out of danger. With
+renewed confidence in the medal, it was resolved to begin a novena
+in honor of the Blessed Virgin. During its progress, the disease
+diminished perceptibly, and the child has now entirely recovered. Its
+parents, as well as other persons of credit and veracity, among them
+the attendant physician, attest that, having witnessed his deplorable
+condition, they feel convinced his recovery was a miracle, resulting
+from the application of the medal.
+
+_February 22, 1836._
+
+
+CURE OF A DROPSICAL MAN (SWITZERLAND).
+
+                            "_Soleure, January 19th, 1836._
+
+    "Baptiste, a wood sawyer, whom you knew during your sojourn
+    in this city, was confined to his bed two whole months by
+    an attack of the severest form of dropsy on the chest. One
+    of our best physicians, who attended him at the beginning
+    of his sickness, having told Baptiste's wife that the case
+    was a hopeless one, the family decided to consult another,
+    M. Gougelmann, at Attyswill, a league from Soleure. After
+    seeing the patient, he also gave the same opinion, and the
+    poor wife's distress was beyond expression. A pious lady,
+    witnessing her grief, gave her a Miraculous Medal. The sick
+    man's arms, legs, and whole body were greatly swollen. His
+    breath was short, and he had scarcely any power of motion; his
+    back, and his elbows upon which he was obliged to lean, were a
+    mass of sores. In this pitiable state, death might be expected
+    any moment. His confessor having come to visit him, brought
+    the Notice of the miracles wrought through the Miraculous
+    Medal. The sick man on receiving it began to read it aloud,
+    greatly to the astonishment of his wife and the priest, who
+    were both witnesses that he had been almost past the power
+    of speech but a few minutes before. And he continued reading
+    thus until he had finished the little book (it was one of the
+    first editions). This was the evening of January 19. His wife,
+    overcome with fatigue, fell asleep for a few moments, his
+    children were in an adjoining room expecting at any instant to
+    hear the sad news of their father's death. He slept a little
+    towards three o'clock in the morning, and on awaking found
+    himself so well that it was impossible to resist the desire of
+    rising from his bed and throwing himself on his knees before a
+    crucifix, in thanksgiving to Our Lord and His divine Mother.
+    His wife awoke, and not seeing him in bed, called to know where
+    he was. 'I am well; the Blessed Virgin has cured me,' was the
+    answer of Baptiste, whom she perceived kneeling before the
+    crucifix. The children, hearing the noise, hastened to their
+    father's presence, believing him about to breathe his last,
+    but judge of their surprise at finding him restored to health,
+    and his sores perfectly healed! Imagine, if you can, the joy
+    of this poor family, and the happy effects the news of this
+    wondrous cure produced upon the many who heard it. Baptiste has
+    had excellent health ever since."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+CURE OF FRANCOIS WENMAKERS, OF BOIS-LE-DUC (HOLLAND).
+
+The _Noord Brabander_, a Holland journal, printed at Bois-le-Duc,
+contains in number 68 the following account of an extraordinary cure,
+which is attributed to the Blessed Virgin:
+
+                                "_Bois-le Duc, June 6th, 1836._
+
+    "The 25th of last April, Francois Wenmakers, a young
+    apprentice, aged fourteen years, fell from a height of
+    about sixteen feet. An affection of the brain and an almost
+    complete paralysis of the lungs, larynx and oesophagus were
+    the result; he was not in a condition to take any medicine
+    into his stomach, or even to swallow the least liquid, and he
+    was deprived of consciousness. One of the physicians, feeling
+    worried at his fixed stare, advised the administration of
+    Extreme Unction; and yet another, the eve of his recovery,
+    declared him on the verge of death. The sick man moreover,
+    had become nearly blind the last few days. On the 1st of May,
+    advantage was taken of a lucid interval, to give him the Holy
+    Viaticum; and on the 4th of the same month, he received Extreme
+    Unction from one of the chaplains of St. Jean. His parents, who
+    immediately after his fall, had hung a medal of the Immaculate
+    Conception around his neck, seeing there was now no hope of his
+    recovery, except in the divine goodness and the intercession
+    of the Blessed Virgin, began, on the 16th of May, a novena in
+    honor of the Mother of God. Three days after, about six o'clock
+    in the morning, the patient suddenly asked his mother if the
+    medal around his neck were blessed. She answered yes, regarding
+    the question as the effect of delirium. He immediately
+    kissed it, and sat up for the first time since the fall, for
+    heretofore he had been stretched out helpless on the bed, and,
+    for some days past, had been deprived of the use of his limbs.
+    'Something tells me,' he exclaimed, 'that I must get up, that
+    I am cured!' The astonishment of those present may easily be
+    imagined. The mother called his sisters, who repaired to the
+    room with an elder girl, and they, seeing that he stoutly
+    persisted in declaring himself cured, persuaded his mother to
+    let him rise. He did indeed get up, and pointing to a picture
+    in the room, representing the medal, he said: 'It is this good
+    Mother who has cured me.' From that moment the boy's health was
+    perfectly re-established, and his intellectual faculties were
+    brighter than ever.
+
+    "Reflections here are superfluous. Glory to God and her who
+    thus rewards the confidence of her servants! The parents and
+    their child will ever remember the blessing they have received,
+    and never cease to publish it!"
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+CURE OF ROSALIE DUCAS, OF JAUCHELETTE (BELGIUM).
+
+Rosalie Ducas, of Jauchelette, near Jodoigne, aged four years and
+a-half, was, on the 9th of November, 1835, suddenly struck with total
+blindness without the slightest premonitory symptoms; there was no
+disease, no weakness, she was in apparently perfect health. Not only
+was the least light, but the least breath of air so painful, that her
+face had to be kept constantly covered with a cloth four doubled. This
+poor child's sufferings night and day, were heart-rending! At last the
+mother herself was taken sick. Some pious individual procured her a
+blessed medal of the Immaculate Conception. She took it and commenced
+a novena. Another medal was put on the child's neck, the 11th of June,
+1836, about six o'clock in the evening; at midnight, the little one
+ceased its moans, on the fourth or fifth day of the novena, it opened
+its eyes. The mother and father redoubled their prayers to the Blessed
+Virgin, and on the ninth day, towards evening, the child recovered its
+sight entirely, to the great astonishment of the neighbors and all who
+were witnesses of the occurrence.
+
+    "The cure of Jodoigne-la-Souveraine, who had given the medal,
+    has himself seen the child who lives not more than half a
+    league distant; he positively asserts that it has perfectly
+    recovered its sight, and that not the slightest vestige of the
+    attack remains, which fact is well known, and contributes not a
+    little in exciting devotion to the Immaculate Mary."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+CONVERSION OF THE FATHER OF A FAMILY (BELGIUM).
+
+    "There are still in existence here some families who,
+    persistently recognizing in the present clergy only a purely
+    civil power, hold themselves utterly aloof, live in a state of
+    schism, and comply with none of the duties of religion.
+
+    "One of these miserable creatures was afflicted with a virulent
+    cancer on the side of his face, which for a long time had been
+    eating away the flesh. The malady increasing, I believed it my
+    duty to visit him and offer the consolations of my ministry.
+    I saw him several times, he was suffering greatly; the
+    oesophagus was exposed, the right side of his emaciated face
+    presented only a deep sore, the eye, starting from its socket,
+    hung suspended over a terrible disfigured mouth; his tongue
+    caused him acute pain; his condition was pitiable indeed,
+    especially as he seemed determined to die impenitent. He was
+    a rough, blunt man, who wanted to hear nothing about priests
+    or Sacraments. In vain was he reminded of our Lord's bountiful
+    kindness and the rigors of His justice, nothing touched
+    him; to all expostulations his invariable reply was: 'God's
+    mercy is great, I will confess to God, the Blessed Virgin,
+    to St. Barbara and the good Saints.' He was the counterpart
+    of those men to whom Jesus Christ said: '_In peccato vestro
+    moriemini_--you shall die in your sin.'
+
+    "His relations and numerous friends endeavored both by prayers
+    and entreaties to snatch him from perdition, but on the other
+    side visited daily and sustained by his old associates in
+    impiety, he persisted in dying as he had lived, in schism.
+
+    "In the meantime, I was obliged to be absent several days. This
+    period was for him one of Divine mercy. A lady of the parish
+    made a last attempt to recall him to God, by bringing him one
+    of those medals of the Immaculate Conception called miraculous.
+    She sent it to him with the request to wear it and put all his
+    confidence in the Blessed Virgin. The sick man took the medal,
+    kissed it respectfully, and put it under his pillow. In giving
+    it to him, his daughter had taken care to acquaint him with
+    its origin and advantages, at the same time urging him, as
+    usual, to make his confession. 'Leave me in peace,' was the
+    wretched father's reply, and she could say no more. Next day,
+    a neighboring cure was sent for to administer Extreme Unction
+    to another person in the parish. He came, and forgetting, as
+    it were, the one for whom he had been sent, he thought only of
+    the cancerous patient. 'I felt,' he afterwards told me, 'an
+    inexplicable and irresistible desire to visit him, I could not
+    have returned without seeing him.' He asks some one to announce
+    his arrival to the sick man; this person speaks to the latter,
+    and urges him to confess. 'The cure of P. is here,' she adds,
+    'and would like to see you, if you have no objection.' 'Well,
+    yes, let him come.' The cure went to him immediately; at first
+    there was a slight air of resistance about the patient, but it
+    vanished, the hour of grace had come, he confessed with every
+    indication of true repentance, and received Extreme Unction
+    with an indescribable peace and joy, that never faltered during
+    the four remaining days of his life. The Holy Viaticum could
+    not be administered because he was not able to swallow.
+
+    "At noon, on the 18th of last May, the month consecrated to
+    Mary, he died, aged seventy-eight.
+
+    "Except his former companions in irreligion, this conversion
+    was a subject of rejoicing to the parish, and doubtless it
+    will rejoice all the servants of Mary who hear of it. May this
+    example, among thousands, inspire sinners with great confidence
+    in the Blessed Virgin, propagate devotion to her, and multiply
+    the medal styled miraculous!
+
+    "I have thought it a duty to give these few details, for the
+    purpose of making known the truly visible effects of the
+    protection of the Mother of God, and the ever impenetrable
+    springs of grace in regard to man.
+
+    "I have the honor to be, Monsieur, with great esteem, &c."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+CURE OF MLLE. ANTOINETTE VAN ERTRYCK (BOIS-LE-DUC).
+
+    "The protection of the Blessed Virgin, which for the last few
+    months has shown itself so powerful in a neighboring kingdom,
+    has also wrought wonders in Bois-le-Duc. Mary has here likewise
+    given equal proofs of her maternal bounty when we have implored
+    her intercession.
+
+    "Mlle. Antoinette Van Ertryck, aged twenty-five years, was for
+    more than twenty months deprived of the use of her limbs; they
+    were stiff and paralyzed, almost without feeling, and stretched
+    motionless on a sort of bench made for the express purpose.
+    Medicine afforded no relief. In this sad condition, wearing
+    a blessed medal of the Immaculate Conception, she thought of
+    making a novena in honor of the Feast, to recover her health.
+    On the last day of the novena, she made a fervent communion.
+    Even after the departure of the priest, who came to administer
+    the Blessed Sacrament, there seemed no change for the better,
+    but she felt a shiver through all her body, like the impression
+    often experienced from sudden cold. Just whilst finishing the
+    last prayers, however, she seemed to hear an interior voice
+    saying to her: 'You are cured.' On attempting to move, she
+    found that her limbs had become flexible, and she was able to
+    walk. The miracle was wrought on Saturday, May 16th. The next
+    day, Sunday, she went to church to return thanks for this
+    blessing to the common Mother of all the faithful. The people
+    of our city, always distinguished for their veneration for the
+    Blessed Virgin, and their confidence in her intercession are
+    not wanting in gratitude, and this new favor will but increase
+    their devotion to Mary Immaculate.
+
+    "The duration of the malady, the inutility of medical skill,
+    and her astonishing sudden cure are attested by the doctor.
+
+    "A. BOLSIUS, M.D."
+
+
+CURE OF A YOUNG GIRL AT CRACOW, POLAND.
+
+Extract from a letter of the Countess Lubinska:
+
+                                    "_March 12th, 1837._
+
+    "I took into my service, the 20th of last December, a young
+    girl whose excellent qualities elicited my deepest interest.
+
+    "After being with me some months, she began to suffer most
+    acute pains in the head; the remedies we employed affording
+    no relief, the attending physician advised her to keep her
+    bed, and did not conceal from her his opinion that these pains
+    proceeded from the humor flowing constantly from her ears, and
+    which seeming to be upon the brain, threatened her life, or at
+    all events, her reason.
+
+    "What confirmed this opinion was the fact that whenever she
+    walked rapidly or stooped, she was forced by the pain to throw
+    her head back, as she assured me various times during her
+    sickness. The continued suffering induced her, at last, to
+    follow the physician's advice, and consent, if necessary, to
+    the operation of trepanning. I shuddered at the very idea, and
+    made her promise to ascertain if a delay of ten days would be
+    attended with any serious consequences. Upon a negative answer
+    from the physician, I stopped all medicines and determined
+    to try the efficacy of the Miraculous Medal. This was on a
+    Saturday, and the very day observed by her as a strict fast,
+    in thanksgiving to the Blessed Virgin for having miraculously
+    cured her of a mortal typhus, after her mother had dedicated
+    her to Mary. Her confidence in Mary was great; and as I did
+    not give her the medal for some hours after promising it,
+    she told one of her friends, as I have since learned, that
+    her impatience to receive it was almost beyond bounds, and
+    assured her that she would not have hesitated between it and
+    two thousand francs had she been allowed a choice, and we
+    must remember that this girl was very poor. To display more
+    clearly the miraculous nature of the cure, God permitted her
+    sufferings to increase to such a degree that very day, that
+    notwithstanding her patience and resignation, it seemed as
+    if she really could not endure them much longer. Knowing her
+    lively faith and confidence, I deemed it unnecessary to enter
+    into a detailed account of the salutary effects of the medal;
+    I gave it to her; she immediately made with it the sign of
+    the cross upon her poor head, repeated the invocation and
+    fell asleep amidst excessive sufferings. On awaking she was
+    perfectly cured, and has never since experienced the slightest
+    symptom of the disease.
+
+    "Filled with sentiments of the deepest humility and the
+    most lively gratitude, the miraculously cured now wishes to
+    consecrate herself to God in the religious life.
+
+    "Blessed a thousand times be God and the Immaculate Mary, and
+    may we ever appreciate such boundless mercy!"
+
+
+CONVERSION OF M. REGNAULT, MAYOR OF POITIERS.--1837
+
+The following account was sent us by the abbe of Chazelle:
+
+                                "_Poitiers, June 12th, 1837._
+
+    "M. Regnault, mayor of Poitiers, had exercised his functions
+    since the year 1830. In some difficulties, occurring during his
+    administration, with the bishop and several of the clergy, he
+    had shown himself just and equitable. His charity to the poor
+    was well known. But far different are these moral virtues,
+    which generally receive their recompense here below, from the
+    Christian virtues so seldom rewarded, except in a better world!
+    M. Regnault never appeared at church, except when his presence
+    as mayor was necessary. A prey for some time to a grave malady,
+    he continued to exercise his functions as long as possible,
+    imposing upon himself for that purpose many sacrifices, and
+    displaying an admirable zeal; but, vanquished by the disease,
+    he was at length forced to suspend his duties, and, since the
+    1st of last January, to resign altogether. The cure of St.
+    Hilaire, having learned the alarming state of his parishioner's
+    health, hastened to visit him, and offer the consolations of
+    his ministry, but in vain. He repeated his visits. He was
+    received into the house, but not taken to see the patient. He
+    now sent word to the latter that he was at his command, and
+    would come immediately when sent for. Meanwhile, the disease
+    made such rapid progress that there was no longer any hope of
+    recovery. Several of his friends, interested in his salvation,
+    were grieved to see him so near death without the slightest
+    preparation for it. One of them brought him a Miraculous Medal,
+    and, not being able to see him herself, she asked a woman
+    about the house to give it to him for her. The woman did so,
+    and, fearing he might reject it with contempt, she begged him
+    to receive it for the donor's sake. He took it, saying: 'It is
+    a medal of the Blessed Virgin; I accept it respectfully, God
+    is not to be trifled with.' And, putting it under his pillow,
+    he sent a kind message of thanks to the lady who had given
+    it. Some moments after, he takes it out, contemplates it, and
+    kisses it respectfully.
+
+    "Having placed his temporal affairs in order, he now expresses
+    a wish to do the same with his conscience, and requests his
+    attendants to send for the parish cure. The latter hastens to
+    the sick man's bedside. 'I have made you come in a hurry,'
+    says the patient, 'I want to have a conversation with you.'
+    After this conversation, he asks the cure to return next day,
+    as he wishes time to prepare himself for the grand action he
+    contemplates. 'The step I am about to take,' he adds, 'I do
+    with full knowledge and entire conviction.' The cure of St.
+    Hilaire, with whom, as mayor, he had just had a law-suit,
+    suggested that he make his confession to some other priest; he
+    answered that he wished no one but his pastor. Next day, the
+    cure returned, and as he addressed his penitent by the title of
+    M. the Mayor: 'Do not call me that,' said M. Regnault; 'you are
+    now my father, I am your son, I beg you to address me thus.'
+    The cure paid him frequent visits, and as the disease continued
+    to progress, he suggested administering the Holy Viaticum and
+    Extreme Unction. 'I have not been confirmed,' replied the
+    pious patient, 'I ardently desire to receive Confirmation.'
+    The bishop was soon informed, and, readily forgetting all
+    subject of complaint, and thanking God for this unexpected
+    change, the venerable prelate went at once to the sick man.
+    The happy dispositions of the latter touched him deeply, and he
+    administered to him the Sacrament of Confirmation the very day
+    of his receiving Extreme Unction and the Holy Viaticum.
+
+    "It is impossible to give an idea of M. Regnault's faith
+    and truly angelic fervor during this ceremony, or the deep
+    impression made upon him at seeing Monseigneur enter his
+    chamber. It was Saturday, January 21st, the eve of Septuagesima
+    Sunday. Monseigneur addressed him in a few words full of
+    unction and charity, and to inspire him with hope, reminded
+    him of the very touching parable of the next day's Gospel, the
+    laborers in the Father's vineyard, who coming at the last hour
+    received the same recompense as those who had borne the heat
+    and burden of the day. All the assistants were deeply affected
+    at this edifying spectacle, and many were moved to tears.
+    The bishop, on leaving, charged the cure to testify again to
+    M. Regnault how great consolation he had experienced at this
+    happy change, and how much he had been edified at his piety
+    during this touching but long ceremony. 'As first magistrate
+    of the city,' he answered, with a peaceful smile, 'I ought to
+    set good example to those under my administration.' The cure
+    sought by repeated visits to sustain this new-born piety,
+    already tried most severely by the excruciating sufferings of
+    the malady, sufferings which the patient bore with calmness
+    and resignation, offering them to God in expiation of his past
+    offences. To recompense his services to the city during his
+    administration, the government bestowed upon him the cross of
+    honor. The cure could not refrain from congratulating him. 'I
+    do not know,' was the modest answer, 'I do not know what I
+    have done to merit it,' and when reminded of his services to
+    the city, 'Oh! do not speak of them,' said he, 'such things
+    might awaken self-love!' What immense progress virtue makes
+    in the soul in a very little while! It was in these happy
+    dispositions he died, the 2d of the following February, Feast
+    of the Purification. The whole city of Poitiers, we might say,
+    assisted at the funeral. The bishop, the authorities, and
+    a host of other distinguished personages came to pay their
+    tribute of gratitude and admiration to his memory, and the
+    prefect congratulated the cure of St. Hilaire on so wonderful a
+    conversion."
+
+
+MARY'S PROTECTION OF A LITTLE CHILD (PARIS).
+
+Madame Remond, living number 70, rue Mouffetard, held at her chamber
+window, on the second story, one of her children, aged twenty-two
+months. Fainting suddenly, she fell back into the room, and the
+child was precipitated upon the pavement below. Immediate death
+might naturally have been expected as the inevitable consequence of
+such a fall; but no, wonderful to relate, the child was not injured.
+After reading the Archbishop's circular (upon the occasion of the
+consecration of the church of Notre Dame de Lorette), in which he
+recommends all the faithful to wear the Miraculous Medal, the pious
+parents had hastened to procure one and put it on their child. The
+Immaculate Mary did not fail to reward their piety. On picking the poor
+little creature up, and examining it, not even the slightest bruise was
+discovered. As the mother was a long time recovering from her swoon, it
+caused great anxiety, and several physicians were called in to see her.
+They also saw the child, and declared its escape wonderful indeed. But
+by way of precaution, they applied a few leeches to it, and a poultice
+to one knee which seemed to be the seat of some slight pain. The child
+had been eating an instant before this terrible fall, which, strange
+to say, occasioned no vomiting, and immediately after being picked up
+it took all the little delicacies offered it. Every one declared this
+occurrence a miracle, and the innocent little creature itself seemed
+to proclaim it, by kissing the medal and pressing it to its lips,
+especially when the subject was mentioned, as we ourselves witnessed
+when the father showed him to us the 25th of June, 1837.
+
+    "The mother recovered perfectly, and she never ceases to thank
+    the Immaculate Mary for the double protection she considers due
+    the medal."
+
+
+THE ARCHCONFRATERNITY OF NOTRE DAME DES VICTOIRES.
+
+Scarcely six years since the apparition of 1830, and already the
+designs of Providence were realized; the Miraculous Medal had awakened
+devotion to the Blessed Virgin, belief in the Immaculate Conception had
+penetrated all classes of society, and the innumerable favors accorded
+those who fervently recited the prayers revealed by Mary, had clearly
+proved how she prizes this first of all her privileges. But so far, her
+servants remained isolated, having no bond of union, no central point
+where they could meet; the majority of those who wore the medal as the
+livery of the spotless Virgin, knew neither the place, the mode, nor
+date of its origin.
+
+God was now about to complete the work, by giving to this devotion, an
+organization and fixed exercises which favored its development, and
+increased the efficacy of prayer, by the power of association.
+
+Towards the end of the year 1836, a man was raised up to execute the
+divine plans; this man was M. Dufriche Desgenettes, cure of Notre Dame
+des Victoires, Paris. From 1820 to 1832, in charge of St. Francis
+Xavier's Church, he numbered among the religious establishments of his
+parish, the Mother House of the Daughters of Charity, where the Blessed
+Virgin had appeared. He was one of the most earnest in thanking God for
+this grace, and most eager to propagate the medal. It was his desire
+that the privileged chapel should become a pilgrim shrine, but this
+desire not being realized, he was chosen by Providence to supply the
+substitute.
+
+Let us quote his own words, relating how he was led to found the
+Archconfraternity of the Holy and Immaculate Heart of Mary. "There
+was in Paris, a parish scarcely known even to many of the Parisians.
+It is situated in the centre of the city, between the Palais Royal
+and the Bourse, surrounded by theatres and places of dissipation, a
+quarter swallowed up in the vortex of cupidity and industry, and the
+most abandoned to every species of criminal indulgence. Its church,
+dedicated to Notre Dame des Victoires, remained deserted even on the
+most solemn festivities.... No Sacraments were administered in this
+parish, not even to the dying.... If, by dint of novel persuasion, the
+cure obtained permission to visit a person dangerously ill, it was not
+only on condition of waiting until the patient's faculties were dimmed,
+but also on another almost insuperable condition, that of presenting
+himself in a secular habit. What benefit were such visits? They were
+merely a useless torment to the dying."[20]
+
+    [Footnote 20: Manual of the Archconfraternity, edition of 1853.
+    p. 84.]
+
+Such was the parish confided to M. Desgenettes. With the hope of
+recalling to God, even a few strayed souls, the poor cure, for four
+years, employed every means that the most active zeal could suggest,
+but in vain. Sad and grieved beyond measure, he thought of quitting
+this ungrateful post, when a supernatural communication revived his
+drooping courage.
+
+On the 3d of December, Feast of St. Francis Xavier, thoroughly
+penetrated with the inutility of his ministry in this parish, he
+was saying Mass at the Blessed Virgin's altar, now the altar of the
+Archconfraternity.... After the _Sanctus_, he distinctly heard these
+words pronounced in a very solemn manner: "Consecrate thy parish to the
+most Holy and Immaculate Heart of Mary." They did not strike his ears,
+but seemed to proceed from an interior voice. He immediately recovered
+peace and liberty of spirit. After finishing his thanksgiving, fearing
+to be the dupe of an illusion, he endeavored to banish the thought of
+what was apparently a supernatural communication, but the same interior
+voice resounded again in the depths of his soul. Returned to his house,
+he begins to compose the statutes of the association, with a view of
+delivering himself from an importunate idea, and scarcely does he take
+his pen in hand, ere he is fully enlightened on the subject, and the
+organization of the work costs him nothing but the manual labor of the
+writing.[21]
+
+    [Footnote 21: Manual of the Archconfraternity, p. 7.]
+
+The statutes prepared, are submitted to Mgr. de Quelen who approves
+them, and the 16th of the same month, an archiepiscopal ordinance
+erects canonically the Association of the Holy and Immaculate Heart
+of Mary for the conversion of sinners. The first meeting took place
+on Sunday, the 11th of December. In announcing it at High Mass, the
+pious pastor expected to see in the evening not more than fifty or
+sixty persons at most. Judge of his astonishment on finding assembled
+at the appointed hour, a congregation of about five hundred, a large
+proportion of whom are men! What had brought them? The majority were
+ignorant of the object of the meeting. An instruction explaining the
+motive and end of the exercises made a deep impression; the Benediction
+was chanted most fervently, and there was a notable increase of fervor
+during the Litany of the Blessed Virgin, especially at the thrice
+repeated invocation: "_Refugium peccatorum, ora pro nobis._" The cause
+was gained, Mary took possession of the parish of Notre Dame des
+Victoires.
+
+The good cure still doubted; to assure himself that the association was
+truly the work of God, he demanded a sign, the conversion of a great
+sinner, an old man on the borders of the tomb, who had several times
+refused to see him. His prayer was granted, the old man received him
+gladly, and became sincerely converted. It was not long before new
+graces showered upon his parish increased M. Desgenette's confidence,
+numberless sinners changed their lives, indifferent Christians became
+practical and fervent, the offices of the Church were attended, the
+Sacraments frequented, the apparently extinguished Faith was relighted,
+and this parish, lately so scandalous, soon became one of the most
+edifying in Paris.
+
+The Confraternity of the most Holy and Immaculate Heart of Mary was
+not to embrace one parish only. God willed that it should extend
+throughout France, and even the entire world. M. Desgenettes, who
+understood this design, addressed himself to the Sovereign Pontiff,
+and obtained, April 24th, 1838, a brief, erecting the association into
+an Archconfraternity, with the power of affiliating to itself other
+associations of the same kind throughout the Church, and granting them
+a participation in the spiritual favors accorded it. From this day, the
+Archconfraternity developed wonderfully, and became an inexhaustible
+source of graces. The church of Notre Dame des Victoires was henceforth
+numbered among the most celebrated sanctuaries in the world. At all
+hours may the faithful be seen around its altars in the attitude of
+prayer and recollection. The re-unions which take place every Sunday
+present a touching spectacle, a dense crowd composed of persons of
+every condition, who, after fervently chanting Mary's praises, listen
+attentively to a long series of petitions received in the course of the
+week from all quarters of the globe.
+
+These present a picture of all the miseries, all the sufferings, all
+the corporal and spiritual necessities possible; to which are added
+numberless acts of thanksgiving for benefits obtained through the
+associates' prayers. These petitions are so multitudinous that they
+cannot be announced except in a general manner and by categories; they
+actually amount, each week, to the number of twenty-five or thirty
+thousand, and, for the entire year, form a total of a million and
+a half. At the time of its founder's death, the Archconfraternity
+numbered fifteen thousand affiliated confraternities in all quarters of
+the globe, and more than twenty million associates. At the beginning of
+this year, 1878, the affiliated confraternities amount to 17,472.
+
+A bulletin, issued monthly, gives an account of the progress of the
+Archconfraternity, the exercises which take place at Notre Dame des
+Victoires, the graces obtained, etc. The first nine numbers were
+published by M. Desgenettes himself, but at irregular intervals; they
+are full of interest and edification.
+
+Amidst the wonderful success of his work, the venerable pastor, far
+from seeking any of the glory, thought only of humbling himself;
+regarding his share in it as naught but that of a simple instrument, he
+confesses even his resistance to the inspirations of grace, his doubts,
+his incredulity;[22] he will not admit that he may be called the
+founder of this work of mercy; it is God who has done all, it is the
+Immaculate Heart of Mary, that has opened to poor sinners a new source
+of graces, as for himself, he was not even the originator of the idea.
+
+    [Footnote 22: Manual of the Archconfraternity, page 86.]
+
+These sentiments reveal the soul of a saint; the true servants of
+God are always humble of heart, and the good they accomplish is in
+proportion to their self-abasement.
+
+In his deep gratitude to God, the pious cure never forgot the bond
+attaching Notre Dame des Victoires to the chapel of the Daughters of
+Charity; he always loved this blessed sanctuary; it was there Mary had
+concealed the source of those vivifying waters which flowed through
+his parish; it was there this Mother of divine grace had promised
+those benedictions which the Archconfraternity reaped so abundantly.
+To preserve the remembrance of this mysterious relation, he desired
+that the medal of the association should be the Miraculous Medal.
+Henceforth, the influence of this medal became confounded with that
+of the Archconfraternity, the extraordinary graces attributed to the
+former were often due the associates' prayers, and reciprocally, for
+example, the conversion of M. Ratisbonne. In this case, as in many
+others, two equally supernatural means united to obtain the same result.
+
+It is related that M. Desgenettes, seeing the Daughters of Charity
+frequently around the altar of the most Holy Heart of Mary at Notre
+Dame des Victoires, would sometimes say to them: "My good Sisters, I
+am much pleased to see you in my dear church, but know that your own
+chapel is the true pilgrim shrine, it is there you have the Blessed
+Virgin, there she manifested herself to you."----
+
+The Miraculous Medal, as revealed to Sister Catherine, bears on the
+reverse the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary, the first crowned with
+thorns, the second pierced by a sword. These are symbols which all
+comprehend. Are they not, at the same time, a prophetic sign?
+
+We are permitted to recognize here a foreshadowing of that devotion
+which would be rendered by the Archconfraternity of Notre Dame des
+Victoires, to the most Holy and Immaculate Heart of Mary.
+
+We may likewise see pre-figured, that later development in our day, of
+devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, a devotion born in France, and
+which the entire nation wishes to proclaim amidst pomp and grandeur,
+by the construction of a splendid monument, that from the heights of
+Montmartre, shall overlook all Paris.
+
+Thus by a mysterious gradation, the medal of the Immaculate Conception
+has conducted us to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, and the Heart of the
+Mother has introduced us into the Heart of the Son, the adorable Heart
+of Jesus, that Heart which has so loved men, and which saves nations as
+well as individuals.
+
+
+
+
+IV.
+
+_Graces Obtained from 1838 to 1842, in Greece, America, China, etc._
+
+CURE WROUGHT IN SANTORIN (GREECE)--1838.
+
+
+Letter of M.N., Priest of the Mission, in Santorin:
+
+    "Mme. Marie Delenda, wife of M. Michel Chigi, son of the
+    Vice-Consul from Holland to Santorin, for seven years had
+    suffered most excruciating pains, inducing such a state of
+    nervous sensibility, that she was unable to bear the least
+    excitement. She had had several children, but they all died
+    before birth and receiving baptism. The physicians consulted,
+    declared unanimously, that her disease was incurable, and that
+    none of her children would ever come into the world alive.
+    Greatly distressed at such a sad prospect, she had recourse to
+    the Miraculous Medal, and obtained from it what medical skill
+    was unable to effect; her next child, born not long after, was
+    a fine, live, healthy one. Her husband, as pious as herself,
+    was transported with joy and gratitude. 'Behold!' said he to
+    the attendant physician, and conducting him to an image of the
+    Immaculate Mary, 'Behold our Protectrice, our Liberatrix, the
+    Mother of our child!' The physician knelt, said a prayer and
+    retired. Since then, the mother's health is good; at least she
+    has had no relapse of her former apparently incurable disease,
+    which recovery is sufficient to attest the protection of Mary
+    Immaculate. Full of gratitude, the two spouses have never
+    ceased to urge the erection of the altar and inauguration of
+    the image of Mary Immaculate, in fulfillment of their promise.
+
+    "Several other miraculous cures have also been wrought there
+    through the invocation of Mary Immaculate. I am assured of
+    this; four of them are well attested, and really marvelous.
+    The bishop, the clergy, the people of Santorin, are all ready
+    to affirm my assertions, and not one of them but would be
+    more likely to exaggerate than detract from my account. When
+    Monseigneur went to visit the Chigi family after the birth
+    of their child, he asked to see the image, and looking at
+    it, said: 'This is the second miracle wrought in Santorin by
+    the Immaculate Virgin. The first is known to me through the
+    confessional, and consequently, I cannot divulge it.'
+
+    "It was on the 28th of May, the inauguration of the image of
+    the Immaculate Conception took place. Monseigneur himself
+    officiated in the translation, after the High Mass and
+    procession terminating the Forty Hour's Devotion at the
+    cathedral. The image was placed upon an altar prepared for the
+    purpose, in the court-yard of the donor's house. From the altar
+    to the outer door, a very prettily decorated arched pathway
+    was formed by means of drapery, and upon the threshold, was a
+    triumphal arch. All the pavement, not only in the court but
+    even to our church, was covered with flowers and fragrant
+    grasses. Monseigneur, preceded by the clergy, and followed by
+    all the Catholics and a number of Greek schismatics, repaired
+    to the place where the image was exposed. Having incensed it,
+    he intoned the _Ave, Maris Stella_, and the procession began
+    to move. The clergy with the cross at their head commenced to
+    defile. Then came two young girls bearing each a banner of
+    white silk, whereon was depicted the spotless Virgin, these
+    were suspended diagonally at the entrance of the sanctuary.
+    Next, were two more young girls holding extended, the front of
+    the altar representing the reverse of the medal, and finally,
+    the image borne by the donor and one of his nearest relatives.
+    Monseigneur walked immediately after, and behind him, Mme.
+    Chigi holding her child in her arms and accompanied by her
+    sister. The people were not in the ranks of the procession,
+    but ranged along each side, that they might readily see the
+    image and kiss it as it passed, which they did with so much
+    eagerness and enthusiasm that there was considerable danger
+    of its meeting with an accident. This, however we averted
+    by many precautions, and at length reached the church. At
+    the entrance, another very beautiful triumphal arch had been
+    erected, surmounted by a large representation of the reverse
+    of the medal upon a floating banner, bearing the inscription:
+    '_Ave, Maria Immaculata_.' The church door was decorated with
+    drapery, likewise the interior of the walls, which were also
+    hung with flowers, verdant crowns and garlands. The image was
+    now placed upon a temporary throne, which had been prepared
+    until a more suitable one could be erected. Another High Mass
+    was celebrated, at the end of which the children chanted
+    alternately with the choir the '_Te Mariam laudamus_,' this
+    being the first time it was ever heard in this country. The
+    other individuals I have already mentioned as having been cured
+    through the Immaculate Mary's intercession, made each one a
+    votive offering to her image. One gave a veil, another a pretty
+    golden cross, which decorated the Blessed Virgin's bosom during
+    the ceremony; a third proposed having a silver crown made in
+    fulfillment of her vow, but she was advised to give something
+    else, since several others in unison had already promised a
+    most beautiful golden crown."
+
+
+CURE OF MLLE. ELISE BOURGEOIS.
+
+Letter of the Superior of the Daughters of Charity, in Troyes:
+
+                                    "_Troyes, March 4th, 1842._
+
+    "In 1838, we had in our work-room a young woman, named Elise
+    Bourgeois, aged eighteen years, who, after great suffering, was
+    attacked by an anchylosis in the knee. For seven months and a
+    half she suffered excruciatingly, and her malady had reached
+    the crisis. Her limb had shrunk up about two inches, and she
+    could not walk without the aid of a cane or some one's arm. On
+    the 8th of April, which was Monday in Holy Week, one of our
+    young Sisters told me that the Notice contained an account of a
+    Christian Brother, whose foot on the point of being amputated,
+    was cured by the sole application of the Miraculous Medal,
+    one night when his sufferings were greater than usual. I now
+    reproached myself for having allowed this poor child to be so
+    long afflicted, without our once thinking of having recourse
+    to Mary for her recovery; and ascending to the work-room, I
+    related to the children this account of the Christian Brother,
+    and told the young woman to arouse her faith, to put all her
+    confidence in Mary Immaculate, to apply the medal to her knee,
+    and commence a novena with her companions. All Tuesday night
+    her sufferings were great indeed, she said it seemed as if
+    all her bones were dislocated. Nor was she able to obtain a
+    moment's repose the next day. There now issued from a little
+    hole which had formed in her knee, a quantity of serous
+    matter. The day following, she arose with much difficulty,
+    and was taken to the chapel where she heard Holy Mass. At the
+    elevation, she placed her sound knee upon the bench, saying
+    most fervently to the good God: 'Since Thou art present, deign
+    to cure me, that I may be entirely Thine.' She immediately felt
+    something like the touch of a hand, which replaced the bones in
+    their natural position, and lengthened the shrunken limb; but
+    she did not yet dare rest upon it, for fear of injury. At the
+    end of Mass, she knelt to receive the priest's benediction, and
+    in spite of herself, she rested her weight upon the afflicted
+    knee. She remained in the chapel with her companions to say her
+    prayers and thank the Blessed Virgin for the great favor just
+    obtained. From that time she has never suffered the slightest
+    pain in the limb, and it appears perfectly sound.
+
+    "As soon as the children perceived that she was cured, they
+    declared it a miracle, and all hearts were filled with the
+    deepest emotion and gratitude. Elise now asked permission
+    to go to the cathedral to confession; a request I granted
+    reluctantly, although she assured me she was not suffering in
+    the slightest, yet she had not been out for seven months and
+    a-half, and I could scarcely realize her recovery. Several
+    Masses of thanksgiving were said in our chapel, during the
+    first of which we had the Blessed Sacrament exposed, and the
+    _Te Deum_ chanted. The noise of this miracle soon spread
+    throughout the city, and several persons came to see the healed
+    one. She also requested permission to go to the house of one
+    of her uncles, who had a very impious neighbor, that had been
+    informed of her miraculous recovery, but who had also been told
+    that he need not believe until he had seen Elise for himself.
+    He was perfectly convinced, acknowledged it beyond denial, and
+    said that in thanksgiving, a _Te Deum_ should be chanted in the
+    cathedral.
+
+    "I forgot to say, that our physician had seen this young woman
+    two months before her recovery and pronounced the disease
+    incurable. I had also had her examined by a surgeon, who
+    ordered much blistering, but without expecting a cure."
+
+Accompanying this letter are the signatures of seven Sisters of Charity
+and twenty-three other individuals, witnesses of the miracle.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+A TRAIT OF PROTECTION. (TEXAS).
+
+The following was sent us by Mgr. Odin, Vicar Apostolic of Texas, in a
+letter dated April 11th, 1841.
+
+    "I had, in the city of Nacogdoches, an opportunity of
+    witnessing how Mary Immaculate loves to grant the prayers of
+    those who put their trust in her. A Maryland lady, on leaving
+    her native State to settle in Texas, had received a Miraculous
+    Medal; her confessor, on giving it to her, exacting the
+    promise, that she would never omit the daily recitation of the
+    little prayer, 'O Mary! conceived without sin, pray for us who
+    have recourse to thee!' and assuring her at the same time that
+    this good Mother would never allow her to die without the last
+    consolations of religion. She faithfully complied with her
+    promise. For four years she was confined to her bed, and often,
+    it was thought, at the point of death, but her confidence in
+    Mary, always inspired her with the hope of receiving the last
+    Sacraments ere leaving this world. As soon as she heard of our
+    arrival, we were summoned to her bedside; she received the Holy
+    Viaticum and Extreme Unction, and expired a few days after,
+    filled with gratitude for her celestial Benefactress.
+
+
+CURES AND INCIDENTS OF PROTECTION. (CHINA).
+
+In a letter of July, 1838, Mgr. Rameaux, Vicar Apostolic of the
+provinces of the Kiang-Si and Tche-Kiang, in sending us the invocation
+of the medal translated into Chinese, says, that the Chinese have
+a great devotion to this little prayer, and always follow the _Ave
+Maria_ by a recitation of it. He also informed us, that Mgr. de
+Bezy, Vicar Apostolic of the Hou-Kouang, and M. Perboyre, Missionary
+Apostolic, would transmit to us several accounts of miraculous marks
+of protection. We received these accounts some months later, and quote
+them as follows:
+
+    "1st. In the province of the Hou-Kouang, a Christian had been
+    racked by a terrible fever for two months, accompanied by
+    constant delirium. Three physicians had attended him, but in
+    vain. Finding himself on the verge of death, he sent for me to
+    administer the Last Sacraments. I gave him the Holy Viaticum,
+    but deferred Extreme Unction, seeing that my duties would
+    retain me in that locality some time longer. I made him a
+    present of the medal, and advised a novena, assuring him, that
+    if it were for the benefit of his soul, he would be restored to
+    health. He began the novena; on the seventh day, the fever left
+    him, and on the eighth he had recovered his usual strength.
+    On the ninth day of the novena he came to see me, and assured
+    me that he was perfectly well. I reminded him of thanking the
+    Blessed Virgin for so great a favor, and he promised to recite
+    with his friends the Rosary in her honor. But our Christian,
+    pre-occupied with various affairs that his sickness had
+    interrupted, forgot the promise. Five days after, he had a
+    relapse. This made him conscious of his fault; he approached
+    the Sacraments again, and began another novena. Though he
+    continued to grow worse from day to day, I still had great
+    hopes that the Immaculate Mary would come to his assistance,
+    and I assured him of his recovery before the end of the novena.
+    My confidence was not deceived; he recovered entirely, to
+    the great astonishment of all the Christians. This time his
+    gratitude was effectual, and the fever did not return.
+
+    "2d. In Tien-Men, a village of the same province, the
+    Christians, numbering about two hundred, are distinguished
+    for their piety and a great devotion to the Blessed Virgin.
+    For eight years, successive inundations had reduced these
+    Christians to extreme poverty; but this year, at the first
+    sign of an overflow, they had recourse to Mary Immaculate by
+    means of the medal, and soon the waters retired without doing
+    the slightest harm to the Christian territory, whilst that of
+    the pagans was devastated. And our Christians now return most
+    grateful thanks to their good Mother for the abundant harvest
+    they have just gathered.
+
+    "3d. The following account was sent us by M. Perboyre, in
+    a letter of August 10th, 1839. The reader will learn, with
+    interest, that this is the same missionary who, arrested a
+    month after for his religion, so generously confessed the Faith
+    one whole year amidst the most frightful tortures, and at last
+    consummated the sacrifice by his glorious martyrdom, September
+    11th, 1840.
+
+    "Whilst I was giving a mission to the Christians of the Honan
+    province, November, 1837, they brought to me a young woman
+    who had been afflicted with mental aberration for about eight
+    months, telling me she was very anxious to confess, and, though
+    she was incapable of the Sacrament, they begged me not to
+    refuse her a consolation she appeared to desire so earnestly.
+    Her sad condition of mind precluded all idea of her deriving
+    any benefit from the exercise of my ministry, but I heard her
+    out of pure compassion. In taking leave of her, I placed her
+    under the especial protection of the Blessed Virgin--that is,
+    I gave her a medal of the Immaculate Conception. She did not
+    then understand the value of the holy remedy she received;
+    but, from that moment, she began to experience its beneficial
+    effects, her shattered intellect improving so rapidly that,
+    at the end of four or five days, she was entirely changed. To
+    a complete confusion of ideas, to fears that kept her ever in
+    mortal agony, and which, I believe, were the work of the demon,
+    succeeded good sense, peace of mind and happiness. She made her
+    confession again, and received Holy Communion, with the most
+    lively sentiments of joy and fervor. This especial instance
+    of Mary's generosity will doubtless surprise you little, you
+    who know so well that the earth is filled with her mercy; but
+    your hearts will be excited anew to fervent thanksgiving for
+    this particular favor, which is the principal reason of my
+    acquainting you with it."
+
+_1st. Letter from a Missionary of Macao, dated August 25th, 1841:_
+
+    "A widow who had but one son, reared like herself in paganism,
+    saw him suddenly fall under the power of the demon; his
+    paroxysms were so furious that all fled before him, and he ran
+    through the fields uttering the most lamentable cries. Anyone
+    that attempted to stop him was immediately seized and thrown to
+    the ground. His poor mother was in despair, and almost dying
+    of grief, when Divine Providence deigned to cast upon her a
+    look of compassion. One day when he was unusually tormented,
+    the young man fled hither and thither like a vagabond, not
+    knowing where he went; everyone tried to stop him, but he
+    brutally repulsed all who lay hands on him. The most merciful
+    God permitted a Christian to be among the number of those
+    who witnessed this spectacle. Animated with a lively faith,
+    and touched at the unfortunate creature's sufferings, the
+    Christian told all who were pursuing the demoniac to desist,
+    that he unaided could arrest him, that he would quiet him, and
+    restore him docile and gentle to his mother. This language
+    astonished the pagans, but they did as requested, although
+    thinking the Christian ran a great risk. Our good Christian
+    wore the Miraculous Medal of the Immaculate Mary; taking it
+    in his hands he approached the possessed, and showing it to
+    him he commanded the demon to flee and leave the young man in
+    peace. The demon obeyed instantly, and the young man seeing
+    the medal in the Christian's hands, humbly prostrated himself
+    before the miraculous image, without knowing what it was. The
+    pagans, watching from a distance, were greatly astonished.
+    The Christian now commanded the young man to rise and follow
+    him, and still holding in his hand the medal, which was as a
+    magnet attracting the young pagan, he thus conducted him to
+    his mother. 'Mother,' he exclaimed, to her great consolation,
+    as soon as he saw her, 'Do not weep any more, I am freed from
+    the demon; he left me as soon as he perceived this medal.'
+    Imagine the poor mother's joy, on hearing these words! She was
+    perplexed to know whether it was a dream or a reality! The
+    Christian reassured her, and recounted all that had passed,
+    adding, that her son would never be possessed again, if she
+    renounced her idols and became a Christian. She promised
+    sincerely, and they immediately began to divest their altar
+    of its false gods. Then the Christian, feeling assured they
+    would be faithful when instructed in the truths of religion,
+    withdrew, laden with the thanks of both mother and son for the
+    inestimable service he had just rendered them."
+
+_2d. Extract of a Letter from M. Faivre, Priest of the Mission in the
+Province of Nankin, May 6th, 1841:_
+
+    "The two great means God uses for the accomplishment of good
+    in this Mission are our Lord's cross and the Immaculate
+    Mary's protection. As to the most powerful protection of Mary
+    conceived without sin, we have experienced it so often, and in
+    so especial a manner, both as regards ourselves and the welfare
+    of the Mission, that it would be tedious to recount in detail,
+    even if I wished to do so, all the favors we have received at
+    her maternal hands.
+
+    "Seeing the Blessed Virgin's clemency towards us and our
+    Christians, we have done all we could to honor her and advance
+    her honor among the Christians, by seeking to inspire them
+    with the most lively confidence in this good, holy Mother.
+    On the Feast of the Assumption, 1839, we consecrated this
+    Mission to her, and ever since it has been called Mary's
+    Diocese. We have given as a rule to our virgins especial
+    devotion to the Immaculate Conception. We have established Mary
+    Immaculate patroness of the seminary Providence has created
+    in this Mission. (This seminary now numbers six scholars who
+    lead lives of regularity and edification, and make rapid
+    progress in the study of Latin.) One of our virgins, already
+    advanced in age, had been for several years confined to her
+    bed, without the slightest hope of recovery, the thirteen
+    physicians who had been successively consulted having declared
+    her malady incurable. Seeing her end approach, she asked for
+    the missionary, that she might receive the Last Sacraments. He
+    came, and administered the Sacraments of the dying, exhorting
+    her to accept death in a spirit of conformity to the will of
+    God. She replied that she was fully resigned to His holy will,
+    and had no hope of deriving any benefit from human means, but
+    she felt convinced that if she could get a Miraculous Medal,
+    her health would be restored. The missionary, seeing so much
+    faith and confidence, gave her the one he wore, having no other
+    convenient just then, and recommended her to make a novena in
+    honor of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin. All
+    the family joined her in making the novena, and from the fifth
+    day she was entirely cured. The attending physician, who was a
+    pagan, coming to see her at the end of the novena, was utterly
+    surprised to find her so well, and he eagerly inquired what
+    extraordinary remedy had been employed to effect such a change.
+    She replied that she had used no remedies, but the Lord of
+    Heaven had restored her health. The physician returned, filled
+    with veneration for the Lord of Heaven, who had displayed such
+    great power; and the virgin, in expression of her gratitude to
+    the Immaculate Mary, her august Benefactress, donated three
+    hundred piastres to repair a chapel dedicated to Mary."
+
+
+CONVERSION OF M. RATISBONNE, AN ISRAELITE.
+
+                                        _Rome, 1842._
+
+M. Alphonse Ratisbonne belonged to a Jewish family of Strasburg,
+distinguished in the world as much for its social position as the
+universal esteem in which it was held; he himself was a member of
+a society for the encouragement of labor, contributing thus to the
+benefit of his unfortunate brethren. Towards the end of the year 1841,
+he became affianced to a young Jewess, who united in her person all
+those qualities calculated to assure his happiness. Before entering
+upon this new state of life, he decided to take a pleasure trip to the
+East, visiting on the way some of the most remarkable cities of Italy.
+There was nothing, he thought, interesting to him in the Eternal City,
+so from Naples he would direct his course to Palermo; but Divine mercy
+called him, though he did not recognize the voice; he is constrained,
+as it were, by a secret design of Heaven, to change his determination,
+and visit Rome. It was in this centre of Catholic unity that the God
+of all patience and goodness awaited him, it was here that grace was
+to touch his heart. But what were his dispositions? Thou, O Lord,
+knowest them!... His hatred of Catholicity was very far from suggesting
+a thought of his ever embracing it. He felt for our holy and sublime
+religion that violent animosity which could not contain itself, which
+chafed at anything reminding him of Christianity, and which had even
+grown more rancorous since his brother M. Theodore Ratisbonne's
+abjuration of Judaism and reception of Holy Orders. He could not
+pardon this desertion, and his implacable hatred increased with time.
+But the innocent object of his aversion never ceased to supplicate
+Heaven to shed a ray of divine light upon the deluded brother, who
+loaded him with indignation and contempt. Made sub-Director of the
+Archconfraternity of Notre Dame des Victoires, he often implored the
+associates' prayers for this brother's conversion.
+
+Such were M. Ratisbonne's sentiments when he entered Rome. He had
+scarcely arrived ere he thought of leaving; everything he saw in the
+Holy City urged him to hasten from it, everything excited him to
+declaim against what shocked and vilified his belief.... He was not
+proof, however, against a species of emotion in visiting the church
+of Ara Coeli; but it was an emotion which lost all its influence,
+(if influence it could be said to have exerted upon this heart buried
+in the shades of death,) when he understood that it was the general
+effect produced by the first sight of this remarkable monument. So, far
+from giving way to it, he hastened, on the contrary, to affirm that
+it was not a Catholic emotion, but an impression purely religious. In
+traversing the Ghetto, his hatred against Christianity was still more
+inflamed at witnessing the misery and degradation of the Jews; as if
+the chastisement of that deicidal people had been inflicted by the
+children of the Church, as if this people had not called down upon
+itself the vengeance of innocent blood!
+
+Before leaving Rome, M. Ratisbonne was to visit one of his childhood's
+friends, an old schoolmate with whom he had always kept up an intimacy,
+although their religious belief was so widely at variance. This friend
+was M. Gustave de Bussiere, a zealous Protestant, who several times had
+endeavored to profit by their intimacy, by persuading M. Ratisbonne
+to embrace Protestantism, but the latter was immovable, and the two
+friends, after useless discussions, usually ended by a renewal of
+their faith in two words, expressing most emphatically how invincible
+each deemed himself. "Headstrong Jew!" said one; "Enraged Protestant!"
+replied the other. Such was the result of these conversations, which
+never succeeded in shaking the opinion of either, or dissipating any
+of their deplorable errors. This opposition of principles, however,
+did not estrange their friendship. M. Ratisbonne called to see M.
+De Bussiere, and was admitted by an Italian servant. He inquired
+for M. Gustave de Bussiere, but this gentleman was absent, and by a
+providential mistake the servant introduced him into the salon of M.
+Theodore Bussiere, Gustave's brother, whom M. Ratisbonne had seen but
+once. It was too late to withdraw, and though somewhat disconcerted
+at the mistake, he stopped to exchange a few words of courtesy with
+his friend's brother. M. De Bussiere had had the happiness of abjuring
+Protestantism, and he was a zealous advocate of the Faith he had
+so lately learned to prize. He knew that M. Ratisbonne was a Jew;
+he received him with affectionate eagerness, and the conversation
+naturally turning upon the various places of interest in Rome visited
+by the young French traveler, it soon drifted into a religious
+discussion. M. Ratisbonne did not disguise his real sentiments, he
+expressed his animosity against Catholicity, his inalterable attachment
+to Judaism and to the baron De Bussiere's solid arguments, his only
+replies were the frigid politeness of silence, a smile of pity, or new
+protestations of fidelity to his sect, repeating that a Jew he was born
+and a Jew he would die!
+
+It was then that M. De Bussiere, not the least discouraged by M.
+Ratisbonne's emphatic language, and impelled by a secret impulse
+of grace, thought of offering him the Miraculous Medal. Doubtless
+this idea appears rash to many, and many would have banished it as a
+veritable folly, but the simplicity of faith teaches us to discern
+things by a very different light from that in which they are revealed
+to the world. Filled with this holy fearlessness of the Saints, M. De
+Bussiere presents the young Jew a medal of the Immaculate Conception.
+"Promise me," said he, "to always wear this little image, I beg you not
+to refuse me." M. Ratisbonne, unable to conceal his astonishment at
+so strange a proposition, rejects it instantly with an expression of
+indignation that would have disconcerted any other than his new friend.
+"But," continues our fervent Catholic undismayed, "I cannot understand
+the cause of such a refusal, for, according to your view of things, the
+wearing of this object must be to you a matter of total indifference,
+whilst it would be a real consolation to me if you would condescend to
+my request." "Ah! I will comply, then, if you attach so much importance
+to it," replied the other with a hearty laugh; "I should not be sorry,
+moreover, to have an opportunity of convincing you that Jews are not
+so headstrong as they are represented. Besides, it will give me an
+interesting chapter to add to my notes and impressions of travel." And
+he continued to jest on the subject in a manner rather painful to the
+Christian hearts around him.
+
+During this debate, the good father of the family had told his two
+little daughters (interesting children, whom an eminently religious
+education had already imbued with sentiments of piety), to put the
+precious medal on a cord. They did so, and gave it to their father,
+who hung it around the young Israelite's neck. Encouraged by this
+first success, he wishes to go still farther. He attempts nothing less
+than binding M. Ratisbonne himself to ask the favor and protection of
+Mary, of Mary whom he despises without knowing, Mary whose image he
+receives most reluctantly! M. De Bussiere presents him a paper upon
+which is written St. Bernard's powerful invocation, the _Memorare_....
+This time, the Jew can still less dissimulate his displeasure, it seems
+tried to the utmost; but the baron feels himself actuated by a secret
+impulse, that urges him to persevere in his solicitations, and conquer.
+He repeats his request, and even goes so far when he presents the
+prayer as to beg M. Ratisbonne to take a copy of it for him, as he has
+but one. M. Ratisbonne, convinced that resistance is useless, rather
+than repeat his refusal prefers acceding to the request, and thus
+ridding himself of such vexatious importunity. "Agreed," said he, "that
+you take my copy and I keep yours." And, hastening to this indiscreet
+zealot, he retired, murmuring to himself: "I really wonder what he
+would say if I were to insist upon his reciting the Jewish prayers?
+I must admit that I have, indeed, met a striking original!" It was
+thus he left this house of benediction and salvation, ignorant of the
+treasure he bore with him, the key of Heaven that had been given him;
+the image of the Mother of holy hope he wore upon his heart, and whose
+blessed effects he would so soon experience.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+M. De Bussiere, deeply grieved at the young Jew's levity, united with
+his family in conjuring the God of mercy to pardon the words of one who
+knew not what he said; and he recommended his dear children to lift
+up their hands to the Refuge of Sinners, supplicating her to obtain
+the gift of Faith for this poor soul in the shades of darkness and
+error!... O Mary! your tender love graciously welcomed these prayers of
+the innocent, they penetrated your maternal heart, and soon obtained
+the object of their desires. The zeal of this devout servant of the
+Queen of Heaven was not confined within the narrow limits of his own
+family circle.... Going, that evening, according to a pious custom in
+Rome, to keep watch before the Blessed Sacrament with the prince B.
+and some other friends, he also engaged their prayers for the young
+Israelite's conversion.... Let us follow attentively all the details
+preceding the ever memorable day which was to crown M. De Bussiere's
+pious efforts. Let us not forget that a generous Christian, elevated by
+a lively faith above the vain prejudices of the world, and docile to
+the secret inspirations of grace, becomes the instrument of Providence
+in procuring God's glory and the salvation of a soul.
+
+Meanwhile, M. Ratisbonne was making arrangements to leave Rome; he
+had already fixed upon the day of his departure, and had come to say
+good-bye to his friend and acquaint him with his intention of starting
+the next evening. "Going!" replied M. De Bussiere; "do not think of
+it. I want you to grant me just eight days longer; our conversation of
+yesterday occupies my thoughts more than ever; let me entreat you to
+prolong your stay, and let us go to the diligence office to countermand
+your order." It was in vain. M. Ratisbonne declined, saying he had
+already decided to go, and had no motive for deferring his departure.
+Under the pretext of a very imposing ceremony which was to take place
+at St. Peter's, M. De Bussiere forced, rather than persuaded him to
+remain a few days longer.
+
+We shall not here enter into a detailed account of what passed
+between them from the moment M. De Bussiere's constancy gained the
+last triumph--that is, from the 16th of January to the 20th--inasmuch
+as there was not the slightest sign of the happy change, either in
+the language or conduct of M. Ratisbonne, towards the new friend
+divine Providence had given him, in spite of himself. He could not,
+however, avoid receiving this new friend's civilities, or refuse to
+be accompanied by him in visiting the various places of note in the
+Eternal City. M. De Bussiere, full of hope against all human hope,
+allowed no opportunity to escape of enlightening his young friend; but
+not one consoling response could he obtain, M. Ratisbonne, by jest and
+raillery, always avoiding the arguments he would not take the trouble
+to refute, always ridiculing Catholicity, and thus afflicting the heart
+of the servant of Jesus Christ by responding coldly to the assiduity of
+his zeal, the serious nature of his propositions. "Make your mind easy;
+I will think of all this, but not at Rome. I am to spend two months
+at Malta; it will serve to while away the time." He was astonished at
+the imperturbable tranquillity with which M. De Bussiere persevered in
+trying to convince him; he could not understand that union of serenity
+(which religion alone inspires) with that ardent desire (that he
+doubtless attributed to obstinacy) of leading him to a new belief, for
+which, according to his own words, he felt more aversion than ever. To
+him this tranquillity appeared incomprehensible. M. De Bussiere did
+not hesitate to express his belief in the triumph of his cause; for
+instance, in passing the _Scala Sancta_ with the young Israelite, as
+he pointed it out he bared his head respectfully and said aloud, as
+if in a voice of prophecy, "Hail, holy staircase! here is a man who
+one day will ascend your steps on his knees." This was on the 19th.
+M. Ratisbonne's only response was a disconcerting peal of laughter,
+and the two friends separated again, without the slightest religious
+impression having been made upon the Israelite, although, unknown to
+human ken, he was on the eve of the brightest day of his life.
+
+During this short interval, M. De Bussiere tasted the bitterness of
+losing one of his dearest friends. M. De La Ferronays died suddenly on
+the evening of the 17th, leaving to his family and all who knew him
+the sweet hope that he had bid adieu to this perishable life only to
+enter upon the joys of a blissful immortal one. Doubtless this event
+contributed to the young Israelite's speedy conversion, for whilst on
+earth M. De La Ferronays had prayed for him, and we have every reason
+to believe that he soon became his advocate in heaven. M. De Bussiere
+had informed this dear friend of his hopes and the means employed for
+gaining the young Israelite to Jesus Christ, and he had received the
+consoling answer: "Do not be uneasy; if you have succeeded in making
+him say the _Memorare_, he is yours." ... Such was the admirable
+confidence of this fervent Christian in the powerful protection of the
+most compassionate Virgin Mary!
+
+Yet notwithstanding the bitterness of the sacrifice Heaven had just
+demanded of the Baron De Bussiere, he found it hard to part from this
+young man whom he longed to conquer to the Faith, and the resignation
+of his grief was a new prayer attracting the Divine mercy. Immediately
+after leaving him on the 19th, he went to prostrate himself beside the
+remains of his virtuous friend, begging that friend's assistance from
+the heights of heaven in obtaining what had been already recommended to
+his prayers on earth.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Thursday, 20th.--M. Ratisbonne's dispositions are not changed in the
+least; he never raises his thoughts above terrestrial things, the
+religious discussions of the preceding days have not even fixed his
+attention, or apparently not excited in his soul the slightest anxiety.
+As to his false belief, he never dreams of taking one step towards a
+knowledge of the truth; M. De Bussiere is not with him to continue the
+conversation on religion, and he dismisses the subject from his mind.
+Leaving the cafe, he meets one of his fellow-boarders; they discourse
+of balls and other frivolous amusements in such a way as to convince
+one that he was surely not engrossed with anything serious. It was then
+noon, and two hours later the young Jew had seen the light, two hours
+later he eagerly desired the grace of holy baptism, two hours later he
+believed in the Church!... Who is like to Thee, O my God? Who can thus,
+in an instant, triumph over human reason, and force it to render homage
+to Thy sovereign truth?... Ah! it is Thyself, Thyself alone, Lord, it
+is the prerogative of Thy mercy to work such prodigies! Let us return
+to our Israelite.
+
+It is one o'clock; M. De Bussiere must repair to the church of
+St. Andrew delle Fratte to make some arrangements for the funeral
+ceremonies of M. De La Ferronays, which take place on the morrow. He
+sets out, and on the way happily meets M. Ratisbonne, who joins him,
+with the intention of taking one of their usual walks, when M. De
+Bussiere had fulfilled the imperative duty that required his immediate
+attention.... But the moment of grace has come. They enter the church,
+where various decorations already announce the morrow's ceremonies;
+the Israelite inquires the meaning of them, and M. De Bussiere, having
+replied that they were for the funeral obsequies of M. De La Ferronays,
+the intimate friend he had just lost, begs him to wait there an
+instant, whilst he goes into the house to execute a commission with
+one of the monks. M. Ratisbonne then glances coolly around the church,
+seeming to say by his air of indifference, that it is not worth his
+attention. We must remark that he was then at the epistle side of
+the altar. M. De Bussiere returns after an absence of about twelve
+minutes, and is surprised at not seeing his young companion. Could he
+have grown weary of waiting in a place that inspired only repugnance
+and disgust?... He knew not, and sought M. Ratisbonne. What was his
+astonishment at finding him on the left hand side of the church,
+kneeling, and apparently wrapt in devotion!... He could scarcely
+believe his eyes, and yet it was no mistake.... It was in the chapel
+of the archangel St. Michael that the prince of darkness had just been
+crushed.... A great victory already rejoiced all Heaven.... The young
+Jew was vanquished.
+
+M. De Bussiere approaches, but he is not heard; he touches his
+friend, but he cannot distract him; he touches him again, but still
+no response; he repeats it a third or fourth time, and at last M.
+Ratisbonne turns to answer, and his tearful countenance, his utter
+inability to express what has passed, his hands clasped most fervently,
+partly reveal the heavenly secret. "Oh! how M. De La Ferronays has
+prayed for me!" he exclaims. This is all he says. Never did M. De
+Bussiere enjoy a more consoling surprise. The bandage of error blinding
+the young Israelite had fallen, and M. De Bussiere's heart was filled
+with the most lively gratitude to God.... He raises his young friend,
+who was completely overcome by this celestial visitation; he takes
+him and almost carries him out of the church.... He is all eagerness
+to know the details.... He asks M. Ratisbonne to reveal the mystery,
+and begs him to say where he wishes to go. "Lead me," replies the new
+Paul, completely vanquished, "lead me where you will.... After what
+I have seen, I obey." ... And not being able to say more, he draws
+forth the unknown treasure he had been wearing upon his heart for four
+days. He takes the dear medal in his hands, he covers it with kisses,
+he waters it abundantly with tears of joy, and amidst his sobs escape
+a few words expressive of his happiness, but which a profound emotion
+almost prevents his articulating. "How good is God! What a plentitude
+of gifts! What joy unknown! Ah! how happy I am, and how much to be
+pitied are they who do not believe!" And continuing to shed torrents
+of tears over the miseries of those whom Faith has never enlightened,
+he already feels the holy desire of seeing the kingdom of Jesus Christ
+extended throughout the world. He can scarcely himself understand such
+a transformation, and amidst the various feelings surging through his
+heart, he interrupts his tears, his exclamations and his silence, to
+ask M. De Bussiere if he does not think him crazy.... Then answering
+his own question, "No," he continues: "I am not crazy.... I know well
+what I think and what passes within me.... I know that I am in my right
+mind.... Moreover, everybody knows that I am not crazy!" By degrees,
+these first transports of emotion give place to a more composed frame
+of mind; he can at last express his new desires, his new belief, and
+he asks to be conducted to the feet of a priest, for he craves the
+grace of holy baptism.... Already favored with the most lively Faith,
+he aspires after the happiness of confessing his Divine Master in the
+midst of torments and recalling the sufferings of the martyrs he had
+seen represented upon the walls of St. Etienne le Rond; he wishes to
+shed his blood in attestation of his Faith as a disciple of Jesus
+Christ.... Meanwhile, he has told M. De Bussiere nothing of the sudden
+blow that vanquished him, and he refuses to tell except in the presence
+of God's minister; "for what he saw he ought not, he could not reveal
+except on his knees."
+
+Father De Villefort, of the Society of Jesus, is chosen to receive
+the neophyte and hear this consoling secret, which will reveal the
+excess of Divine mercy towards the soul of the young Israelite. M. De
+Bussiere himself conducts him to the Reverend Father, who welcomes him
+tenderly.... Then, in the presence of M. De Bussiere, M. Ratisbonne
+takes in his hand the medal, the dear pledge of the Immaculate Mary's
+protection, and again covers it with respectful kisses, mingled with a
+shower of tears. He endeavors to overcome his emotion, and exclaims in
+a transport of joy: "I have seen her! I have seen her!" Conquering his
+feelings, he continues his narration, interrupted from time to time by
+the sighs of an overburdened heart.
+
+    "I had been in the church but an instant, when suddenly I was
+    seized with an inexplicable fear. I raised my eyes, the whole
+    edifice had disappeared from my view, one chapel alone had,
+    as it were, concentrated all the light, and in the midst
+    of this effulgence there appeared standing upon the altar the
+    Virgin Mary, grand, brilliant, full of majesty and sweetness,
+    such as she is represented upon the medal--an irresistible
+    force impelled me to her. The Virgin made me a sign with her
+    hand to kneel, and she seemed to say: 'It is well.' She did not
+    speak to me, but I understood all."
+
+[Illustration: _APPARITION OF THE MIRACULOUS MEDAL_
+
+_To M. Ratisbonne, January 20, 1842, in the Church of St. Andrew,
+delle Fratte, in Rome. "She did not speak one word to me," said M.
+Ratisbonne, "but I understood it all._"]
+
+He ceased, but this short account eloquently revealed the abundant
+favors with which his soul had just been inundated. Reverend Father De
+Villefort and the pious baron listened with a holy joy, mingled with an
+involuntary feeling of religious awe, at thoughts of the infinite power
+which had just triumphed by such a striking manifestation of mercy....
+The mystery was revealed, but M. Ratisbonne, now the disciple of the
+most humble of Masters, a God annihilated, expressed a wish to have the
+wonderful vision kept a profound secret; he even earnestly entreated
+that it should be, but Father De Villefort considered it wiser not
+to yield to the neophyte's modesty, God's glory, the Immaculate
+Mary's honor, demanding that such a miracle should be proclaimed. M.
+Ratisbonne's humility gave way to obedience. In the brief narration
+just quoted, one thing especially had struck the Reverend Father,
+"She did not speak to me, but I understood all!" What, then, had he
+understood, he who, having hitherto lived in the shades of darkness,
+found himself in an instant instructed in heavenly knowledge? What,
+then, had he understood, he who was suddenly recalled from the bosom of
+death which he loved, to a new life which but a short time previous he
+had solemnly declared he would ever ignore, 'a Jew he was born and a
+Jew he would die?' What had he understood, he the young Jew, so lately
+headstrong in his belief, an avowed enemy of Catholicity, but who now
+humbly prostrates himself at the feet of our Lord's minister to retract
+his words and renounce his own will, for he declares that, after what
+he has seen, he obeys?... What has he understood? What has he seen? He
+has seen the Mother of divine grace, the bright aurora of the Sun of
+Justice; he has understood the gift of God, the eternal truth ... the
+unity of the Church, its infallibility, the sanctity of its morals, the
+sublimity of its mysteries, the grandeur and elevation of its hopes....
+He has understood Heaven, and henceforth everything is changed for
+him, everything is renewed within him, he is no longer the same. His
+desires, projects, thoughts, earthly affections, where are they in the
+brilliancy of this celestial radiance? Vain prejudices of error, where
+are they?... The Immaculate Mother of Jesus has rent asunder the band
+that veiled the young Israelite's eyes, and the shades of error are
+dissipated, the blind man sees the light, and his joy is inexpressible,
+for he knew not till then the true gifts, the blessings promised the
+children of the true Church.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+M. Ratisbonne had heretofore been completely ignorant of the truths
+of Catholicity, he acknowledges that he had never read even one book
+calculated to enlighten him on the subject, his hatred of Christianity
+kept him aloof from all that might change his views in regard to it.
+He blasphemed without examining the object of his blasphemy, he judged
+without hearing, he despised without investigating.... And behold!
+in spite of himself, in an instant, in defiance of all his past
+protestations, he bends, he falls, he is conquered!
+
+Rejoice, O Mary! for the dew of grace has not descended upon an
+ungrateful soil.... No; not in vain at your mysterious school has he
+learned all this privileged soul of your love, this heart that your
+incomparable beauty, your ineffable bounty have vanquished for Jesus
+Christ!
+
+We see, indeed, that, from the moment his eyes are opened to the
+light, he adores the mysteries he formerly despised, loves what he
+hated, venerates what he ridiculed, and proves himself as humble
+and submissive to the Church as the most fervent Christian. That
+very day, he goes to the basilica of St. Mary Major, in tribute of
+gratitude to her who had just descended from Heaven, to bring him the
+gift of Faith, and its attendant blessings; thence he repairs to St.
+Peter's, to declare in that sanctuary dedicated to the Prince of the
+Apostles, his belief in the truths that Peter taught. M. De Bussiere,
+who found a pious delight in offering to God this conquest of grace,
+accompanied him on his holy pilgrimage, and conversed intimately with
+him, they had but one heart and one soul. A new Paul, Ratisbonne, in
+what he experienced, at the moment the Blessed Virgin gently forced
+him to prostrate himself at her feet, to receive the light of Heaven,
+recognized the strength of Him who vanquished His persecutors.... The
+profound emotion, the holy awe that filled the neophyte on entering
+a church, declared more fully the secrets that had been revealed to
+him.... Penetrated with the liveliest faith for the great Sacrament
+of love, he could not approach the altar, he was overwhelmed at the
+thought of the Real Presence of the God who resides in the Most
+Holy Sacrament. He considered himself unworthy to appear in this
+august Presence, as he was yet stained with original sin, and M. De
+Bussiere relates, that he took refuge in a chapel, consecrated to the
+Blessed Virgin, exclaiming: "I have no fears here, for I feel myself
+under the protection of a boundless mercy." O Mary! you opened your
+maternal heart, and there he concealed himself, knowing that divine
+justice yields to mercy, when the guilty soul has found and invoked
+with confidence the Refuge of Sinners.... So great was the fervent
+neophyte's happiness when in the temple of the Lord, that he was unable
+to find words expressive of his happiness. "Ah!" said he in a holy
+transport, "how delightful it is to be here! How great reason have
+Catholics to love their churches and to frequent them! How zealous
+they should be in ornamenting them! How sweet to spend a lifetime in
+these holy places! They are truly not of earth but of Heaven!" Ah! are
+we not confounded and abashed by the fervor of him who has just been
+born into the truth! What would he think of the coldness, the levity,
+the ingratitude of the majority of Christians?... Let us acknowledge
+it to our confusion; there is a Host who dwells in our midst, and
+whom we know not; we who eat at His table, who feed upon His own
+flesh, the Bread descended from Heaven, and behold! a young Israelite,
+instructed but a few hours in the wonders of God's love, teaches us how
+we must conduct ourselves in the presence of this Host, and with what
+sentiments our hearts should then be filled.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Next day, the news of this wonderful conversion had spread through
+Rome; every one was anxious to learn something about it, and collected
+with pious curiosity the various statements in circulation; every one
+wished to see the newly converted and hear his account.... General
+Chlabonski even went to M. De Bussiere's house. "So you have seen the
+image of the Blessed Virgin," said he, accosting the neophyte. "The
+image?" answered the latter, "ah! it was no image, but herself I saw;
+yes, M. her real self, just as I see you now!" We must here remark that
+to the Church alone, appertains the power of judging and qualifying
+this vision; but every one was impressed with the fact, that mistake
+or illusion seemed impossible, considering the young Israelite's
+character, education, prejudices and horror for Christianity; moreover,
+in this chapel there was neither statue, picture nor any representation
+whatever of the Blessed Virgin. And we love to quote here the words of
+a wise man, who, referring to the event, says, "that without one grain
+of exaggeration, just as it happened, just as all Rome narrates it, the
+unexpected fact, the public fact of this conversion, considering all
+the circumstances, would of itself be a miracle, if a miracle had not
+caused it."
+
+M. Ratisbonne reluctantly gave the details of what he had seen. When
+questioned closely as to what took place at the moment he found himself
+environed by this celestial effulgence, he answers ingenuously that he
+could not account for the involuntary impulse causing him to leave the
+right hand side of the church for the chapel on the left, especially
+as he was separated from it by the preparations for the morrow's
+ceremonies; that, when the Queen of Heaven appeared before him in all
+the glory and brilliancy of her immaculate purity, he caught a glimpse
+of her incomparable beauty, but immediately realized the impossibility
+of contemplating it, that urged by the desire, three times had he
+endeavored to lift his eyes to the face of this Mother of mercy, whose
+sweet clemency had deigned to manifest herself to him, and three times,
+in spite of himself, had his gaze been stayed at sight of the blessed
+hands, whence escaped a torrent of graces. "I could not," he told us
+himself after his arrival, "I could not express what I saw of mercy and
+liberality in Mary's hands. It was not only an effulgence of light,
+it was not rays I distinguished, words are inadequate to depict the
+ineffable gifts filling our Mother's hands, and descending from them,
+the bounty, mercy, tenderness, the celestial sweetness and riches,
+flowing in torrents and inundating the souls she protects."
+
+In the first moments of his conversion, M. Ratisbonne gave vent to some
+of those thoughts which strongly pre-occupied him, those outpourings
+of a fervent heart which happily, are still preserved. "O my God!"
+he exclaimed in a transport of astonishment and gratitude, "I, who
+only half an hour before was blaspheming! I, who felt such violent
+hatred against the Catholic religion!... Every one of my acquaintances
+knew full well, that to all human appearances, it was impossible for
+me ever to think of changing my religion. My family was Jewish, my
+betrothed, my uncle were Jewish. In embracing Christianity, I know that
+I break away from all earthly hopes and interests.... And yet I do
+it willingly; I renounce the passing happiness of a future which was
+promised me; I do so without hesitation, I act from conviction; ...
+for I am not crazy, and have never been; they well know it.... Who,
+then, could refuse to believe me, and believe in the truth?... The most
+powerful interests enchained me to my religion, and consequently all
+should be convinced that a man who sacrifices everything to a profound
+conviction must sacrifice to a celestial light, which has revealed
+itself by incontrovertible evidence. What I have affirmed is true. I
+know it, I feel it; and what could be my object in thus betraying the
+truth and turning aside from religion by a sacrilegious lie?... I have
+not said too much; my words must carry conviction."
+
+The Baron De Bussiere had the consolation of entertaining at his own
+home the new son Heaven had given him; the young Jew remained there
+until the retreat preceding his baptism. It was right and just,
+indeed, that this friend should gather the first bloom of a heart
+refreshed by the dew of grace, that he should be the happy witness of
+the wonders wrought in that soul.... M. Ratisbonne himself had need
+of a confidant, some one that understood him thoroughly, and to whom
+he could communicate the emotions of his heart.... It was in moments
+of sweet intimacy, when alone with his friend, that he could give
+full vent to his feelings, and, in unison with him, admire the loving
+designs of divine Providence, and the means that had dissipated such
+deplorable errors. He bewailed the blindness in which he had lived!...
+"Alas!" said he, "when my excellent brother embraced Catholicity,
+and afterwards entered into the ecclesiastical state, I, of all his
+relatives, was his most unrelenting persecutor.... I could not forgive
+his desertion of our religion--we were at variance, at least; I
+detested him, though he had none but the kindest thoughts for me....
+However, at the time of my betrothal, I said to myself that I must be
+reconciled to my brother, and I wrote him a few cold lines, to which
+he replied by a letter full of charity and tenderness.... One of my
+little nephews died about eighteen months ago. My good brother, having
+learned that he was seriously ill, asked as a personal favor that the
+child be baptized before its death, adding, with great delicacy, that
+to us it would be a matter of indifference, whilst to himself it would
+be a veritable happiness, and he hoped we would not refuse. I was
+infuriated at such a request!
+
+"I hope, oh! yes, I hope that my God will send me severe trials, which
+may redound to His honor and glory, and convince all that I am actuated
+by conscience...." What generosity of heart! What knowledge! His eyes
+are scarcely opened to the truths of Catholicity, ere he embraces
+them in their full extent.... He knows already that the cross is the
+distinctive mark of the children of the Church, of God's elect, and
+this cross which so many Christians drag reluctantly after them, he
+greets, he awaits, he desires.... Moreover, it had been shown to him in
+a very mysterious manner; for he relates that the night preceding his
+conversion there was constantly before his eyes a large cross without
+the Christ, that the sight really fatigued him, although he considered
+it of no importance. "I made," said he, "incredible efforts to banish
+this image, but in vain. It was only later, when having, by chance,
+seen the reverse of the Miraculous Medal, he recognized the exact sign
+which had struck him.
+
+Divine Providence, looking with a loving eye upon this young convert,
+directed his steps, and in these early days of his conversion, led
+him to a venerable Father who was to give him very precious counsel,
+upon the life of abnegation and perpetual sacrifice he had embraced.
+This servant of the Lord, immediately lay before him the importance
+of the step he had taken, the trials awaiting him, the temptation that
+would most assuredly beset his path, and without fearing to shake
+his constancy, he read him a few verses of the second chapter of
+Ecclesiasticus, upon the trials testing the virtue of the true servant
+and friend of God. With pleasure we quote here a part of this good
+priest's instructions:
+
+    "My son, when thou comest to the service of God, stand in
+    justice and in fear, and prepare thy soul for temptation.
+    Humble thy heart and endure; incline thy ear, and receive the
+    words of understanding; and make not haste in the time of
+    clouds. Wait on God with patience; join thyself to God and
+    endure, that thy life may be increased in the latter end. Take
+    all that shall be brought upon thee; and in thy sorrow endure,
+    and in thy humiliation keep patience. For gold and silver
+    are tried in the fire, but acceptable men in the furnace of
+    humiliation. Believe God, and He will recover thee; and direct
+    thy way, and trust in Him. Keep His fear, and grow old therein."
+
+M. Ratisbonne listened in respectful silence to these words of life; he
+cherished the remembrance of them, and the eve of his baptism, he asked
+the Reverend Father to put them in writing that he might meditate upon
+them the rest of his days.... It was accomplished, the joys of earth
+were sacrificed to the glory of bearing the cross of Jesus Christ....
+He was initiated into heavenly secrets by reason of those favors the
+Immaculate Mary had conferred upon him.... He already felt the strength
+that God communicates to the soul, resolved to share the sorrows of its
+divine Master.
+
+Ten days elapsed between the happy moment of the young Israelite's
+sudden comprehension of the truth, and his baptism. The Mother of Mercy
+had brought him from Heaven, the torch of Faith; in enlightening his
+intelligence, she had touched his heart; he sighed after the happy day,
+when the Church would admit him among the number of her children, and
+it was on the 31st of January, this tender Mother opened to him all
+her treasures, clothed him with innocence, called down upon him the
+plenitude of the gifts of the Spirit of love, and invited him to the
+banquet of Angels that she might give him the Bread of life.
+
+The Gesu was the church selected for this solemn ceremony. Long before
+the appointed hour, it was filled with a devout, eager multitude, all
+anxious to get as near as possible to the holy altar. Nothing disturbed
+the beauty or serenity of the occasion, no cloud dimmed the brightness
+of this heavenly festival, which inundated truly Christian hearts with
+the purest joys.
+
+M. Ratisbonne, clothed in the white robe of the catechumen, appeared
+about half-past eight, accompanied by the Reverend Father Villefort,
+(whose consoling duty it had been to prepare the neophyte for this
+beautiful day), and the Baron De Bussiere, his god-father. They
+conducted him into the chapel of St. Andrew, where the touching
+ceremony was to take place. An object of the most profound curiosity,
+the fervent neophyte, wrapt in recollection, awaited with angelic
+serenity, the solemn moment.... The pious Romans gave vent to their
+feelings by words and gestures, kissing their chaplets in an effusion
+of grateful love for Mary Immaculate, the cause of our joy.... They
+pointed out one to another the zealous baron, whom divine Providence
+had chosen to give the Miraculous Medal to the young Israelite. "He is
+a Frenchman," they repeated, "He is a Frenchman! Blessed be God!"
+
+His Eminence, the Cardinal Vicar, was to receive M. Ratisbonne's
+profession of Faith. He appeared at nine, clothed in his pontifical
+robes, and commenced the prayers prescribed for the baptism of adults.
+
+The prayers terminated, His Eminence went in procession with the
+clergy to the foot of the church; the young Israelite was conducted
+to his presence. "What do you ask of the Church of God?" "Faith,"
+was the immediate answer. "What name do you wish?" "Mary," said the
+neophyte, in a tone of tender gratitude; Mary, who had opened to him
+the path of salvation; Mary, who was to conduct him into the new life;
+Mary, who will one day introduce him into the City of the Saints,
+whence she descended to lead him to the divine fold.... Then followed
+his profession of Faith, his solemn promises.... He believes all,
+he promises all, he accepts all, he wishes to be a Christian, he is
+already one at heart.... His desires are gratified, the vivifying
+waters are poured upon his head, the grace of holy baptism has invested
+him with all the rights of his eternal heritage, the spirit of darkness
+is confounded. Behold the child of God, the brother of Jesus Christ,
+the new sanctuary of the Spirit of love, the favorite of the Queen of
+Heaven, the friend of Angels and the well-beloved son of Mother Church!
+
+It was on this occasion that the Abbe Dupanloup, who happened to be in
+Rome at the time, celebrated before an immense audience the infinite
+mercies of God and the Immaculate Mary's miraculous protection of a
+child of France. We cannot refrain from inserting here a few fragments
+of the account printed at Rome. It is well calculated to increase
+devotion to Mary:
+
+    "How admirable are the thoughts and ways of divine Providence,
+    and how deplorable the lot of those who neither comprehend nor
+    bless them. For such, the life of man is only a sad mystery,
+    his days a fatal series of events, man himself a noble but
+    miserable creature, cast far from Heaven upon this land of
+    tears, to live here in perpetual darkness, to die in despair,
+    oblivious of a God who heeds neither his virtues nor his
+    sorrows.... But, no; Lord, Thou art not forgetful of us, and
+    life is not thus; despite our infinite misery, thy Providence
+    watches over us, it is far above the heavens, more boundless
+    than the sea--it is an abyss of power, wisdom and love.----
+
+    "Thou hast made us for Thyself, Lord, and our hearts are never
+    at rest until they repose in Thee! We feel an insatiable need,
+    which stirs the depths of our being, which consumes us, and
+    when we yield to it, we inevitably find Thee!
+
+    "I bless Thee especially, I adore Thee, when from the depths of
+    Thy eternity, Thou dost remember compassionately the lowliness
+    of our being, the dust of which we are fashioned; when from the
+    heights of heaven, Thou dost cast a glance of pity and love
+    upon the most humble of Thy children; when, according to the
+    Prophet's expression, 'Thou dost move heaven and earth,' and
+    work innumerable marvels to save those who are dear to Thee, to
+    conquer one soul!
+
+    "O, you, upon whom, at this moment, all eyes are bent with
+    inexpressible emotion, with the tenderest love; for it is God,
+    it is His mercy we love in you, in you whose presence in this
+    holy place inspires these thoughts, tell us yourself what were
+    your thoughts and ways, by what secret mercy the Lord pursued
+    and reclaimed you?
+
+    For who are you? What do you seek in this sanctuary? What are
+    these honors you seem to bear? What is this white robe in which
+    I see you clothed? Tell us whence you came and whither you
+    were going? What obstacle has suddenly changed your course?
+    For walking in the footsteps of Abraham, your ancestor, whose
+    blessed son you are this day, like him, blindly obedient to
+    the voice of God, not knowing whither your journey tends, you
+    suddenly find yourself in the Holy City.... The Lord's work was
+    not yet accomplished; but it is for you to describe to us the
+    rising of the Sun of truth and justice upon your soul, for you
+    to picture its brilliant aurora.... Tell us why you enjoy, like
+    ourselves, perhaps more keenly than ourselves, the good word,
+    the virtues of the future and all our most blessed hopes....
+    Tell us, for we have the right to know, why you enter into
+    possession of our goods as your heritage? Who has introduced
+    you among us, for yesterday we knew you not, or rather we knew
+    you.... Oh! yes, I shall tell all; I know the joy that will
+    fill your heart at my revealing your miseries as well as the
+    celestial mercies.----
+
+    "You did not love the truth, but the truth loved you. To
+    the purest and most ardent efforts of a zeal that sought
+    to enlighten you, did you oppose a disdainful smile, an
+    indifferent silence, a subtle response, a haughty firmness, and
+    sometimes blasphemous pleasantries. O patient God! O God, who
+    lovest us in spite of our miseries! Thy mercy has oftentimes
+    a depth, a sublimity, a tenderness and, allow me to say it, a
+    power and delicacy that are infinite!
+
+    "Suddenly a rumor is circulated throughout the Holy City, a
+    rumor that consoles all Christian hearts, he who blasphemed
+    yesterday, who this morning even ridiculed the friends of
+    God, has become a disciple of Christ; celestial grace has
+    touched his lips, he utters now only words of benediction
+    and sweetness, the most vivid lights of the evangelical law
+    seem to beam from his eyes; we may say that a celestial
+    unction has taught him all things. Whence does he receive this
+    enlightenment of the eyes of the heart, that heart which sees
+    all, which has understood all? O God! Thou art good, infinitely
+    good, and I love to repeat those sweet words, so lately on the
+    blessed lips of him, whose memory is henceforth ineffaceably
+    impressed upon our hearts. We wept over him a few days ago,
+    we still regret him, but we have dried our tears. 'Yes, Thou
+    art good, and the children of men have truly called Thee the
+    good God!' (Last words of M. de La Ferronays.) Thou dost set
+    aside the laws of nature, Thou dost account nothing too much to
+    save Thy children! When Thou dost not come Thyself, Thou dost
+    send Thy angels!... O God! shall I here relate all? I ought
+    to enjoin reserve upon my speech.... But who is she? _Quae est
+    ista?_ I cannot say the word, and yet I cannot be silent.
+
+    "Hail Mary! You are full of grace; _Ave, gratia plena_, and
+    from the plentitude of your maternal heart, you love to bestow
+    your gifts upon us. The Lord is with you, _Dominus tecum_,
+    and it is through you He is pleased to descend to us! And now
+    to praise you worthily, I must borrow the images of Heaven or
+    speak the inflamed language of the prophets! For, O Mary! your
+    name is sweeter than the purest joys, more delightful than the
+    most exquisite perfumes, more charming than the harmony of
+    angels, _in corde jubilus_; more refreshing to the faithful
+    heart than honeycomb to the wearied traveler, _mel in lingua_;
+    more encouraging and cheering to the guilty but repentant heart
+    than the evening dew to the leaves parched and shriveled by
+    the mid-day sun, _ros in herba_. You are beautiful as the orb
+    of night, _pulchra ut luna_; you, who guide the bewildered
+    traveler; you are brilliant as the aurora, _aurora consurgens_;
+    fair and pure as the morning star, _stella matutina_; and it is
+    you who precede the dawn of the Sun of Justice in our hearts.
+
+    "O Mary! I can never portray all your loveliness and grandeur,
+    and it is my joy to succumb beneath the weight of so much
+    glory! But since I speak in the midst of your children, your
+    children who are my brothers, I shall continue to proclaim
+    your praises from the depths of my heart's affection.... At
+    your name, O Mary, Heaven rejoices, earth quivers with joy,
+    hell fumes with impotent rage.... No, there is no creature so
+    sublime or so humble, that invoking you, will perish. Those
+    august basilicas, erected by the piety of mighty nations,
+    those golden characters, those rich banners worked by royal
+    hands, likewise the modest offerings of the sailor in your
+    lowly chapels, in the crevices of the rock, on the shores of
+    the sea, or even your humble picture which martyr's hands have
+    traced upon the catacombs, all attest your power in appeasing
+    the tempests of divine wrath, and attracting upon us heavenly
+    benedictions.
+
+    "O Mary, I have seen the most savage wilds of nature smile
+    at your name and blossom into beauty; the pious inhabitants
+    of the deserts celebrate your glory, the mountain echoes,
+    the torrent billows, vie with one another in repeating your
+    praises. I have seen great cities bring forth and cherish,
+    under the shadow of your name, the purest and most noble
+    virtues. I have seen youth, with generous impulse, confident
+    ardor, and the inexpressible charm of virtue irradiating its
+    countenance, prefer your name and the happiness of celebrating
+    your festivals to all the enchantments of the world and its
+    most brilliant destinies! I have seen old men, after a godless
+    life of sixty or eighty years, rise upon their couch of pain,
+    to remember at the sound of your name the God who had blessed
+    their early infancy; you were to them as a pledge of security
+    and of peaceful entrance into the Eternal City! O Mary, who are
+    you then? _Quae est ista?_ You are the Mother of our Saviour,
+    and Jesus, the fruit of your womb, is the God blessed from
+    all eternity. You are our Sister, _soror nostra es_; though a
+    child of Adam like ourselves, you have not participated in our
+    sad heritage, and our woes excite your deepest and most tender
+    compassion.
+
+    "O Mary! you are the masterpiece of the Divine power! You are
+    the most touching invention of God's goodness! I could not say
+    more--you are the sweetest smile of His mercy! O God, give eyes
+    to those who have them not--eyes that they may see Mary and
+    understand the beautiful light of her maternal glance; and to
+    those who have no heart give one, that they may love Mary; for
+    from Mary to the Word Eternal, to the Beauty ever ancient and
+    ever new, to that uncreated Light which strengthens the feeble
+    sight and appeases every desire of our souls, from Mary to
+    Jesus, from the Mother to the Son, there is but a step!----
+
+    "Our dearly beloved brother--and I am happy to be the first
+    to call you thus--behold under what favorable auspices you
+    enter this new Jerusalem, the tabernacle of the Lord, 'the
+    Church of the living God, which is the pillar and ground of
+    truth. But before delivering your heart to these emotions of
+    joy, there is one severe lesson it should learn this day; and
+    since I am destined to be the first to announce to you the
+    words of the Gospel, I shall conceal from you nothing of the
+    austerity it inculcates. 'You have understood all,' you say;
+    but let me ask if you have understood the mystery of the cross.
+    Ah! be careful, for it is the foundation of Christianity. I
+    speak now not only of that blessed cross which you lovingly
+    adore, because it places before your eyes Jesus crucified in
+    expiation of your sins, but borrowing the emphatic language of
+    an ancient apologist of our Faith, I shall say to you: 'This is
+    no question of the cross that is sweet for you to adore, but
+    of the cross to which you must soon submit.' _Ecce cruces jam
+    non adorandae, sed subeundae._ Behold what you must understand if
+    you are a Christian and what baptism must disclose to you!...
+    Moreover, in vain would I endeavor to dissimulate the truth, by
+    saying that your future may reveal no crosses; I see them in
+    store for you. No doubt, we must venerate them afar off, but
+    it is infinitely better to bend beneath their weight when laid
+    upon us, and courageously carry them. I shall be mistaken, if
+    the evangelic virtues are not increased and fortified in your
+    soul by patience. And blessed be God for it! You have been
+    introduced into Christianity through Mary and the Cross!...
+    It is an admirable mode of introduction! And again I repeat,
+    blessed be God for it! For I say to you, He has given you
+    ears to hear and a heart to feel this language! Son of the
+    Catholic Church you will share your Mother's destiny! Look
+    at Rome, Rome where you have just been born into the Church;
+    her heritage here below, is always to combat and always to
+    triumph. Moreover, nothing astonishes her; and after eighteen
+    centuries of combats and victories, it is here, in the centre
+    of Catholic unity, at the foot of the Apostolic See, that focus
+    whence daily emanate the most vivid and purest rays of Faith,
+    piercing the shades of paganism, error and Judaism, that the
+    Church has poured over your forehead the beneficent water of
+    celestial regeneration. What do I say? It is Peter himself, the
+    Moses of the new law, worthily represented by the first Vicar
+    of his august Successor, who has struck for you the mysterious
+    rock, the immovable stone. _Petra erat Christus_, whence gush
+    forth those waters springing up unto eternal life.
+
+    "But I have said enough; I retard your happiness. Heaven, at
+    this moment, regards you with love, the earth blesses you
+    and Jesus Christ awaits you; go forward then; angels have
+    commenced the feast, and the friends of God continue it with
+    you here below! And even he who seems dead in our eyes, and
+    whose heart is living in the hand of the Lord! you know him,
+    his supplications and prayers have been poured forth in your
+    behalf; the solemn moment has now arrived! Abraham, Isaac,
+    Israel, the patriarchs and prophets from their heavenly abode
+    encourage you, and Moses blesses you, because the law in your
+    heart has developed into the Gospel; mercy and truth sustain
+    you, justice and peace attend you, repentance and innocence
+    crown you.... And finally, it is Mary who receives and protects
+    you!
+
+    "O Mary! it is a necessity and a duty for us to repeat once
+    more this prayer, this cherished prayer, and I know that not
+    one of all the multitude here assembled, but will fervently
+    repeat it with me: 'Remember, O most pious Virgin Mary, that
+    no one ever had recourse to thy protection, implored thy aid
+    or sought thy mediation, without obtaining relief. Groaning
+    under the weight of our sins, we come, O Virgin of virgins, to
+    cast ourselves in thy arms, and do most humbly supplicate thee.
+    O Mother of the Eternal Word, to remember the just, remember
+    sinners, remember those who know thee, and those who know thee
+    not; remember our woes and thy mercy.' I shall not say remember
+    this young man, for he is thy child, the sweet and glorious
+    conquest of thy love, but I shall say, remember all those dear
+    ones for whom he offers this day, the first prayers of his
+    Catholic heart; restore them to him in time and eternity.----
+
+    "And since I am a stranger here (no, let me recall my words,
+    no one is a stranger in Rome, every Catholic is a Roman), but
+    since we were both born on the soil of France, I think my
+    prayers find an echo in the hearts of all who hear me, when I
+    say: remember France, she is still the home of noble virtues,
+    generous souls, heroic love.... Restore to the Church in France
+    her pristine beauty."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The Holy Sacrifice terminated the imposing ceremony. Our new Christian,
+overwhelmed beneath the weight of so many favors, had to be assisted
+to the Holy Table, where he received the Bread of Angels as the seal
+of his celestial alliance. Inundated with happiness, the tears gushed
+from his eyes, and after receiving, it was necessary to assist him
+to his place.... A number of pious Christians participated in the
+divine banquet, to which the Church so tenderly invites all her happy
+children, and the admirable spectacle of a blessed union with their new
+brother, was another edifying episode of this memorable day.
+
+The _Te Deum_ which followed, that most fervent hymn of gratitude,
+arising from every heart and mingling with the sound of all the
+bells, was not less impressive. "I pray God," wrote a witness of this
+ceremony, "never to let the memory of what I experienced during these
+three hours be effaced from my heart; such an impression is, beyond
+doubt, one of the most precious graces a Christian soul can ever
+receive."
+
+Clothed with innocence, enriched with the gifts of Heaven, admitted
+to its joys, buried in the sweet transports of gratitude and love, M.
+Ratisbonne could not relinquish immediately his dear solitude. He had
+made one retreat, as a preparation for the reception of these three
+grand Sacraments, and he was filled with ineffable consolation; feeling
+now the necessity, the imperative duty of returning thanks to his
+Benefactor, he wished to commence a second retreat, so that afar from
+the world, he might be deaf to the confused noises of its frivolous
+joys, and amidst the silence of a sweet peace, celebrate the Lord's
+magnificence, chant hymns of gratitude, taste in secret and at leisure
+the gifts which had been imparted to him, and the new treasures he
+possessed.
+
+Another grand consolation was in store for him. He sighed after the
+happy moment when he could prostrate himself at the feet of the
+Sovereign Pontiff, and there testify his submission to and love for
+that holy Church who had just admitted him into the number of her
+cherished children. An audience was granted him. The two friends, M.
+Ratisbonne and the Baron de Bussiere, were conducted into the presence
+of His Holiness by the reverend Father General of the Society of Jesus.
+Having bent the knee three times before the Vicar of Jesus Christ, they
+received in unison, that holy and desirable benediction, which many
+pious Christians esteem themselves happy in obtaining, after long and
+wearisome journeys. They were welcomed with truly paternal tenderness
+by the venerable Pontiff, who conversed some time with them, and loaded
+them with tokens of his favor. M. Ratisbonne knew not how to express
+his admiration for the great simplicity, humility and goodness of this
+worthy Successor of the Prince of the Apostles. "He was so exceedingly
+kind," has M. Ratisbonne told me several times since, "as to take
+us into his chamber, where he showed me near his bed, a magnificent
+picture of my dear medal, a picture for which he has the greatest
+devotion. I had procured quite a number of Miraculous Medals. His
+Holiness cheerfully blessed them for me, and these are the weapons I
+shall use in conquering souls for Jesus Christ and Mary."
+
+The Holy Father crowns all his favors, by presenting M. Ratisbonne
+a crucifix, a precious souvenir which the young Christian will ever
+cherish, clinging to it in his combats and his sorrows, as a weapon
+that must assure him the victory over hell. A new soldier of Jesus
+Christ, he needs no other arms than the cross and Mary Immaculate,
+signal protectors that will guide him in the ways of justice, and one
+day, usher him into the light of eternal felicity.
+
+Shortly after his second retreat, M. Ratisbonne made preparations for
+his return to France, and bade adieu to the Holy City, though not
+without the sweet hope of again offering there his tribute of fervent
+thanksgiving. We have seen and conversed with him many times. The first
+emotions of a boundless and almost unparalled happiness are past,
+but the fruits remain; daily does the precious gift of Faith strike
+deeper root into this soul regenerated by the waters of holy Baptism;
+and the divine life, which was communicated to him on the day of his
+baptism, our new brother nourishes by the frequent reception of the
+Holy Eucharist, and a withdrawal from all worldly society; for whilst
+awaiting the manifestations of the Lord's will in regard to his future,
+he feels the necessity of preserving, in the secrecy of a peaceful and
+recollected life, the treasures he has received.
+
+M. Ratisbonne's conversion, publicly styled a miracle, excited too much
+interest and comment for the Holy See to allow it to pass unnoticed.
+The Sovereign Pontiff ordered a canonical examination according to the
+rules of the Church. The Cardinal Vicar prescribed an investigation.
+Nine witnesses were examined; all the circumstances weighed, and
+after a favorable conclusion, the most eminent Cardinal Patrizzi,
+"pronounced and declared the 3d of June, 1842, that the instantaneous
+and perfect conversion of Alphonse Marie Ratisbonne, from Judaism to
+Catholicity, was a true and incontrovertible miracle, wrought by the
+most blessed and powerful God, through the intercession of the Blessed
+Virgin Mary. For the greater glory of God and the increase of devotion
+to the Blessed Virgin Mary, His Eminence deigns to permit the account
+of this signal miracle, not only to be printed and published but also
+authorized."--A picture commemorative of the apparition of the Blessed
+Virgin to M. Ratisbonne, a representation of the Virgin of the medal,
+was placed in the chapel of St. Andrew's Church, where the miracle had
+taken place.
+
+A few days after his return to France, M. Ratisbonne, in token of
+his gratitude, and with the intention of obtaining his family's
+conversion, felt urged to erect a chapel under the invocation of Mary
+Immaculate, in the Providence orphanage of the Faubourg St. Germain,
+Paris. The laying of the corner stone took place May 1st, 1842, and
+the sanctuary was finished and dedicated May 1st, 1844, with great
+solemnity, in the presence of the founder of the house, M. Desgenettes,
+cure of Notre Dame des Victoires, the Baron de Bussiere, M. Etienne,
+Superior General of the Priests of the Mission and daughters of
+Charity, M. Eugene Bore, then a simple layman, but afterwards M.
+Etienne's immediate successor, the abbe de Bonnechose, later an
+Archbishop and Cardinal, and many other distinguished persons.
+
+The pious convert often repaired to this sanctuary to mingle his
+prayers with those of the Daughters of Charity and their dear orphans;
+and many times has he also enjoyed the ineffable consolation of
+celebrating the Holy Sacrifice and thanking his celestial Benefactress,
+before the beautiful picture of the Immaculate Conception placed above
+the high altar, as a souvenir of the miracle of St. Andrew delle
+Fratte, for M. Ratisbonne is now a priest. Not content with leading a
+pious life in the world, he has renounced forever the joys and hopes
+of time to embrace the ecclesiastical state, which consecrated him
+unreservedly to God. For several years past he has been associated with
+his beloved brother Theodore in the order of Our Lady of Sion, the
+object of which congregation is the conversion of Israelites.
+
+
+V.
+
+_Graces Obtained from 1843 to 1877, in France, Germany, Italy, America._
+
+
+CURE OF A LITTLE GIRL (PARIS)--1843.
+
+This account was sent us in the month of January, 1877, by the very
+person who was cured:
+
+    "About the 15th of December, 1843, a little girl, Zenobie de
+    M., just one year old, was attacked, at the same time, by
+    water on the chest, a disease of the bowels, and cerebral
+    congestion. Dr. Flandrin, a friend of the family was called in
+    immediately, and gave the child every attention, but his skill
+    was powerless, and the family was plunged in the deepest grief.
+    The child's eldest sister alone cherished a faint hope in the
+    depths of her heart; she had intended consecrating herself to
+    God in a religious state, and had always regarded the birth
+    of this little one as a gift of Providence, sent to take her
+    place in the family, and console her afflicted parents. God
+    will not, she thought, take back the child. In her room was a
+    picture representing the apparition of the Miraculous Medal;
+    she knelt before it, begging the child's recovery, and renewing
+    her promises of embracing a religious life should the petition
+    be granted. This generous offering she kept a secret. A little
+    while after, the doctor came and declared the child's case
+    hopeless, and moreover, its recovery not desirable as it would
+    remain imbecile, paralyzed or blind. He proposed, however, a
+    consultation with M. Blache, physician of the Necker hospital,
+    who prescribed energetic treatment, but said, 'this child
+    cannot live.'
+
+    The poor mother, deeming it inadvisable to cause the little
+    creature unnecessary suffering, gently laid it in the cradle,
+    saying with the faith and resignation seen in none but a
+    Christian mother: 'The Lord gave it to me, the Lord wishes
+    to take it away, may His holy will be accomplished!' In the
+    afternoon, one of the aunts came to accompany the elder sister
+    to church, and whilst their prayers ascended to the Most
+    High, more for the mother than the child, this mother obeys
+    spontaneously a supernatural impulse, and taking the Miraculous
+    Medal as a last hope, she applies it to the body of the child,
+    and repeats with confidence the invocation: 'O Mary! conceived
+    without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee!' The
+    plaintive cries ceased, and when M. Flandrin came that evening
+    to see if the little one were still alive, he was greatly
+    surprised to perceive a faint improvement since morning, the
+    whole body covered with a gentle perspiration, and the little
+    paralyzed arm able to move in any direction. 'But what a pity,'
+    said he, 'the child will be blind,' which indeed it seemed to
+    be already, as a light passed several times before its eyes
+    produced no effect whatever.
+
+    "The mother who had not yet mentioned her secret, waited until
+    all had left the room, then taking her dear medal, she lay it
+    upon her infant's eyes and repeated the invocation. After a
+    sound sleep of about twenty-four hours, little Zenobie awoke,
+    recognizing all around her, and smiling upon all, her sight was
+    restored!
+
+    "The child's father, penetrated with faith and piety, said:
+    'Assuredly, God alone has restored our child to us; henceforth,
+    she shall be called Marie, that she may ever bear in mind
+    to whom she is indebted for life.' An attack of measles now
+    supervened and finished the work, according to the doctor, by
+    absorbing the water on the brain, and throwing out upon the
+    surface of the skin the heretofore internal malady. A small
+    gold cross, having engraven upon it the memorable date of this
+    miraculous cure, was hung around the neck of little Marie, who
+    is now a Daughter of St. Vincent de Paul."
+
+
+CONVERSION OF A CAPTAIN IN THE AUSTRIAN ARMY.
+
+Letter from the Superioress of the Daughters of Charity, at the
+Hospital of Gratz (Austria), 1860:
+
+    After the war in Italy, a Polish regiment passed through Gratz;
+    the captain, attacked by a violent hemorrhage, was obliged
+    to stop at the general hospital, in charge of the Daughters
+    of Charity. Their constant and unremitting attentions did
+    not retard the progress of the disease, and his life was in
+    imminent danger.
+
+    Full of consideration, gratitude and politeness for those
+    who nursed him, he nevertheless expressed great displeasure
+    whenever they approached him on the subject of religion; he
+    had requested to be spared the visits of the chaplain of the
+    regiment, and as to the hospital chaplain, he dared not present
+    himself. It was necessary to keep the patient very quiet, and
+    avoid all worry, for the least excitement might cause a mortal
+    hemorrhage.
+
+    A Sister, who had been watching by his couch one night, left,
+    in mistake, a little book containing an account of favors
+    obtained through the Blessed Virgin's intercession. The sick
+    man took the book and read a few pages; another Sister coming
+    into his room, he showed her a passage, and said, putting his
+    hand to his forehead with a significant gesture: "Here, Sister,
+    just read this nonsense; as for myself, I cannot understand
+    how any one can write such books--if I may dare, let me beg you
+    to take this away."
+
+    Vain was every effort to reach his heart by pleasant
+    distractions, by engaging his attention or his interest; he
+    was insensible to all. A few days after the occurrence just
+    mentioned, a Sister ventured to offer him a medal of the
+    Blessed Virgin suspended to a cord, so that he might wear it
+    if he wished. He was too polite to refuse the present, but he
+    let it remain just where the Sister had put it. His servant,
+    though a devout Christian, dared not speak to him of receiving
+    the Sacraments, and, although the patient expected to leave the
+    hospital soon, it was very evident to all else that the fever
+    was daily sapping his strength and rapidly conducting him to
+    the tomb. Much grieved at his condition, and especially his
+    impenitence, the Sisters determined to make one last effort
+    to save this soul. And what was it? They wrote the Blessed
+    Virgin a note, as follows: "Grant that, by some means, most
+    holy Mother, he may accept your medal, prepare him yourself to
+    receive the Sacraments, and assist him at the hour of death.
+    O Mary! conceived without sin, pardon our temerity, we attach
+    this note to your statue, and leave it there till you deign to
+    hear our prayers."
+
+    The chief physician of the hospital said, one day, to the
+    Sister on leaving this patient's room: "The captain will die
+    without the Sacraments, he seems inflexible." "Oh! as to that,"
+    she replied, "the Blessed Virgin will not fail to overcome his
+    obstinacy." Three or four days elapsed; one morning the sick
+    man requested the Sister to put the medal around his neck,
+    which she did most joyfully. In the afternoon, he called her
+    again: "Sister," said he, "I beg you to send for the chaplain
+    of my regiment to hear my confession, so that to-morrow I may
+    receive the Holy Eucharist and Extreme Unction." The worthy
+    priest was happy to answer the summons; he remained a long time
+    with the sick man, and next morning, after celebrating Mass at
+    the altar of the Immaculate Conception, he administered to him
+    the Holy Viaticum and Extreme Unction. We were all edified at
+    the dying man's piety. He cherished his medal with religious
+    fidelity, often asking for it and kissing it tenderly. A few
+    days after receiving the Last Sacraments, he rendered his
+    soul to God, saved, as we have every reason to hope, by the
+    intercession of Mary conceived without sin.
+
+
+CONVERSION OF A HARDENED SINNER.
+
+A letter from the Superioress of the Daughters of Charity at Issoudun,
+1862:
+
+    In the month of August, 1862, a young man aged twenty-nine, and
+    who had been married several years, was dying of consumption.
+    Vainly did his friends endeavor to turn his thoughts to
+    eternity; every idea of religion seemed extinguished in his
+    heart, and he positively refused to see the priest. A pious
+    acquaintance informed the Sisters of his deplorable state;
+    one of them went immediately to see him. She met with a cool
+    reception, but was not the least disconcerted, and spoke to him
+    very kindly, proposing to send him a physician, and adding,
+    that she would supply all necessary medicines and nourishment.
+    "I need neither doctors nor medicines," was the reply, "I am
+    going to die, and I ask only that you will let me die in
+    peace." His poor wife, who was present, holding their little
+    child in her arms, said to him with tears: "Accept Sister's
+    offer, and perhaps you will recover," but he made no answer;
+    and the Sister now turning to his wife, endeavored to console
+    her, by promising to send the doctor and return soon herself.
+    The doctor came and met with no better reception. In a few days
+    the Sister presented herself again, and was received as before,
+    all her advances eliciting no response save a frigid silence;
+    but naught discouraged, she returned day after day, though her
+    reception was always the same. As the young man grew worse,
+    the Sister's prayers increased, and she felt inspired to offer
+    him a medal of the Immaculate Conception, still hoping that
+    the good God would lead back to the fold, this poor strayed
+    sheep. "I accept a medal!" he exclaimed vehemently, "and what
+    do you wish me to do with it? It would suit my wife or child
+    well enough, but as for myself, I want no medals!" The Sister
+    withdrew from the contest for the time, but not discouraged,
+    she returned to the charge next morning. "Ah," said she
+    pleasantly, "you are going to take the medal to-day?" "You know
+    what I told you yesterday," he answered, "besides, Sister,
+    I am afraid of becoming imbued with your sentiments should
+    I accept it, for I perceive that you are much more unhappy
+    than I care about being." A ray of happiness illumined the
+    Sister's countenance, for she knew that he who fears is already
+    conquered. After plying her with questions about religion, he
+    concluded thus: "After all, death will be a great relief to
+    me; I have twice made an unsuccessful attempt at committing
+    suicide. I suffer so much that I desire nothing but to die as
+    soon possible." Next day, the Sister asked her Superioress to
+    visit him and offer him the medal. She did so, and he not only
+    accepted it, but at last consented to see the priest. When our
+    Sister next saw him he was completely changed, and expressed
+    his joy at the priest's visit, and his desire of seeing him
+    soon again. "Sister," said he, "I am too miserable, I wish to
+    be like you." The priest did not delay his second coming, and
+    the poor, suffering creature, having made his confession, asked
+    for Holy Communion, which he had not received for many years,
+    but this favor was denied him, his throat being so inflamed
+    that he could swallow only a few drops of liquid. His last days
+    were sanctified by the most admirable resignation; no one ever
+    heard him utter a complaint, he asked for one thing only, the
+    visits of the priest and Sister, which alone seemed to afford
+    him any consolation. And on the Feast of All Saints, evincing
+    every mark of a sincere conversion, he breathed his last.
+
+
+CONVERSION OF A MALEFACTOR.
+
+A Letter from the Superioress of the Daughters of Charity, at the
+Hospital of Beuthen (Prussian Poland)--1865:
+
+    There was brought to our hospital, a young man of notoriously
+    bad character. He entered our doors blaspheming, and as the
+    physician had told the Sister that he had but a few days to
+    live, she essayed a few words of piety and consolation, to turn
+    his attention to the state of his soul; but he answered her by
+    maledictions. At last, one day she said to him, "My friend,
+    since you will not listen to me, I will ask my Superioress
+    herself to come." "Let her come," was his reply, "if she were
+    to tell me to hang myself, I would obey her, but as for
+    confession, she may talk about that as much as she pleases,
+    I shall never yield." These words were followed by so many
+    blasphemies, that it was with a very heavy heart the poor
+    Sister sought her Superioress. "Have you given him a medal?"
+    said the latter. "A medal!" was the reply, "he would throw it
+    away." "Ah, well, we must put one under his pillow and trust to
+    prayer, for it is useless to talk to him; tell him only that I
+    say he is not worthy of going to confession, and I forbid his
+    doing so."
+
+    As soon as the Sister who was nursing him left the presence
+    of her Superioress, the latter threw herself upon her knees
+    and began to repeat that beautiful prayer, the _Remember_. In
+    a very few minutes the Sister returned, this time shedding
+    tears of joy. "Ah, Sister," said she, "he wishes to confess;
+    as soon as I had put the medal under his pillow and recited
+    the _Remember_ for him, I delivered your message." "Indeed!"
+    said he, rising from his seat, "Well, I would just like to see
+    the person that could prevent it; tell your Superioress that
+    to-morrow morning at eight o'clock, I am going to pay the cure
+    a visit."
+
+    The Sisters felt a little troubled concerning a confession
+    apparently dictated by the spirit of contradiction, but their
+    fears were dissipated when the penitent returned bathed in
+    tears. He had just been to Holy Communion; asking the Sisters'
+    pardon for his past misconduct, he begged them to implore the
+    Blessed Virgin to let him live eight days longer, that he might
+    weep for his sins. This favor was granted him, and daily did he
+    bedew his pillow with tears. At the end of the eight days he
+    died, blessing God, and pressing the medal to his lips.
+
+
+CONVERSION OF AN ACTRESS.
+
+A letter from the Superioress of the Daughters of Charity, at the
+Hospital of Beuthen (Prussian Poland), 1865:
+
+    Some years ago, a young Protestant woman, belonging to a troupe
+    of comedians, arrived in Beuthen with her company. The good God
+    permitted that she should find lodgings in a Catholic family,
+    with whom she soon essayed a controversy. "Mademoiselle," said
+    the master of the house, "it would be better for you to go see
+    the Sisters about these things; the Blessed Virgin has wrought
+    wonders in their establishments, I am sure you would return
+    fully enlightened on the subject you have been discussing."
+    The young girl laughed at such a proposition; but a few days
+    after, impelled by curiosity, she repaired to the hospital
+    and asked for the Sister-Servant. "Invite her in," said the
+    latter, who had already heard of the young actress; "no doubt,
+    the Blessed Virgin has something in store for her here." After
+    a few formalities of etiquette, our visitor introduced the
+    subject of religion, and attempted to enter into a controversy
+    with the Sister. "Alas! Mademoiselle," replied the latter, "the
+    poor Daughters of Charity have neither the time nor learning
+    necessary for a discussion of these subtle questions, but they
+    have other arms with which to vanquish you;" and, smiling, she
+    presented her disputant a little medal of the Blessed Virgin.
+    "Promise me to wear this slight souvenir, it will be a constant
+    reminder that we are praying for you." She allowed the Sister
+    to put the medal on her neck, and retired rather pleased with
+    her visit.
+
+    From this day, the Sisters at the hospital began to recommend
+    the young actress to Mary conceived without sin. Not many
+    weeks after, the cure said to the Sister-Servant: "Do you
+    know, Sister, that Mademoiselle M., who spent the most of
+    her time promenading with gentlemen and smoking cigars, now
+    comes to me for religious instruction? In a little while she
+    will make her abjuration." And, indeed, it was not very long
+    before she repaired to the hospital. "Sister," said she to the
+    Sister-Servant, "I am going to confession to-day, and to-morrow
+    I make my First Communion. On my first visit here, I was
+    enraged at you. I could have fought you, and cast to the winds
+    this medal that I now kiss. From the very moment you put it on
+    my neck, an unaccountable change was wrought in me." Next day,
+    the church was filled with Protestants and Jews, all anxious
+    to witness a ceremony which had excited so much comment. After
+    her reception into the Church, the young convert, on the eve of
+    her departure, paid another visit to the Sister Servant, and
+    the latter saw by her very countenance what great changes grace
+    had wrought in this soul. "Well," said the Sister, just to try
+    her, "here is a silver medal to replace yours which has become
+    very black." "Oh, no," was the earnest, prompt reply, as she
+    tenderly pressed her own medal, "I would not exchange this for
+    any other in the world, for it is since I began to wear it my
+    soul has awaked to a new life."
+
+    Some years later, the Sister received a letter dated from
+    Rome, it was from the young convert, who wrote to her as
+    follows: "Sister, Providence has led me to Rome, and it is no
+    longer Mlle. M. you must address, but Sister St.---- of the B.
+    convent. Your desires are accomplished; I now belong entirely
+    to God, as I once did to the world; the Blessed Virgin
+    vanquishes souls with other arms than those of controversy."
+
+We must add, to the praise of the young actress, that her moral
+character was always irreproachable.
+
+The Superioress of the hospital at Beuthen, in narrating these facts,
+adds: "I could mention, for the greater glory of God and honor of the
+Immaculate Mary, numberless incidents of this kind, but lack of time
+and my weak eyes prevent my giving the details. I will say, however,
+and that without the slightest exaggeration, that not a week passes
+but the Blessed Virgin bestows upon our patients at the hospital some
+new proof of her maternal bounty. The medal, so dear to us, is really
+miraculous, and the instrument by which we snatch from destruction
+souls that have cost Our Lord so much. Ah! how numberless, in this
+unhappy land, the snares of the enemy of our salvation to entrap souls;
+but to vanquish him, I everywhere circulate the Miraculous Medal (you
+know what numbers we get), and my confidence in Mary is never deceived."
+
+
+CONVERSION OF A PROMINENT FREE MASON.
+
+                                _New Orleans (United States), 1865._
+
+    Among the patients at the great Charity hospital, New Orleans,
+    was a very prominent Free Mason. His hatred of religion was
+    displayed in a thousand ways; not only did he interdict the
+    Sister who nursed him any allusion to his salvation, but
+    he even habitually repaid by harsh and injurious words her
+    kindness and attention to his physical sufferings. If others
+    ventured to mention the subject of religion to him, they were
+    received with jeers and banters. Several times was he at
+    the point of death, and yet, sad to relate, his dispositions
+    remained the same. At last, when the Sister saw that he had but
+    a few hours to live, she stealthily slipped a Miraculous Medal
+    under his bolster, and said interiorly to the Blessed Virgin:
+    "My dear Mother, you know I have spared no effort to touch this
+    poor man's heart, but in vain; now I abandon him to you, it
+    is you who must save him; I leave him entirely in your hands,
+    and shall try to divest myself of all anxiety concerning him."
+    That evening, in making her rounds, she glances at him and
+    learns from the infirmarian that ever since her (the Sister's)
+    last visit, he had been very calm and apparently absorbed in
+    thought. On inquiring of the patient himself how he felt, she
+    was astonished at his polite answer, but remembering that she
+    had entrusted him entirely to the Blessed Virgin's care, she
+    did not venture a word about his soul, and bidding him good
+    night, she left the room.
+
+    About nine o'clock, he called the infirmarian, and asked for a
+    priest; knowing his former bitterness, the infirmarian thought
+    it a joke and treated it accordingly; the patient repeated his
+    request, but with no better success. Then he began to weep
+    and cry aloud for a priest; all the other patients were mute
+    with astonishment, and the infirmarian unable to resist such
+    entreaties went for the chaplain and the Sister. The dying
+    man requested Baptism, which was administered immediately, as
+    well as Extreme Unction, and before morning he had rendered
+    his account to the Sovereign Judge. His body was interred with
+    Masonic rites, but his soul, thanks to the powerful protection
+    of Mary Immaculate, had been carried by angels to the bosom of
+    its God.
+
+
+CONVERSION OF A SICK PROTESTANT.
+
+                                _New Orleans (United States)._
+
+    At the same hospital in New Orleans, a Sister for a long time
+    had vainly endeavored to convince a Protestant of the most
+    essential truths of religion, that he might receive Baptism,
+    but he was deaf to all her persuasions. One day she showed him
+    a Miraculous Medal, and related its origin. He appeared to
+    listen somewhat attentively, but when she offered it to him,
+    "Take it away," said he, in a tone of great contempt, "this
+    Virgin is no more than any other woman." "I am going to leave
+    it on your table," was the Sister's reply, "I am sure you will
+    reflect on my words." He said nothing, but to put it out of
+    sight, placed his bible over it. Every day, under the pretext
+    of arranging and dusting his room, the Sister assured herself
+    that the medal was still there. Several days elapsed, during
+    which the patient grew worse; one night, whilst lying awake
+    racked with suffering, he perceived a brilliant light around
+    his bed, though the rest of the room was enveloped in darkness.
+    Greatly astonished, he succeeded, in spite of his weakness, in
+    rising and turning up the gas, to discover if possible, the
+    cause of this mysterious light. Finding none, he returned to
+    bed, and a few minutes after, he perceived that the luminous
+    rays escaped from the medal. He then took it in his hands,
+    and kept it there the remainder of the night. As soon as the
+    Sisters' rising bell rang (which was four o'clock), he called
+    the infirmarian, and begged him to tell the Sister he desired
+    Baptism. The chaplain was immediately informed. "Impossible!"
+    he exclaimed, for having had frequent conversations with the
+    sick man, he was well aware of his sentiments, and could
+    scarcely believe him in earnest. Nevertheless, he obeyed the
+    summons, and finding the patient really disposed to profit by
+    his ministry, he administered the Last Sacraments, and shortly
+    after receiving which the poor man died, blessing God and the
+    Blessed Virgin for the graces bestowed upon him.
+
+
+CONVERSION OF A PROTESTANT GIRL.
+
+                                    _New Orleans, (United States)._
+
+    A poor young Protestant girl, brought to our hospital to be
+    treated for a grave malady, had so great a horror of our holy
+    religion, that at the very sight of a Catholic near her,
+    she acted like one possessed. The presence of a Sister was
+    especially irritating, and one day she even went so far as to
+    spit in the Sister's face, but the latter, nothing dismayed,
+    and ever hoping that the God of all mercy would change this
+    wolf into a lamb, continued her kind attentions, the more
+    disrespectful her patient, the more gentle and considerate
+    the Sister. The latter was at last inspired with the thought
+    of slipping a Miraculous Medal between the two mattresses;
+    she acted upon the inspiration, and the following night the
+    Immaculate Mary's image became an instrument of salvation and
+    happiness to a guilty soul. Pitching and tossing upon her bed
+    by reason of a high fever, the patient, in some unaccountable
+    manner, found the medal, and the Sister's astonishment next
+    morning at seeing her clasping it in her hands, and covering
+    it with kisses, was second only to that she experienced on
+    perceiving the wonderful transformation grace had wrought in
+    this poor creature's soul. A supernatural light had revealed
+    to her the sad state of her conscience; her criminal life
+    filled her with horror, and, penetrated with regret for the
+    past, she sighed only for holy Baptism. After the necessary
+    instruction, she was baptized; and, during the remainder of her
+    sickness, which was long and tedious, her patience and fervor
+    never faltered. She persevered in these edifying sentiments,
+    until a happy death placed the seal upon the graces she had
+    received through the intercession of Mary Immaculate.
+
+
+CONVERSION OF A PROTESTANT.
+
+                                _New Orleans (United States)._
+
+    A Protestant gentleman had spent four years at the hospital,
+    sometimes in one hall, sometimes another. As his malady had
+    not been very serious, no one had considered it necessary to
+    speak to him concerning his soul. However, when his condition
+    became more aggravated, the Sister, after invoking the Blessed
+    Virgin's assistance, told him the physician considered his case
+    dangerous, and she thought he ought to receive Baptism, without
+    which no one could be saved. He listened attentively, then
+    turning to her, said: "Sister, if I were to ask you to become
+    a Protestant, would you comply with my request?" "No," was
+    the decided answer. "Well, then," he continued, "rest assured
+    that it is just as useless for you to attempt persuading me to
+    become a Catholic."
+
+    In spite of this positive refusal, she let no occasion pass
+    without enlightening him, were it ever so little, upon some
+    of the truths of religion. One day, showing him a Miraculous
+    Medal, she told him he would confer a great favor on her by
+    reciting the little invocation: "O Mary! conceived without
+    sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee!" "What, Sister! a
+    Catholic prayer! that is impossible, I cannot!" She said no
+    more, but slipped the medal under his pillow, and there it
+    remained untouched for several days, during which time she
+    redoubled her attentions to the physical necessities of the
+    poor patient, who gradually grew weaker. At last, one evening
+    she said to him: "Well, Henry, are you not going to do what I
+    asked you?" "Yes, Sister, I most earnestly desire to become a
+    Catholic." The chaplain was called immediately; he had barely
+    time to administer Baptism and Extreme Unction, ere the dying
+    man's regenerated soul was carried by angels to the abode of
+    the blessed.
+
+
+CONVERSION OF A YOUNG METHODIST.
+
+                            _St. Louis (United States), 1865._
+
+    A young man, a Methodist, arrived at the hospital in an
+    extremely weak condition. The physician at once pronounced
+    his case hopeless, and said he had but a few days to live.
+    Consequently, the Sister's first care was for his soul.
+    Questioning him, she soon learned that he believed neither in
+    the efficacy nor necessity of Baptism, and all her efforts
+    to induce him to receive this Sacrament were unavailing. He
+    had no desire for any conversation on the subject, and his
+    invariable reply to all her arguments was: "I believe in Jesus,
+    that suffices; I am sure of being saved." The Sister redoubled
+    her prayers, for in them lay her only hope, and time was
+    precious. A good priest visited him every day; once, after a
+    much longer visit than usual, he told the Sister on leaving the
+    room it was impossible to do anything with that man, unless
+    God wrought a miracle in his favor, and they must entreat Him
+    to do so. The poor man persisted, indeed, in refusing all
+    spiritual succor, though receiving gratefully the attentions
+    bestowed upon his body. His strength diminished day by day,
+    and he calmly awaited death; one thought alone disquieted
+    him, that of never seeing his mother and dying afar from her.
+    Perceiving himself on the brink of the grave, he called one of
+    his companions whom he begged to be with him at that fearful
+    moment, and write the particulars of it to his mother. Whilst
+    he made this request, the Sister slipped a Miraculous Medal
+    under his pillow, confidently believing that Mary would not let
+    this soul entrusted to her perish; yet he was already in his
+    agony. Two Sisters watched beside his bed till midnight, when
+    obliged to retire, they left him in charge of an infirmarian
+    and the young man who had promised to be with him at the hour
+    of death. Apparently he had not more than half an hour to
+    live, so next morning when the infirmarian came to meet the
+    Sister, she was prepared for news of the patient's death, but
+    to her astonishment the infirmarian exclaimed: "Come Sister,
+    come see him, he is restored to life!" He then told her that
+    the patient, to all appearances, had been dead an hour; that
+    the friend and himself had rendered all the last duties to the
+    body, having washed and dressed and prepared it for the grave;
+    then the young man went to bed, and he alone remained with
+    the corpse. After watching near it some time, he approached
+    to bandage the jaws, but what was his fright whilst thus
+    engaged, to see the dead man open his eyes! The Sister heard
+    no more, but eagerly hastened to the spot, and found the man
+    still breathing. With a great effort he said: "Oh! what a
+    blessing that you have come!" In reply, she exhorted him to
+    receive Baptism, and told him that he was indebted to the
+    Blessed Virgin for this prolongation of his life. "I wish to
+    be baptized," said he, and when the Sister replied that the
+    priest would come, "Oh! that will be too late!" was his pitiful
+    answer. The other patients now joined their entreaties to his,
+    and the Sister, after reciting aloud the acts of faith, hope,
+    charity and contrition, which the dying man endeavored to
+    repeat, with hands clasped and eyes raised to Heaven, baptized
+    him. Whilst the regenerating waters flowed upon his soul,
+    transports of love and thanksgiving escaped his lips. Half
+    an hour later, he closed his eyes, never to open them here
+    below. All that the infirmarian related of his first death, was
+    confirmed in the most positive manner, by the Protestant friend
+    who had assisted in preparing him for the grave.
+
+
+CONVERSION OF M. F----
+
+                                _St. Louis, (United States)._
+
+    A Protestant named F---- was brought to our hospital in an
+    advanced stage of consumption. He detested the Catholic
+    religion most heartily, and received the Sisters' services
+    with extreme repugnance. His physical strength diminished
+    perceptibly, but his mind retained its energy and clearness.
+    By degrees, the odor escaping from his decayed lungs, became
+    so intolerable that all abandoned him. M. Burke, a missionary
+    priest and the Sisters, being the only persons who had the
+    courage to go near him, and pay any attention to his comfort.
+    Yet neither priest nor Sister dare mention religion. They
+    contented themselves with putting a Miraculous Medal under
+    his pillow, and invoking her, who so often deigns to display
+    her power in favor of those who deny it. She did not delay in
+    granting their petition. A few days later, as the Protestant
+    minister left the ward, after making his usual distribution of
+    tracts, the sick man said to the Sister, "Sister, it is done;
+    I am converted." "Ah," said the latter interiorly, "our good
+    Mother has accomplished her work." And it was indeed true; for
+    the patient requested a priest, was instructed, and in a few
+    days received the Sacraments of Baptism, the Holy Viaticum and
+    Extreme Unction, with inexpressible fervor. The very expression
+    of his countenance was changed; the happiness that inundated
+    his heart beaming from every feature. "Ah!" said he, "my
+    sufferings are great, but I feel that I am going to Heaven;
+    the truth has made me free." In these happy dispositions, he
+    expired, promising that in heaven he would pray for all who had
+    been instruments of his conversion.
+
+
+CONVERSION OF AN UNBAPTIZED PATIENT.
+
+                                _St. Louis, (United States)._
+
+    A patient brought to the hospital in a hopeless condition,
+    openly manifested his hatred of Catholicity. Yet, as he was in
+    imminent danger of death, the Sister, profiting by a moment in
+    which he seemed a little better disposed than usual, ventured
+    to ask him if he would be baptized; he answered roughly, "No,
+    that he scarcely believed in baptism, and not at all in
+    Catholic baptism, that in case of his recovery, perhaps he
+    would receive baptism by immersion, and become a member of some
+    church, but that would never be the Catholic Church." "At any
+    rate," added he, "I am not going to torment myself now about
+    such things." The poor Sister having no other resource than the
+    Blessed Virgin, and seeing that the young man approached his
+    end, stealthily slipped a medal under his pillow. Next morning
+    it was picked up by the infirmarian, who, thinking the Sister
+    had dropped it accidentally, was about to return it, but the
+    patient opposed him; the little image pleased his fancy, and he
+    wanted to keep it himself. To quiet him, the infirmarian was
+    obliged to ask Sister if the patient might have it. The request
+    was granted. Towards evening some one came to the Sister with a
+    message from the patient, he wished to see her. "Sister," said
+    he as soon as she approached, "you have told me I could not be
+    saved without Baptism; let me be baptized, for I wish to be
+    saved." Filled with joy at this news, she began to instruct and
+    prepare him for the ceremony. It took place next morning, and
+    during the course of the day, this soul, now the child of God,
+    went to repose in the bosom of its celestial Father, to bless
+    and thank Him for all eternity for His mercies.
+
+
+CONVERSION OF A YOUNG GIRL.
+
+_Buffalo (United States)._
+
+    A young Protestant girl about twenty years of age came to the
+    hospital, covered from head to foot with a disgusting itch,
+    which the physician pronounced incurable. The Sister who
+    dressed her sores, told her that the Blessed Virgin could
+    obtain her recovery, and would do so, if she wore the medal and
+    relied upon the Blessed Virgin's intercession. The poor girl
+    knowing her case was deemed hopeless by the physician, answered
+    bluntly: "I do not believe in your Blessed Virgin, and I want
+    no medal." "Very well," replied the Sister, "then you may keep
+    your sores." A few days after she asked for a medal herself,
+    put it on her neck, received instruction and was baptized, and
+    in a short time she left the hospital perfectly cured, greatly
+    to the astonishment of the physicians, who had all pronounced
+    her malady incurable.
+
+
+CONVERSION OF A SINNER.
+
+                            _Hospital of Gratz (Austria)._
+
+    An artist whose life had been far from edifying, was an
+    inmate of our hospital. One morning the Sister was greatly
+    surprised at his expressing a desire to confess. Perceiving
+    her astonishment, he said: "This morning, Sister, the chapel
+    door was slightly open, and from my bed I could see the Blessed
+    Virgin's statue." (It was that of the Immaculate Conception.)
+    "It appealed so strongly to my heart, that I have had no
+    peace since. I must put my conscience in order." He did go to
+    confession, not once, but several times, and he often expressed
+    great regret for his past life. "Ah!" he would say, "what a
+    life I have led, and how sad the state of my soul when Mary
+    came to my aid." When asked what he supposed had attracted
+    Mary's compassion, he answered: "I was merely looking at the
+    statue, no thought of religion was in my mind; when suddenly,
+    recollections of my past life filled me with fear, and Mary
+    at the same time inspired me with a horror for sin." In
+    this instance, repentance and reparation were the immediate
+    consequences of the Immaculate Mary's merciful and maternal
+    glance.
+
+
+CONVERSION OF A GREEK SCHISMATIC.
+
+                            _Hospital of Gratz (Austria.)_
+
+    A Greek schismatic, attacked by a mortal malady, was brought to
+    the hospital. He declared his intention of remaining attached
+    to the errors in which he had been educated, and the Sisters,
+    seeing his determination, entrusted him to the Blessed Virgin,
+    consecrating him to her by placing under his pillow a medal,
+    which for him proved truly miraculous. One day, a Franciscan
+    Father visited the sick, and the young man asked the Sister
+    to bring the good Father to see him. He conversed a long time
+    with the latter, but manifested no intention of becoming a
+    Catholic. Meanwhile, he grew worse, and, one day, when taken
+    with a hemorrhage, he asked for this Father, "because," said
+    he, "I wish to embrace the Catholic religion." The Sister
+    was surprised, for she had said nothing to persuade him, but
+    the Blessed Virgin had accomplished her work without earthly
+    assistance. He confessed and made his abjuration; he even
+    requested the Reverend Father to announce, in a loud voice, to
+    the other patients that he entered the Church of his own free
+    will. His attacks of vomiting made the priest hesitate to give
+    him the Holy Viaticum, but he insisted so strongly, and had so
+    ardent a desire to receive, that the good God permitted these
+    spells of vomiting to become less frequent, so that he could
+    make his first and last Communion at the same time, which he
+    did with inexpressible fervor and consolation. Interrogated on
+    the subject of his conversion, he answered: "For a long time I
+    felt that everything earthly was of little value, and I sought
+    for the true and lasting." During the delirium of his last
+    moments, he spoke continually of a white robe. The grace of
+    Baptism had clothed his soul in spotless raiment, and to Mary's
+    intercession was he indebted for it.
+
+
+CONVERSION OF AN APOSTATE.
+
+                                        _Austria, 1866._
+
+    In one of the prisons confided to the care of the Daughters of
+    Charity, was a young man belonging to a respectable Catholic
+    family, whose shame and disgrace he had become. After a short
+    stay, he fell sick, and his condition necessitated removal
+    to the infirmary; faithful to his principles of impiety, he
+    absolutely refused all spiritual succor, and whenever he saw
+    one of the chaplains pass, he either turned away his head or
+    concealed it under the bedclothes. All the Sisters begged the
+    Superioress to make one last effort for his soul. She paid him
+    a visit, and was received politely, but to rid himself of her
+    importunity, he avowed himself a Protestant, and related how
+    he came to forsake the Faith, after making the acquaintance
+    of several very bad characters, his companions in crime and
+    his counselors in advising him to become a Protestant. The
+    Sister asked him if he felt no remorse for such conduct, but
+    he became enraged and exclaimed aloud: "I am a Protestant, and
+    I wish to live and die a Protestant!" Seeing it impossible
+    to do anything with the miserable creature, she interiorly
+    recommended him to the Refuge of Sinners, and merely asked him
+    to accept the medal she offered, to wear it and sometimes kiss
+    it. He seemed quite pleased to get rid of her so easily, and
+    placing all her confidence in Mary, she withdrew.
+
+    The poor man passed a sleepless night, our Blessed Mother
+    touched his heart, and very early next morning he sent word
+    to the Sister that he wanted a priest to receive his solemn
+    profession of Faith, in reparation of his scandalous apostasy
+    and crimes. But his reputation was such that the prison
+    chaplain doubted his sincerity, and would not go to him except
+    upon repeated solicitations of the Superioress. He was deeply
+    affected at witnessing the change grace had wrought in this
+    soul, and the consequent compunction with which the prodigal
+    confessed his sins. The dying man then made a public abjuration
+    of his errors, and expired a few minutes after, in the grace of
+    God and under the protecting smile of Mary.
+
+
+CONVERSION OF A SOLDIER AT THE HOSPITAL OF CAVA.
+
+                                        _Cava, (Italy), 1866._
+
+    A young soldier suffering from disease of the chest, was
+    brought to the Military Hospital of Cava. His first question
+    was to ask if the Sisters had charge of that hospital; on
+    receiving an affirmative answer, he said to himself: "They will
+    bother me about going to confession, so I shall call myself a
+    Jew to get rid of them," and Jew he was designated on the card
+    of admission. Perceiving the serious nature of his malady, the
+    Sisters to whose especial care he had been confided, visited
+    him as often as possible. One of them offered him a medal
+    of the Immaculate Conception; regarding it with a smile of
+    pity, he said: "I accept it, because it would not be polite
+    to refuse, but believe me, I consider it a mere plaything and
+    nothing more."
+
+    Every time the chaplain visited the hall, to speak a word of
+    consolation to one and another, the poor Jew covered his head.
+    The Sister sometimes ventured a few words to him about the good
+    God, but he would never reply, and her approach was the signal
+    for his feigning sleep. One evening when he appeared worse than
+    usual, two Sisters went to see him just before they retired
+    for the night. On hearing them approach, he exclaimed: "O
+    Sister, a priest!" The chaplain was immediately summoned to his
+    bedside, the poor dying man repeating all the while: "A priest!
+    a priest!" As soon as the chaplain came, the patient made his
+    profession of Faith in a very audible voice; he then confessed,
+    and just as the priest, in administering Extreme Unction, was
+    anointing the ears, the penitent rendered his soul to God,
+    leaving us the consoling hope that it had found mercy in its
+    Maker's sight.
+
+
+CONVERSION OF A WOUNDED SOLDIER.
+
+                                    _Palermo (Italy), 1866._
+
+    In 1866, at the Military Hospital of Palermo, was a poor man
+    who had just undergone the amputation of his left arm. His
+    impiety was so great, that the Sister felt constrained to
+    remove a large crucifix that had been placed near his bed, for
+    he covered it with invectives. The miserable man's bodily
+    infirmities were as hopeless as his spiritual, yet no one could
+    succeed in inducing him to give any attention to his soul, or
+    even to listen to a word about the good God. What could be done
+    in such an extremity? The poor Sister was in great distress,
+    when one day whilst dressing his wounds she was inspired to
+    slip a medal of the Immaculate Conception between the bandages
+    around the stump of the amputated member. Next morning, on
+    witnessing the great change that had been wrought in her
+    patient's spiritual condition during the night, she was less
+    astonished than happy, for she had confidently relied upon the
+    Blessed Virgin. He asked for a priest, who came immediately;
+    he confessed, publicly repaired the scandals of his past life,
+    and received with piety the Holy Viaticum and Extreme Unction.
+    His few remaining days were spent in blessing that God who had
+    shown him such boundless mercy. "Oh! how good God is!" did
+    he repeat incessantly to his companions, "I have committed
+    manifold sins and He has pardoned me all!"
+
+
+CURE OF AN AUSTRIAN OFFICER.
+
+                                _Hospital of Gratz (Austria), 1867._
+
+    An officer in the garrison at Gratz, suffered from a serious
+    wound in the right arm. He was brought to the general hospital,
+    that he might be more conveniently under the especial treatment
+    of M. Rzehazeh, a very eminent surgeon. The latter exhausted
+    all his skill, but in vain, and after a few weeks he saw the
+    necessity of amputation to save the officer's life. Learning
+    the doctor's decision, the patient was deeply grieved, and
+    his oppressed heart sought refuge in piety. He who had never
+    spoken of God, who had accepted a proffered medal only from
+    courtesy, now appeared to experience a genuine satisfaction
+    when the Sisters told him they would implore the Blessed Virgin
+    in his behalf. During the few days immediately preceding the
+    operation, he felt inspired with a great confidence in his
+    medal, and frequently repeated the invocation engraven upon it:
+    "O Mary! conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse
+    to thee!" The danger was now imminent, and the amputation,
+    which must not be delayed, was to take place on the morrow. One
+    of the Sisters, perceiving that the young officer's confidence
+    expressed itself in continual prayer, suggested that evening
+    that he lay the medal upon his afflicted arm, and let it remain
+    all night, a suggestion which was joyfully received. Next
+    morning she hastened to ascertain her patient's condition, and
+    get the medal. He had spent a quiet night, his sufferings being
+    less severe than usual; and the Sister, whilst attributing his
+    improvement to the anodynes prescribed, understood full well
+    that the precious medal had also been instrumental in procuring
+    relief, and that Mary had looked compassionately upon him;
+    but she did not yet realize the full extent of the blessing.
+    The surgeon came a few hours after, and whilst awaiting his
+    assistants, he carefully examined the wounded arm, he touched
+    it, he probed it, and to his great astonishment, perceived that
+    amputation was not necessary. The other doctors on arriving,
+    confirmed his opinion of this surprising change. The officer
+    was mute with happiness, and not until he found himself alone
+    with the chief surgeon did he impart to the latter, as a
+    secret, his opinion as to the cause of this wonderful change.
+    On leaving him, the surgeon (notwithstanding the injunction
+    of secrecy), could not refrain from saying to the Sister: "I
+    believe the Sisters of Charity have engaged the good God in
+    this case."
+
+    The officer's arm was entirely healed; a few weeks later he
+    left the hospital, taking with him the precious medal as a
+    memento of gratitude and love for Mary Immaculate.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+CONVERSION OF M. N---- AT LIMA.
+
+Letter from a Daughter of Charity in Lima (Peru), 1876:
+
+    M. N---- had been suffering a long time from hypertrophy of
+    the heart, the physicians having vainly exhausted all the
+    resources of their skill, were forced to tell the family that
+    he was beyond the power of human aid, and should look to the
+    state of his soul, sad news for this father of a family, and a
+    man devoid of religion. In vain did his relatives and friends,
+    with all possible delicacy, endeavor to turn his thoughts to
+    religion and induce him to receive the Sacraments; he would
+    hear nothing on the subject; a priest, who was an intimate
+    friend of the family, attempted to second their efforts, but he
+    met with no better success; the sick man became exasperated at
+    all allusions to religion, he blasphemed everything relating to
+    it, sparing not even the Blessed Virgin.
+
+    One day, after listening to an account of the conversion of
+    M.----, of Lima, our patient's relatives expressed a desire
+    of having recourse to similar means for their dear one's
+    conversion. "It is very simple," said the person addressed,
+    "you have only to ask Sister N., of St. Anne's Hospital for a
+    medal, she got one for M. Pierre, she will not refuse you."
+    One of his nephews immediately repaired to the hospital and
+    returned with a medal. A niece offered it to him; "Mamma,"
+    said she, "sends you this medal and begs that you will wear
+    it." "Certainly," was the reply, "I will wear it for her sake,
+    but I want everybody to understand that I have no notion of
+    confessing."
+
+    He spent a quiet night, and was quite pleased next morning to
+    find himself somewhat better. "Euloge," said he, to one of his
+    nephews, "what preparation should a person make who intends
+    taking a long journey?" Euloge, who thought he certainly
+    must be in a dream to hear his uncle speak thus, inquired
+    to what journey he alluded. "Ah!" was the answer, "I speak
+    of Eternity." The poor young man, delighted at such a happy
+    change, replied that the best preparation was to put one's
+    conscience in order by making a good confession. "I will do so,
+    send me a priest," said his uncle. As soon as the clergyman
+    arrived and heard his confession, he administered the Holy
+    Viaticum. All the assistants were overcome with emotion when
+    they saw the sick man, almost in his last agony, supported by
+    his children, to receive on bended knee, the God who had just
+    pardoned all the sins of his life. A few moments after, he
+    blessed his children, gave them his parting counsel, and died
+    in sentiments of piety rivaling his past irreligion. His family
+    was deeply grateful to Mary Immaculate for this token of her
+    favor.
+
+
+CONVERSION OF AN UNBELIEVER.
+
+Letter from a Sister of Charity in Lima, Peru, 1877:
+
+    An old lady whose youth had been pious, having lost her Faith
+    by reading bad books, had not frequented the Sacraments for
+    thirty-five years. The Sister with whom she lived was carried
+    to her grave, after an illness of only five days, and it was
+    natural to suppose that the Christian death of one so dear
+    would have softened her heart; on the contrary, it embittered
+    her the more, and she vented her grief in blasphemies. A
+    Sister of Charity witnessing this scandal, and not being able
+    to soothe the poor creature, was inspired with the thought
+    of giving her a medal of the Blessed Virgin; the old lady
+    accepted, and wore it for several days, during which she
+    appeared greatly pre-occupied, and somewhat less confident in
+    her scepticism; but having yielded to a diabolical suggestion,
+    that urged her to lay the medal aside, doubtless because grace
+    tormented her conscience with keen remorse whilst the medal
+    was on her person, she fell back into an habitual hardness
+    and melancholy that she styled peace. The Sister perceived
+    this, and inquired if she still wore the medal; on receiving
+    a negative answer, our good Sister represented the danger
+    to which her soul was exposed without it, and the old lady
+    promised to put it on again. Many prayers were offered up
+    for her, and at the end of fifteen days, the Sister, who was
+    greatly interested in this poor woman's soul, paid her another
+    visit; perceiving no change in her sentiments, she inquired
+    immediately if the medal had been resumed. The poor woman, who
+    was very uncouth, dared not speak, but made a sign with her
+    head which revealed all. "What have you done with it, and where
+    is it?" asked the Sister. The old lady replied that it was in
+    her wardrobe, and she had made several ineffectual efforts to
+    put it on again. The Sister understands that this miserable
+    soul is under some diabolical influence, holding her aloof from
+    aught calculated to reclaim her to God; she feels that now
+    is the moment for prompt action, and in a tone of severity,
+    says: "Very well, since you will not wear the medal, I abandon
+    you entirely." These words produced the desired effect; the
+    old lady ran to the wardrobe, and taking up the medal, put it
+    around her neck this time to remain. Soon experiencing the
+    sweet and powerful influence of Mary Immaculate, so justly
+    called the Gate of Heaven, in a few days she assisted at the
+    Holy Sacrifice and listened to the instruction, and from that
+    time was entirely changed; she confessed and made her Easter
+    Communion, and the deepest compunction and gratitude are now
+    the abiding sentiments of her heart. She wished to remain
+    at the church door, feeling herself unworthy to penetrate
+    further into the sacred edifice, and it was with the greatest
+    difficulty her friends could prevail upon her to accept a place
+    nearer the altar. She never ceases to thank God and Mary; and
+    she told the Sister that, from the moment the medal was on her
+    neck, she knew neither peace nor rest till she had returned to
+    her duties, so great are the power and love of that Virgin who
+    is the sovereign Terror of demons.
+
+
+CONVERSION OF A SCANDALOUS SINNER.
+
+                                        _Moirans, 1877._
+
+The Superioress of the Sisters of Charity at Moirans, relates as
+follows a very consoling conversion, redounding to the glory of Mary
+Immaculate:
+
+    "The most important manufacturer of our village, who employed
+    from four to five hundred men and women, has just died, and
+    contrary to all expectations, his death was penitent and
+    consoling. He had been impious and immoral, and the profligate
+    characters in his workshops were a curse to the surrounding
+    country. His rudeness was such, that everybody trembled before
+    him. His wife and two daughters, pious Christians, silently
+    bewailed his misconduct; and as for myself, I had barely
+    sufficient acquaintance with him to render justifiable my
+    calling upon him in any urgent need.
+
+    "One morning I received a message in great haste; this person
+    was very sick and wished to see me. I went at once, but the
+    disease was of so serious a character and its progress so
+    rapid, that I saw the poor man on the verge of the grave ere
+    I could find a means of turning his thoughts to eternity.
+    I had told his wife and daughters to give him a medal of
+    the Immaculate Conception, but he refused to accept it, and
+    we were reduced to the necessity of stealthily putting it
+    under his pillow. On the third day, as I was about to leave,
+    after rendering him all the care and attention in my power,
+    he wished, in the effusion of his gratitude, to shake hands
+    with me. I profited by the opportunity to tell him how much
+    pleasure he could give me by consenting to receive the cure,
+    who had just come to see him. He made a sign in the affirmative
+    and with a smile that very rarely parted his lips. We went
+    out of the room, leaving him alone with the priest, whom he
+    had welcomed cordially. In half an hour the latter returned
+    blessing God, for the sick man had made his confession. He
+    now consented to wear the medal, and that evening he received
+    Extreme Unction, but not the Holy Viaticum, as he had spells
+    of suffocation. I asked his wife to let his employees see him,
+    that they might be edified at their patron's conduct. The
+    request was granted, but not many came, as the workshops were
+    closed at this hour; those who did come, prayed a few minutes
+    beside him. Next morning his family was greatly rejoiced at his
+    apparent physical improvement, but their hopes were deceived,
+    and very soon his last agony began. He was recommended to
+    the prayers of the parish; the whole village manifested a
+    touching interest in his condition, and his employees all came
+    to see him. The throng around the dying man was renewed every
+    quarter of an hour, and we recited the _Chaplet_ aloud, a most
+    appropriate devotion for this occasion, the last moments of
+    one whom the Blessed Virgin had snatched from eternal misery.
+    Amidst this concert of praises to Mary, he expired. The
+    Christian Brothers, to whom he had been very hostile, willingly
+    aided us in rendering to him the last duties of religion."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+PROGRESS OF THE DEVOTION TO MARY
+
+
+    CROWNED BY THE DEFINITION OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION.--I. OUR
+    LADY OF LA SALETTE.--II. THE CHILDREN OF MARY.--III. THE DEFINITION
+    OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION.
+
+_I.--Our Lady of La Salette.--1846._
+
+
+In her first manifestation to Sister Catherine, July 19, 1830, the
+Immaculate Virgin announced the disasters which threatened France;
+grief was depicted upon her countenance, tears stifled her voice, she
+earnestly recommended prayer to appease the wrath of God.
+
+Sixteen years later, this Mother of mercy, appearing to two little
+shepherd children upon one of the summits of the Alps, repeated, in a
+most solemn manner, the same warnings and the same counsels. The first
+apparition remains in obscurity, but a knowledge of the second has
+been spread throughout the world, and with most consoling results. The
+miracle of La Salette has greatly increased devotion to the Blessed
+Virgin, and given Christians a clearer idea of the important duties
+of penance and prayer, which, in reality, are the embodiment of all
+practical piety.
+
+We quote the best authenticated account of La Salette, that of the Abbe
+Rousselot, who himself received it from the mouths of the children.
+
+    "Two peasant children, Melanie Mathieu, aged fourteen years,
+    and Maximin Giraud, aged eleven, both simple and ignorant, as
+    might naturally be expected of their age and condition, were
+    together upon the mountain of La Salette, which overlooks a
+    village where they were at service under different masters.
+    Their acquaintance was very slight, their first meeting having
+    been only the day before the occurrence we are about to relate.
+    When the _Angelus_ announced the hour of noon, they went to
+    soak their hard bread in the water of a spring. After this
+    rural repast, they descended a little farther, and laying down
+    their crooks beside another spring, then dry, they seated
+    themselves a slight distance apart, upon a few stones which had
+    been piled up there, and went to sleep.
+
+    "It was Saturday, September 19th, 1846, and eve of the day on
+    which fell the Feast of Our Lady's Seven Dolors.
+
+    "'After taking the cows to water, and eating our lunch,' says
+    Maximin, 'we went to sleep beside a stream, and very near a
+    spring which was dry. Melanie awoke first, and aroused me to
+    hunt our cows. We crossed the stream, and going in an opposite
+    direction, saw our cows lying down on the other side, and not
+    very far off.'
+
+    "'I came down first,' says Melanie; 'when I was within five or
+    six steps of the stream, I perceived a light like that of the
+    sun, but even more brilliant and not the color of sunlight,
+    and I said to Maximin: Come quick to see the bright light down
+    here.' 'Where is it?' inquired Maximin, coming towards me. 'I
+    pointed with my finger in the direction of the spring, and he
+    stood still when he saw it. Then the light seemed to open,
+    and in the midst of it appeared a Lady, she was seated, and
+    her head resting upon her hands.' 'We were both frightened,'
+    continues Maximin, 'and Melanie, with an exclamation of terror,
+    let fall her crook.' 'Keep your crook,' said I, 'as for me,
+    I am going to keep mine. If it does anything to us, I will
+    give it a blow with my crook.' And the Lady arose. She crossed
+    her arms, and said to us: 'Come to me, my children, do not be
+    afraid. I am here to tell you something very important.' All
+    our fears vanished, we went towards her and crossed the stream,
+    and the Lady advancing a few steps, we met at the place where
+    Melanie and I had fallen asleep. The Lady was between us, and
+    she wept all the time she was talking. 'I saw her tears flow,'
+    adds Melanie.
+
+    "'If my people,' said she, 'do not humble themselves, I shall
+    be forced to let them feel the weight of my Son's uplifted arm.
+    I have stayed it heretofore, but it now presses so heavily that
+    I can scarcely support it much longer. And all the while I am
+    suffering thus for you, I must pray without ceasing if I wish
+    to prevent your abandonment by my Son. And, moreover, you do
+    not appreciate it.'
+
+    "'In vain will you pray, in vain will you strive, never can you
+    recompense what I have undergone for you. I have given you six
+    days of the week wherein to work, the seventh I reserved for
+    myself, and even that is denied me! It is this which weighs
+    down my Son's arm.'
+
+    "'Even those who drive carts must curse, and mingle my Son's
+    name with their oaths.'
+
+    "'These are the two things that weigh down my Son's arm.'
+
+    "'If the harvest fails, it is for no other reason than your
+    sins. I tried last year to make you see this in the failure of
+    the potato crop. You took no account of it. On the contrary,
+    when you found the potatoes rotted, you swore and mingled my
+    Son's name with your maledictions. The potatoes will continue
+    to rot, at Christmas there will be none.'
+
+    "I did not know what this meant," said Melanie, "for in our
+    part of the country we do not call them potatoes. I asked
+    Maximin what they were, and the Lady said to me:
+
+    "'Ah! my children, you do not understand me, I will use other
+    language.'
+
+    "The Blessed Virgin now repeated the preceding in _patois_, and
+    the remainder of her discourse was also in _patois_. We give
+    the translation as follows:
+
+    "'If you have wheat, it must not be sown, the animals will
+    devour what you sow; and should any remain, it will yield
+    naught but dust when threshed.'
+
+    "'There will be a great famine. Before the famine comes, little
+    children under seven years of age, will be seized with fright
+    and die in the arms of those who are holding them. Some will do
+    penance by reason of the famine. Even the nuts will fail and
+    the grapes rot.'
+
+    "After these words, the beautiful Lady continued to speak aloud
+    to Maximin. Though seeing the motion of her lips, Melanie hears
+    nothing. Maximin receives a secret in French. Then the Blessed
+    Virgin addresses herself to the little girl, and Maximin ceases
+    to hear her voice. She likewise confides to Melanie a secret
+    in French, but a more lengthy secret it appears than that
+    entrusted to Maximin. Continuing her discourse in _patois_, and
+    so as to be heard by both, she adds: 'If they turn aside from
+    their evil ways, the very rocks and stones will be changed into
+    heaps of grain, and potatoes will be found scattered over the
+    fields.'
+
+    "The Queen of Heaven then addressed herself more directly to
+    the children.
+
+    "'Do you say your prayers with devotion, my children?'
+
+    "'Oh, no, Madame,' they both answered, 'we say them with very
+    little devotion.'
+
+    "Our divine Mother continued: 'Ah! my children, you must say
+    them fervently evening and morning. When you have not the time,
+    and cannot do better, say an _Our Father_ and a _Hail Mary_;
+    and when you have the time you must say more.
+
+    "'No one goes to Mass, except a few aged women; all the rest in
+    summer spend Sunday working, and in winter, when at a loss for
+    something to do, they go to Mass only to ridicule religion; and
+    during Lent they frequent the shambles as if they were dogs.'
+
+    "After a few more words, reminding Maximin that he had already
+    seen the failure of the grain, the august Queen finished in
+    French as follows: 'Ah! my children, tell this to all my
+    people.' And before leaving them, she repeated the command.
+
+    "The two children add: 'Then she ascended about fifteen steps,
+    to the place where we had gone to look after our cows. Her feet
+    barely touched the surface of the verdure, which did not even
+    bend beneath her, she glided over the surface as if suspended
+    in the air, and impelled by some invisible power. We followed
+    her, Melanie a little ahead, and I two or three steps from the
+    Lady's side. The beautiful Lady was now gently elevated to
+    about the height of a yard,' said the children. 'She remained
+    thus suspended in the air for a moment. She glances up to
+    Heaven and then at the earth, her head disappears from our
+    view, next her arms, and lastly her feet. She seemed to melt
+    away. There remained a brilliant light that gleamed upon my
+    hands, and the flowers at her feet, but that was all.'
+
+    "At the first words of his son's narration, Maximin's
+    father began to laugh, but very soon recognizing the marks
+    of incontestable sincerity, he hastened to comply with
+    his Christian duties, so long neglected. The neighboring
+    inhabitants followed his example, there were no more
+    blasphemies, no more profanation of Sunday, the whole country
+    was soon transformed, even maternally. Like those of Jonas to
+    Nineveh, the prophetic warnings of the divine Messenger were
+    conditional. They were fulfilled in general, as can still be
+    remembered."[23]
+
+    [Footnote 23: Several details of this account have been derived
+    from "Illustrious Pilgrim Shrines."]
+
+The apparition of La Salette, as is the case with all extraordinary
+events, was variously appreciated even among Catholics, some receiving
+the account with enthusiastic confidence, others strongly contesting
+the reality. But for a long time doubts have ceased, Providence having,
+by numberless miracles, confirmed the faith of those who believed;
+and the mountain sanctified by Mary's presence, has never ceased to
+be visited by pilgrims from the most distant countries. Mgr. De
+Bruillard, Bishop of Grenoble, anxious to prevent illusion on so
+important a question, nominated a commission composed of most competent
+persons, to examine and pass judgment upon this apparition. The result
+being in the affirmative. His Grace, in a circular of September 19th,
+1851, declared as follows:
+
+    "We assert that the apparition of the Blessed Virgin to two
+    little peasants, the 19th of September, 1846, upon one of the
+    peaks of the Alps, situated in the parish of La Salette, of
+    the archpresbytery of Corps, bears every mark of truth, and
+    that the faithful are confirmed in believing it indubitable and
+    certain.
+
+    "Wherefore, to testify our lively gratitude to God and the
+    glorious Virgin Mary, we authorize the devotion to Our Lady of
+    La Salette."
+
+The circular, before publication, was submitted to the Holy See, whose
+approval it received, and Mgr. De Bruillard's two successors have
+always endorsed his appreciation of the apparition.
+
+Consequently, this devotion is invested with every guarantee of
+authenticity that the severest criticism could exact.
+
+A church of the Byzantine style and graceful appearance is erected
+upon the holy mountain, near where the apparition took place. The
+identical spot remains uncovered, and the grass still grows upon the
+soil hallowed by Mary's sacred footsteps; a series of crosses, fourteen
+in number, to which are attached the indulgences of the _via crucis_,
+indicate the path she took. The spring, formerly intermittent, has
+been inexhaustible since the apparition, and its waters have worked
+miracles. Near the church, a convent has been built to accommodate the
+numberless pilgrims, who daily resort hither in the favorable season.
+Numerous chapels, dedicated to Our Lady of La Salette, are scattered
+throughout Christendom, and abundant graces repay the faith of those
+who in these sacred shrines invoke her intercession.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+_II.--The Children of Mary.--1847._
+
+Rome, the guardian of our Faith and Catholic traditions, has given
+municipal privileges to the Children of Mary, in consecrating to them
+a chapel in one of her most celebrated churches, St. Agnes Beyond the
+Walls. The Italian sodalities are all inscribed there, and represented
+by a group of the children of Mary surrounding this young Saint, who
+in the third century was martyred for her virginity. They seem to say
+to her, "Agnes, you are our eldest Sister, the well beloved of Jesus
+Christ and His Mother."
+
+This place of honor, this representation proclaims most eloquently,
+that the Children of Mary form in the Church, a family as ancient as
+Catholicity itself.
+
+Nearly nineteen centuries ago, Jesus, our Redeemer, was in the agony
+of death upon the tree of the cross, which his love had chosen as the
+instrument of our redemption; "seeing," says the Evangelist, "that all
+was consummated" for our salvation, He wished to place the seal upon
+His work, by making His last will and testament.
+
+Looking first at Mary, His Mother, and then at John, the beloved
+disciple, he made John a Child of Mary in these memorable words: "_Ecce
+Mater tua, ecce filius tuus_: Behold thy Mother, behold thy son."
+
+Such is the origin of the Children of Mary. We believe with the holy
+Church, that the eternal Word, after becoming incarnate to render men
+redeemed with His blood, the Children of His heavenly Father, gave them
+also, at the hour of His death, His own Mother to be theirs. We know
+likewise, that among the children of every family, there is always one
+most tenderly attached to the mother, for instance, Jacob and Rebecca;
+John and Mary.
+
+Even so, in the bosom of the great family of Catholicity, do we find in
+all ages, souls jealous of rendering to Mary the most intimate filial
+devotion, selecting her in an especial manner, for their model and
+protectress.
+
+Such are the religious orders particularly devoted to her service,
+also, the confraternities established for the same purpose in many
+parishes. The Society of Jesus, which was founded in the sixteenth
+century, laboring zealously to extend the glory of God among the youth
+under its charge, found no means so effectual in forming hearts to
+virtue and piety, as that of placing them under Mary's protection; and
+the celebrated Association of the Prima Primaria, canonically erected
+by Pope Gregory XIII, in 1584, became the parent stem of all the
+congregations, subsequently found in honor of the Mother of God.
+
+It was reserved for our age, to give full development to this fruitful
+devotion, by popularizing and thus making it a powerful means of
+salvation. In placing themselves under the patronage of the Immaculate
+Conception, the Children of Mary cannot fail to obtain from their
+divine Mother the most abundant and precious benedictions.
+
+In 1830, the Immaculate Virgin had uttered a prophecy which resounded
+incessantly in the heart of the missionary, to whom was confided the
+account of the apparitions of the medal. "The Blessed Virgin wishes
+you to found a congregation, of which you will be the Superior, a
+confraternity of Children of Mary; the Blessed Virgin will bestow many
+graces upon it as well as upon yourself, indulgences will be granted
+it. The month of Mary will be celebrated with great solemnity; Mary
+loves these festivals; she will requite their observance with abundant
+graces."
+
+But why this command and this prediction of the Queen of Heaven to her
+servant, in regard to something which was not all new?
+
+Sodalities of the Children of Mary already existed among the numberless
+youths educated by the Fathers of the Society of Jesus. And following
+their example, the Ladies of the Sacred Heart had formed similar
+associations among their scholars, and in 1832, had even established
+them for ladies in the world, under the invocation of the Immaculate
+Conception. It would seem then that a new work was superfluous.
+
+It is true, Associations of the Children of Mary already existed and
+accomplished much good, but they were confined to a few isolated
+places, and recruited from a chosen class, they were not popular;
+and Mary designed as elements of the future work, that multitude of
+young girls in the ordinary walks of life, surrounded by all the
+trials, exposed to all the dangers of the world, who to-day form her
+blessed family, whose innocence she guards, whose modest virtues she
+encourages, and from whom she receives in exchange, a tribute of love,
+praises and a visible service acceptable to her heart. Let us speak
+a word concerning its establishment. When the apostolic heart of M.
+Aladel received Sister Catherine's consoling predictions, he did not
+fully comprehend how he, a simple missionary, should accomplish the
+designs of the Queen of Heaven.
+
+Whilst quietly awaiting the propitious hour and means foreseen by
+Providence, he seized every opportunity of speaking to the children and
+young people of Mary's bounty and the happiness of belonging to her.
+His simplicity and animation, when discoursing upon this his favorite
+theme, attracted all hearts; his listeners hung entranced upon the good
+father's words; and the unction of grace sustaining the ardor he had
+enkindled, the associations were formed by way of trial, in the houses
+of the Daughters of Charity, where M. Aladel had officiated.
+
+Such were those of the Providence Orphanage in Paris, of the House of
+Charity of St. Medard, of the Madeleine; also, those of St. Flour,
+Mainsat, Aurillae, established from 1836 to 1846. The young girls, who
+were externs, very soon rivaled the inmates of the establishments in
+obtaining similar favors; several new associations were begun in the
+year 1846, those of St. Vincent de Paul, St. Roch, St. Paul, St. Louis,
+in Paris, and others in Toulouse, Bruguiere, etc., in the province.
+
+Whilst in Rome in 1847, M. Etienne, Superior General of the Priests
+of the Mission and Daughters of Charity, obtained from the Sovereign
+Pontiff a rescript dated June 20th, empowering him and his successors
+to establish among the scholars attending the schools of the Daughters
+of Charity a pious confraternity, under the title of the Immaculate
+Conception of the Most Blessed Virgin, with all the indulgences
+accorded the Congregation of the holy Virgin established at Rome for
+the scholars of the Society of Jesus.
+
+Three years later, the Sovereign Pontiff extended a similar favor to
+the youths educated by the Priests of the Mission; also, to the little
+boys in charge of the Daughters of Charity.
+
+[Illustration: _The Miraculous Medal adopted as the Livery of the
+Children of Mary._]
+
+From this time, 1847, thanks to the benediction of Pius IX, the
+Sodality of the Children of Mary, spread rapidly in all quarters of
+the globe, wherever the Daughters of Charity were established. A
+manual containing the rules of the Association, its privileges and
+obligations, was compiled by M. Aladel, the Director of the work. The
+livery naturally adopted by the Children of Mary was the Miraculous
+Medal, suspended from a blue ribbon.
+
+The new Association from its very origin gave a wonderful impulse to
+youthful piety; humble girls, earning their daily bread, practiced the
+most heroic virtues, under the influence of a desire to become faithful
+Children of Mary; and, sustained by the same spirit, the poorest
+courageously resisted temptation, and complied with those duties so
+little esteemed at the present day--filial devotion and self-denial.
+
+[Illustration: _The Miraculous Medal adopted as the Livery of the
+Children of Mary._]
+
+To these precious fruits are also joined some beautiful flowers of
+devotion; how eagerly the Children of Mary repair to re-unions of the
+Association, especially on all their Mother's feasts, chanting her
+praises and exciting one another to fervent piety.
+
+But the death of these young girls is still more admirable than their
+life; many of them stricken down in the very bloom of youth, fortified
+with their medal and ribbon as with a precious talisman, smile at death
+and defy hell.
+
+Thirty years have passed since the grain of mustard seed was confided
+to the earth, and it has now become an immense tree, whose branches
+overshadow the most distant countries. Europe numbers nearly a thousand
+of these Sodalities, about six hundred being composed of externs, or
+mixed associates. They amount, in other portions of the world to nearly
+two hundred. This displays the visible effects of the benediction of
+St. Peter's Successor; the promises made in 1830 were not realized
+until they had received the approbation of the Vicar of Jesus Christ,
+Pius IX, whose name will always be dear to the Children of Mary.
+
+The Associations vary in number from ten to three hundred sodalists,
+which gives us an average of eighty thousand young girls, courageously
+holding themselves aloof from satan's snares and pomps, and leading a
+life of purity and piety amidst the seductions of a corrupt world.
+
+Surely this must be a miracle of God's right hand and Mary's bounty!
+
+We have thought it would not be uninteresting to the readers, to give
+the statistics for the end of the year 1877, of the Sodalities of the
+Children of Mary, established in the houses of the Daughters of Charity
+throughout the world.
+
+
+
+
+LIST OF THE _SODALITIES OF CHILDREN OF MARY_.
+
+
+                     SODALITIES.
+                _Internal._ _External   SUMMARY.
+                               and
+                              Mixed._
+  France           287         451    } Internal Sodalities   287
+                                      } External and Mixed    451
+
+  _Europe._
+
+  (Exclusive of France.)
+  Belgium           11          14    }
+  Switzerland        1           7    }
+  Italy             55          64    }
+  Spain             17          25    }
+  Portugal          ..           1    } Internal Sodalities   100
+  Great Britain      2          13    } External and Mixed    153
+  Poland             8           9    }
+  Prussia           ..           5    }
+  Austria            4          11    }
+  Greece            ..           1    }
+  Turkey             2           3    }
+
+  _Asia._
+
+  Turkey             2           7    } Internal Sodalities     2
+  Persia            ..           2    } External and Mixed     10
+  China             ..           1    }
+
+  _Africa._
+
+  Egypt              3           2    } Internal Sodalities     6
+  Algeria            3          17    } External and Mixed     20
+  Canary Isles      ..           1    }
+
+  _America._
+
+  United States     11          44    }
+  Guatemala          4           3    }
+  Brazil            11           9    } Internal Sodalities    54
+  Peru               9           6    } External and Mixed     81
+  La Plata           1           6    }
+  Chili              3           1    }
+  Cuba               5           4    }
+  Mexico             9           7    }
+  Ecuador            1           1    }
+
+  _Oceanica._
+
+  Philippine Isles   1           6    } Internal Sodalities     1
+                                      } External and Mixed      6
+
+                   ---         ---                           ----
+  Total            450         721      Total               1,171
+
+
+_III.--Definition of the Immaculate Conception._
+
+We have observed several times in the course of this work, that the
+principal end of the apparition of 1830, was to popularize belief
+in the Immaculate Conception. The facts we have related, prove most
+conclusively that, thanks to the Miraculous Medal, this object has been
+fully attained.
+
+As a preparation for the accomplishment of this great design,
+Providence placed in St. Peter's chair, a Pontiff animated with the
+most filial tenderness for Mary, and inspired him from the beginning
+of his pontificate, with the desire of glorifying the most holy Mother
+of God, by proclaiming the Immaculate Conception an article of Faith.
+And this hope, this desire, had Pius IX, in the ninth year of his
+reign, the happiness of realizing amidst the universal applause of the
+Catholic world.
+
+We quote below from M. Villefranche's beautiful History of Pius IX, the
+account of this memorable event:
+
+    "By an Encyclical dated from Gaeta, Pius IX had interrogated
+    the Episcopacy of the Universal Church, on the subject of the
+    belief in the Immaculate Conception. The answers received were
+    six hundred and three in number. Five hundred and forty-six
+    Bishops earnestly entreated the doctrinal definition, a few
+    hesitated, though only as to whether it were an opportune
+    moment or not for the decision, for the sentiment of the
+    Catholic world was in unison as regards the belief itself.
+
+    "To assist at this solemnity, Pius IX summoned to his presence,
+    all the Bishops who could repair to Rome. They came five
+    hundred and ninety-two in number, and from all quarters of
+    the globe except Russia, where they were held in check by
+    the suspicious despotism of the Emperor Nicholas. These
+    prelates put the finishing touch to the work of the commission
+    charged with preparing the Bull; but at the very moment of
+    making the final pause in its rendition, it was asked if the
+    Bishops assisted there as judges, to pronounce the definition
+    simultaneously with the Successor of St. Peter, and if their
+    presence must be mentioned as judges, or, if the supreme
+    judgment should not be attributed to the word of the Sovereign
+    Pontiff alone. The debate terminated suddenly, as if by the
+    inspiration of the Holy Spirit. 'It was the last sitting,' says
+    Mgr. Audisio, an eye-witness; 'the hour of noon had just been
+    sounded, every knee was bent to recite the _Angelus_. Then each
+    one resumed his place, and scarcely had a word been spoken,
+    when there arose a universal acclamation to the Holy Father,
+    a cry of eternal adherence to the Primacy of St Peter's See,
+    and the debate was ended:' '_Petre, doce nos; confirma fratres
+    tuos!_ (Peter, teach us; confirm thy brethren!)' And the
+    instruction these pastors asked of the supreme Pastor was the
+    definition of the Immaculate Conception.
+
+    "The 8th of December, 1854, was the grand day, the triumphal
+    day, which, according to the beautiful words of Mgr.
+    Dupanloup's circular, 'crowns the hopes of past ages, blesses
+    the present age, evokes the gratitude of future generations,
+    and leaves an imperishable memory; the day that witnessed
+    the first definition of Faith, which was not preceded by
+    dissension and followed by heresy.' All Rome rejoiced. Immense
+    multitudes, representing every tongue and nation on the globe,
+    thronged the approaches to the vast Basilica of St. Peter's,
+    far too small to accommodate all who came. Soon, the Bishops
+    were seen forming into the line of march, ranged according to
+    their seniority, and followed by the Cardinals. The Sovereign
+    Pontiff, amidst the most brilliant surroundings, appeared
+    last, whilst the chant of the Litany of the Saints, wafted to
+    Heaven, invited the celestial court to unite with the Church
+    militant in honoring the Queen of Angels and men. Seated upon
+    his throne, Pius IX received the obeisance of the Cardinals and
+    Bishops, after which the Pontifical Mass began.
+
+    "When the Gospel had been chanted in Greek and Latin, Cardinal
+    Macchi, Dean of the Sacred College, accompanied by the Dean of
+    the Archbishops, and the Dean of the Bishops present, with an
+    Archbishop of the Greek rite and one of the Armenian, presented
+    themselves at the foot of the throne, and supplicated the
+    Holy Father, in the name of the universal Church, to raise
+    his Apostolic voice and pronounce the dogmatic decree of the
+    Immaculate Conception. The Pope replied that he willingly
+    granted this prayer, but ere doing so he would invoke once more
+    the assistance of the Holy Spirit And, now, every voice united
+    in the solemn strains of the _Veni Creator_. When the chant had
+    ceased, the Pope arose, and in that grave, sonorous, majestic
+    voice, to whose profound charm millions of the faithful have
+    borne testimony, commenced reading the Bull.
+
+    "He established: first, the theological motives for belief in
+    Mary's privilege; then he adduced the ancient and universal
+    traditions both of the East and West the testimony of religious
+    orders and schools of theology, of the holy Fathers and
+    the Councils, and finally, the pontifical records, ancient
+    as well as modern. His countenance, as he pronounced the
+    words inscribed upon these pious and magnificent documents,
+    betrayed his emotion. Several times he was so overcome that
+    for a few moments it was impossible for him to proceed. 'And
+    consequently,' he adds, 'after having offered unceasingly in
+    humility and fasting, our own prayers and the public prayers
+    of the Church to God the Father through His Son, that He would
+    deign to direct and confirm our thoughts by the inspiration of
+    the Holy Spirit, after having implored the assistance of all
+    the celestial court, ... in honor of the holy and indivisible
+    Trinity, for the glory of the Virgin Mother of God, for the
+    exaltation of the Catholic Faith and the increase of the
+    Christian religion, by the authority of Our Saviour, Jesus
+    Christ, the blessed Apostles, Peter and Paul, and our own.'----
+
+
+    "Here his voice was stifled with emotion, and he paused an
+    instant to wipe away the tears. The assistants, deeply affected
+    as well as himself, but mute with respect and admiration,
+    awaited in profound silence the continuation. In a clear,
+    strong voice, slightly elevated by enthusiasm, he proceeded:
+
+    "'We declare, profess, and define, that the doctrine affirming
+    that the Blessed Virgin Mary was preserved and exempt from
+    all stain of original sin, from the first instant of her
+    conception, in view of the merits of Jesus Christ, Saviour of
+    men, is a doctrine revealed by God, and for this reason, all
+    the faithful must believe it with firm and unwavering faith.
+    Wherefore, if any one should have the presumption, which
+    God forbid, to allow a belief contrary to what we have just
+    defined, let him know that he wrecks his faith and separates
+    himself from the unity of the Church.'
+
+    "The Cardinal Dean, prostrating himself a second time at the
+    feet of the Pontiff, supplicated him to publish the Apostolic
+    letters containing the definition; the Promoter of the Faith,
+    accompanied by the Apostolic Prothonotary also presented
+    themselves, to beg that a verbal process of the decree be
+    prepared. And now the cannon of the castle of St. Angelo and
+    all the bells of the Eternal City, announced the glorification
+    of the Immaculate Virgin!
+
+    "In the evening, Rome, enwreathed in illuminations, and crowned
+    with inscriptions and transparencies, resounded with joyous
+    music, and was imitated at that very time by thousands of
+    cities and villages all over the face of the globe. If we were
+    to compile an account of the pious manifestations relating to
+    this event, it would fill, not volumes, but libraries. The
+    Bishops' responses to the Pope before the definition were
+    printed in nine volumes; the Bull itself, translated under
+    the care of a learned French Sulpitian into every tongue and
+    idiom of the universe, filled about ten volumes; the pastoral
+    instructions, publishing and explaining the Bull, and the
+    articles on the subject in religious journals, would certainly
+    require several hundred, especially if we add thereto the
+    poems, scraps of eloquence, and descriptions of the monuments
+    and fetes. We should not omit mention here of the spontaneous
+    and incomparable periodical illuminations at Lyons, each time
+    the course of the year brings round the memorable 8th of
+    December."
+
+Pius IX knew that the Catholic movement leading to the definition of
+the Immaculate Conception had originated in France, and he was happy to
+see the French people enthusiastically welcome the Pontifical decree
+of December 8th, and celebrate with unparalleled magnificence Mary's
+glorious privilege. Henceforth, the love he bore that country was
+firmly rooted in his heart, and her misfortunes had but increased his
+tenderness and compassion. It consoles us to insert here the prayer to
+the Blessed Virgin which he composed, and recited daily to obtain for
+her the protection of the Queen of Heaven:
+
+    "O Mary! conceived without sin, look down upon France, pray for
+    France, save France! The greater her guilt, the more need of
+    your intercession. Only a word to Jesus reposing in your arms,
+    and France is saved."
+
+    "O Jesus! obedient to Mary, save France!"
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+THE MIRACULOUS MEDAL AND THE WAR.
+
+
+The wars which have taken place since the year 1854, the epoch of the
+definition of the Immaculate Conception, have presented a spectacle to
+which the world was unaccustomed. Not only were _priests_ called upon
+to administer to the spiritual necessities of the soldiers in camps
+and ambulances, but _Sisters_ also were charged with the care of the
+sick and wounded. The priest's cassock and the robe of the religious,
+became almost as familiar to the eye as the military costume itself!
+Sisters of Charity accompanied the armies in the wars of the East, in
+1854; in Italy, in 1859; in the United States, in 1861; in Mexico, in
+1864; in Austria and Prussia, in 1866; in France and Germany, in 1870;
+and we find them ministering to the Russian army and also the Turkish
+ambulance in 1877. For them no enemies existed; the camps of both
+belligerents claimed their attention, they were equally devoted to all
+who needed their ministry of charity.
+
+During the hardships and dangers of war, chaplains and Sisters could
+not fail to invoke the Blessed Virgin, and the Miraculous Medal
+naturally became the sign of the soldier's devotion and the pledge
+of our merciful Mother's protection, against the moral and physical
+dangers war brings in its train. The medal was profusely distributed;
+it was accepted and worn with confidence; even Protestants and
+Schismatics asking eagerly for it; officers as well as private soldiers
+attaching it to their uniforms when they set out for the combat; the
+sick employed it to obtain recovery, or at least, an alleviation of
+their sufferings; the dying kissed it with love; many attributed to it
+their preservation in battle, and a still greater number were indebted
+to it for their eternal salvation.
+
+In proof of the above, we shall present some facts, selected from the
+thousands related in the correspondence of the missionaries and Sisters
+who followed the several armies.
+
+
+WAR IN THE EAST, FROM 1854 to 1856.
+
+    "On the Feast of the Assumption, we shall have at Varna, a
+    beautiful religious ceremony, at which the whole army will
+    assist. I have brought from Constantinople a banner of the
+    Blessed Virgin; this we will set up, and confidently invoking
+    Mary, we know she will obtain the cessation of the cholera, and
+    success of our arms."[24]
+
+    [Footnote 24: Letter of Mr. Bore, Aug. 13, 1854.]
+
+    "The inmates of our hospital of Pera, at Constantinople, number
+    about twelve hundred, including sixty officers. These gentlemen
+    receive the Miraculous Medal with joy and gratitude. Endeavor
+    to find some good souls who will send us a large supply of
+    these pious objects."[25]
+
+    [Footnote 25: Letter of a Sister, September 29.]
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+    "The three patients whose confessions I heard were poor
+    Irish. They manifested great resignation in their sufferings;
+    all three asked for, and gratefully received a medal of the
+    Immaculate Conception. An English officer (a Catholic), who
+    wore with pious confidence the medal of Mary, told me that
+    several of his colleagues, though Protestants, had accepted the
+    medal and preserved it respectfully, and that the cholera and
+    balls of the Russians had, so far, spared them."[26]
+
+    [Footnote 26: Letter of Mr. Bore, October 25.]
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+    "Even amidst the turmoil of war, and in spite of the multitude
+    of sick and wounded, the Catholics of Constantinople celebrated
+    solemnly the definition of the dogma of the Immaculate
+    Conception. Mr. Bore wrote as follows, March 22d, 1835: 'The
+    _triduum_ of thanksgiving for the declaration and promulgation
+    of the dogma of the Immaculate Conception was fixed for the
+    Feast of Saint Joseph. We have endeavored to unite, in the
+    expression of our joy, with that of the faithful throughout the
+    Catholic world, and to imitate, to the best of our ability,
+    those magnificent and most consoling manifestations that have
+    taken place in France, who in this has shown a true love for
+    the Mother of God, a love already repaid by a new development
+    of national strength and vigor. The zeal and skill of our dear
+    Sisters in charge of the adjoining establishment have greatly
+    contributed to the splendor of the feast. The good taste
+    and experience of one of them suggested to her the idea of
+    substituting for the large picture over the main altar a figure
+    of the Immaculate Conception; the Blessed Virgin was crowned
+    with golden stars, her dress and drapery were rich and radiant
+    in a glory of gauze, the whole framed in lilies. The head,
+    borrowed from the portrait of a Circassian lady, and the golden
+    crescent under her feet, were happy indications, both in color
+    and emblem, of the events transpiring around us. A Catholic
+    Armenian lady lent a set of diamonds, which flashed back the
+    myriad flames of tapers and candles contained in candelabras,
+    hidden in the abundance of lilies. This illumination,
+    improvised by our pupils in imitation of those they knew would
+    take place throughout France, was indeed an honor to their
+    taste and piety.'"
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+    "We sometimes meet with sick persons, who, through human
+    respect, ignorance, or indifference, are prevented from
+    receiving the succors of religion. We give them a medal of
+    the Immaculate Conception, and the Blessed Virgin charges
+    herself with their conversion. Nearly always, without any
+    other inducement, and, as it were, of themselves, they ask for
+    the priest and prepare to receive the Sacraments, manifesting
+    the most lively sorrow for having offended God and abused His
+    benefits. I could cite examples by thousands."
+
+    "Numbers of soldiers wear the Miraculous Medal, the scapular, a
+    reliquary, a cross, or sometimes not one but all of these, and
+    those who do not possess these articles are happy to receive
+    them. In a word, the army is, in a great measure, Catholic, and
+    knows how to pray."
+
+    "A soldier wounded in both legs at the battle of Alma, received
+    for more than two months, the unremitting attention of the
+    physicians and Sisters though without experiencing any relief.
+    Having despaired of saving his life otherwise, the surgeons
+    decided upon amputation. They began by the limb which was most
+    shattered. Next day the patient was in a hopeless condition;
+    there was no question of further amputation. Recourse was
+    then had to supernatural remedies; a novena was made to the
+    Immaculate Mary, and in a few days the patient showed signs of
+    improvement. He is now cured, and his piety and good example
+    are the admiration of his comrades."[27]
+
+    [Footnote 27: Report of Mr. Doumerq, 1855.]
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+    "A patient who was brought in yesterday, refused to go to
+    confession. I placed under his pillow a medal of the Blessed
+    Virgin, and left him quiet, continuing to give him assiduous
+    care. This morning he called me, and in a resolute tone,
+    inquired if people here died like dogs. 'I am a Christian, and
+    I wish to confess.' 'Yesterday I proposed confession,' said
+    I, 'but you objected, and even sent the priest away.' 'It is
+    true,' he replied; 'but I am sorry for having done so; I wish
+    now to see him as soon as possible.' Since his confession
+    he is completely changed; and calmly awaits the approach of
+    death."[28]
+
+    [Footnote 28: Letter of a Sister, 1855.]
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+    "Among the Russian prisoners brought to Constantinople after
+    the battle of Tchernaia, many wore the medal of the Immaculate
+    Conception. By this I understood at once that they were
+    Catholics and Poles."[29]
+
+    [Footnote 29: Letter of Mr. Bore, August 25, 1855.]
+
+    "A young lieutenant in the eighty-fifth regiment, had been
+    wounded in the skull, and when brought to the hospital, his
+    throat was gangrened, and he could scarcely speak. A secret
+    sympathy attracted us towards each other, and he accepted
+    gratefully the services I rendered him. As he was evidently
+    sinking, I spoke to him of the Blessed Virgin, and alluded to
+    the medal he wore around his neck. He smiled, and replied by
+    pressing my hand. When his confession (during which he regained
+    his voice and strength) was finished, he said: 'Monsieur abbe,
+    I have a favor to ask of you.' 'What is it, my friend? tell
+    me; I am anxious to gratify you.' 'Be so kind,' said he, 'as
+    to inform Father Bore that I am here, and am very ill.' These
+    words pierced my heart; however, I was able to answer him:
+    'Father Bore is he who now speaks to you.' Raising his eyes
+    moistened with tears, and, again pressing my hand, he added:
+    'I am the brother-in-law of your dear friend, Mr. Taconet, and
+    also brother of the captain of zouaves, whom you assisted a
+    year ago at Varna.' I then recognized in him Mr. _Ferdinand
+    Lefaivre_; he had been recommended to me by a pressing letter
+    from Mr. Taconet, but this letter reached me only after my
+    young friend's death. Mr. Taconet wrote that, on the eleventh
+    of May, the lieutenant with his family had heard Mass at the
+    church of Notre Dame des Victoires, and that he did not doubt
+    but the Blessed Virgin would watch over a life so precious.
+    His hope was not misplaced, for the Blessed Virgin called him
+    to herself, fortified with the Sacraments, on the day of her
+    triumph."[30]
+
+    [Footnote 30: Letter of August 25, 1855.]
+
+    "While we were invoking our Immaculate Mother, on the eve of a
+    combat, in which one of our young soldiers was to take part for
+    the first (and perhaps last) time, he arose and went to Mary's
+    altar; kneeling an instant, he arose again, and hung around
+    the statue's neck a silver heart, in which were inscribed his
+    name and the names of his parents. I feel, as St Vincent has
+    forcibly expressed it, that he did not perform this act of
+    devotion without tearful eyes and a sobbing heart."[31]
+
+    [Footnote 31: Letter of Sister M----, 1855.]
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+    "A serious fire had broken out in the city of Salonica. The
+    flames soon appeared opposite the Sisters' house, the buildings
+    on the other side of the street, a few yards distant, being
+    seized and devoured by the fire, which the wind continued to
+    fan into activity. Already the Sisters' roof and that of the
+    adjoining house were covered with dense smoke. I cast therein
+    several Miraculous Medals. There was no prospect of human
+    succor, as the rumor of there being powder in the vicinity had
+    caused every one to seek safety in flight. I also retired,
+    deeming it useless to expose myself longer; and besides, I was
+    obliged to go to the assistance of a poor man, who, partially
+    intoxicated, persisted in remaining near the fire. I returned
+    shortly after, expecting to see our houses in flames; I doubted
+    not but they would be wholly consumed. As I approached, a
+    young man stopped me on the way, and said: 'Your property
+    is saved, sir; the Sisters' house is not even in danger.'
+    Only on reaching the scene could I be convinced that he had
+    spoken truly. It would be impossible to express my emotion at
+    the sight. I sent to inform our dear Sisters of the fact and
+    they could scarcely credit this marvellous preservation. It
+    suffices to add, that all Salonica is unanimous in pronouncing
+    it a miracle."[32]
+
+    [Footnote 32: Letter of Mr. Turroque, July 16, 1856.]
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+    "In an ambulance crowded with Russians was a young Pole,
+    severely wounded and suffering intolerable pain; he earnestly
+    invoked the sweet and merciful Virgin Mary. By his side lay
+    a Russian Protestant, wounded also, and attacked by violent
+    dysentery. So offensive was the odor from his disease, that
+    both patients and nurses complained. He appeared utterly
+    indifferent to everything concerning religion. He took no
+    notice of the Sister as she passed and repassed; he never
+    even deigned to look at her. The young Pole, on the contrary,
+    called her frequently, and gratefully received her care and
+    consolations. One evening our young Catholic was suffering more
+    than usual; the pain drew tears from his eyes; his groans and
+    cries were incessant. He called the Sister and begged her to
+    help him, saying his patience was exhausted; he was in despair;
+    his sufferings were excruciating. The Polish Sister, consoling
+    and encouraging him, bade him have confidence, and gave him
+    a medal to apply to the wounded limb. The young man followed
+    her suggestion; and laying his hand on the medal to keep it in
+    place, he soon fell asleep. Our Protestant appeared unconscious
+    of what was going on, yet he had seen and examined all. Some
+    days after, he called our Polish Sister to him, (she was the
+    only one who could understand him) and said: 'Sister, please
+    give me what you gave this young man that did him so much
+    good, for I suffer greatly!' 'My friend, she replied, I desire
+    nothing better than to relieve you also; but you lack what
+    effected his cure, faith and confidence. You Protestants deny
+    the power of the Blessed Virgin; you do not acknowledge her as
+    your Queen, your Advocate, your Mother. So what can I do? It
+    was a medal of Mary that so speedily relieved your neighbor,
+    the young Pole.' 'Give me one also, Sister,' he answered; 'I
+    believe all that you tell me; you do good to every one, why
+    should you deceive me?' 'But,' said the Sister, 'have you
+    confidence in Mary, the Mother of God? Do you believe in her
+    mercy and her power?' 'I believe all that you believe, Sister,
+    since Mary hears the prayers of the unfortunate, and brings
+    relief to the suffering, she cannot deceive us!' The Sister,
+    much consoled at hearing these words, gave him a medal, and
+    our admirable talisman effected in his soul most gratifying
+    results. He asked to receive instruction from a priest, and
+    after some days employed in studying the holy doctrines of
+    the Church, and in assiduous prayer to Mary he abjured his
+    errors. As he had been separated from the other patients, on
+    account of the unpleasant odor we have mentioned, he was at
+    full liberty to act as he wished. After his baptism, and the
+    reception of the holy Eucharist, being unable to restrain
+    his transports, he exclaimed: 'Oh! how happy I am! My heart
+    has never known such joy! I am content to die, and I do not
+    regret having been struck on the battlefield! To my wound do
+    I owe my salvation. Oh! how we poor Protestants are deceived!
+    By what lies are we led astray! How good God is to rescue me
+    from error! May the sweet and holy Virgin be known and loved
+    always and everywhere!' And in these beautiful dispositions, he
+    expired."[33]
+
+    [Footnote 33: Letter of Sister M----, July 9, 1857.]
+
+    "A sergeant advanced in years had been suffering for three
+    months from a severe dysentery; one morning the Sister who was
+    visiting the sick found him in tears. 'Ah! my brave soldier,'
+    said she, 'what is the meaning of all this grief?' 'O Sister,'
+    he exclaimed, 'lend me patience, for mine is exhausted. I am
+    in despair; I can endure my sufferings no longer; I feel that
+    I am going to die, and just at the time I was to receive a
+    pension--at the very moment I hoped to return to my country
+    with honor and see my family once more. Must I die afar from
+    home and leave my bones in a strange land?' Groans were
+    mingled with his words, and his gestures had all the violence
+    of despair. The Sister who relates the fact says: 'My heart
+    ached at witnessing the grief of this brave man, with his white
+    hairs and numerous scars. However, as my tears would not have
+    dried his, I tried to rouse his courage by other means, and I
+    promised him a perfect cure if he would unite in prayer with
+    our little family at the hospital. Giving him a Miraculous
+    Medal, I recommended him to God and Mary with my whole heart.
+    We made a novena to the Immaculate Virgin, and ere its
+    termination our sergeant was entirely cured."[34]
+
+    [Footnote 34: Letter of Sister M----, July 9, 1857.]
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+    "Every evening our soldiers assembled around the Sisters in
+    charge and sang pious canticles; they even composed music and
+    words suited to the occasion. These they intoned, uniting
+    their deep, sonorous voices with the Sisters'. In unison and
+    harmony of mind as of voice, they repeated in chorus the sacred
+    names of Jesus and Mary as a rallying cry of hope, confidence
+    and triumph--a chant of love, a united echo of heaven and
+    country. Then their hearts thrilled with joy inexpressible,
+    and they were filled with pride and happiness at the thought
+    of belonging to that France who imparts to her children the
+    heroism of courage and the virtue of the perfect Christian.
+    During the month of May our military concerts were multiplied;
+    all were rivals in zeal. The altars were adorned with admirable
+    piety and taste, notwithstanding our extreme poverty. Entire
+    trees were felled to assist in concealing the dilapidated state
+    of the barracks, which had been converted into chapels. Had
+    our soldiers been free to do so, they would have despoiled the
+    gardens of the Turks to adorn the sanctuary of the Queen of
+    Heaven.
+
+    "In the ambulances of Pera some of the most zealous soldiers,
+    both officers and privates, wished to present Mary a solemn
+    homage of their devotedness and gratitude. They chose a heart
+    as the symbol of their sentiments. All the balls extracted
+    from their wounds were collected to compose the offering. But
+    a soldier suddenly exclaimed with enthusiasm: 'Comrades, what
+    are we doing? Shall we offer the Blessed Virgin a schismatical
+    heart? All these balls are Russians!' 'True,' replied another,
+    'these balls are Russian; we must have French balls. Let us ask
+    the Russians for those we sent them.' 'Stay,' said a third,
+    'you have forgotten that these Russian balls are stained with
+    our blood!' 'Well, then, let us use them,' suggested a fourth,
+    'the French balls will form the centre.' They went immediately
+    to ask the Russians for the French balls. These were willingly
+    given. The heart was prepared; their names inscribed on it with
+    the designation of the regiment, and the offering was presented
+    to Mary amid the most lively acclamations and transports of joy
+    and gratitude."[35]
+
+    [Footnote 35: Letter of Sister M., July 9, 1857.]
+
+
+ITALIAN WAR, 1859.
+
+Letter of Sister Coste:
+
+                                _Gaeta, December 18th, 1860._
+
+    During the siege of Gaeta, the Sisters of Charity willingly
+    remained in the city, to assist the sick and wounded
+    Neapolitans. They felt that there was no greater security
+    against the dangers to which they were exposed, than that of
+    recommending themselves and their abode to the protection
+    of the Blessed Virgin, by means of the Miraculous Medal.
+    Their Superioress, Sister Coste, wrote December 18th, 1860:
+    "Frequently the cannon roars in our ears; bombs whiz around us,
+    but divine Providence is our shield. The first night of our
+    sleeping at the palace, we were saluted by the Piedmontese, who
+    sent us a multitude of bombs; one of them burst just outside
+    our room, and you might have supposed a thunderbolt had fallen.
+    Yet, the precious medal of our Immaculate Mother, which we
+    had placed at all the doors and windows, shielded us from the
+    danger. A large piece of iron detached itself from the bomb
+    above mentioned, and remains in the wall, a visible testimony
+    of Mary's protection. This circumstance reanimated our
+    confidence, and we hesitate not to pass through the streets,
+    notwithstanding the whizzing of projectiles."
+
+
+UNITED STATES.
+
+Extracts of letters written by Sisters of Charity during the War of
+Secession, from 1861 to 1865:
+
+                            _"Military Hospital (House of Refuge),_ }
+                                            _"St. Louis, Missouri._ }
+
+    "Many of our poor soldiers scarcely knew of the existence of
+    God, and had never even heard baptism mentioned. But, when
+    the Sisters explained to them the necessity of this Sacrament,
+    and the goodness of God, who, by means of it, cleanses us from
+    the original stain, and adopts us as His children, they were
+    filled with the deepest emotion, and often shed tears. On one
+    occasion, a patient said: 'Sister, do not leave me; tell me
+    more about that good God whom I ought to love. How is it that
+    I have lived so long and have never heard Him spoken of as you
+    have just done? What must I do to become a child of God? 'You
+    must,' replied the Sister, 'believe and be baptized.' 'Well,
+    baptize me,' was his answer. The Sister persuaded him to await
+    the arrival of Father Burke, who would be there next morning.
+    The patient consented reluctantly. 'Ah!' said he, 'it is very
+    long to wait, and I am so weak; if I die unbaptized, I shall
+    not go to Heaven.' To relieve his anxiety, the Sister promised
+    to watch near him and administer baptism, should she perceive
+    any unfavorable change in his condition. 'Now,' said he, 'I am
+    satisfied; I rely on you to open for me the gates of Heaven;
+    it is through your intervention I must enter.' He spent a
+    quiet night. Next morning, Father Burke admitted him into the
+    Catholic Church, by the Sacrament of Baptism, which he received
+    with admirable piety. A crucifix was presented him; grasping it
+    eagerly, he kissed it, saying as he did so: 'O my God! I did
+    not know Thee or love Thee before coming to this hospital!'
+    Then, turning to the Sister, he said: 'Sister, I have forgotten
+    the prayer you taught me;' and he repeated after her several
+    times, 'My Father, into Thy hands I commend my spirit, sweet
+    Jesus, receive my soul.' He died pronouncing these words."
+
+    "The precise number of baptisms cannot be ascertained; there
+    were probably seven hundred during the two or three years of
+    our residence in the hospital. Five hundred Catholics who
+    had led careless or sinful lives returned sincerely to God
+    and resumed the practice of their religious duties. A great
+    number of these had received no other Sacrament than that of
+    Baptism, and they made their first Communion at the hospital.
+    The majority of the newly baptized died; the others on leaving
+    asked for medals and catechisms, saying they desired to
+    instruct themselves and their families."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+    "A soldier named Nichols fell dangerously ill, and in a few
+    days was reduced to the last extremity. Vainly did we strive
+    to touch his heart and awaken him to a sense of religion.
+    His sufferings were terrible; both day and night was he
+    denied repose, and he could scarcely remain a moment in the
+    same position. His condition was most pitiful. Many of his
+    companions, knowing that he had never been baptized, and having
+    perceived the beneficial effects of baptism upon others, begged
+    the Sisters to propose to him the reception of this Sacrament,
+    thinking it might be a comfort to him, and not being aware of
+    the many efforts that had already been made to induce him to
+    believe in its necessity and efficacy. However, we redoubled
+    our efforts, and placed a Miraculous Medal under his pillow.
+    His comrades regarded his sufferings as a visible chastisement
+    of his impiety. We could not induce him to pronounce the name
+    of God, but he implored the physician, in the most heart
+    rending accents, not to let him die. Four days passed without
+    the least change, when one of his companions, who appeared
+    the most deeply interested in his welfare, said to him, with
+    eyes filled with tears, how much he regretted to see him die
+    thus, utterly bereft of a hope for the future. The other
+    soldiers had engaged this man to acquaint the patient with his
+    danger, and persuade him to make his peace with God, for they
+    saw that human respect alone prevented his showing any signs
+    of repentance. This last effort of charity was crowned with
+    success; he called for the Sister, and when she came, said to
+    her: 'Sister, I am ready to do all you wish.' After instructing
+    him in what was necessary for salvation, and feeling convinced
+    of the sincerity of his dispositions, she asked him by whom
+    he wished to be baptized. 'By any one you please,' was his
+    answer. But, to be sure that he did not desire a Protestant
+    minister, she said: 'Shall I send for the priest who attends
+    this ward?' 'Yes,' he replied, 'it is he I wish to baptize
+    me.' The priest was sent for without delay, and we had the
+    inexpressible consolation of seeing this poor sinner admitted
+    into the number of the children of God by the very person who,
+    a few days previous, had been an object of his raillery. He
+    became perfectly calm, and expired shortly after, invoking the
+    holy name of Jesus."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+    "Among the patients was a poor young man named William Hudson,
+    who for a long time refused to receive baptism. The Sisters,
+    however, nowise discouraged, explained to him the Sacrament
+    of Baptism, and instructed him in the mysteries of our holy
+    religion, and the Sister, under whose immediate charge he
+    was, hung a medal around his neck. Finally, he asked to speak
+    to good Father Burke; was baptized, and expired in the most
+    edifying dispositions, pronouncing the holy name of Mary.
+    Several others followed his example, and made their peace with
+    God before death."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+    "Mr. Huls, a man of thirty-five, though convinced of the
+    necessity of baptism, postponed the reception of it from day
+    to day. Knowing that he had but little attraction for our holy
+    religion, I forbore to mention the subject too frequently.
+    Nevertheless, seeing that death was rapidly approaching, I
+    placed a medal under his pillow and begged the Blessed Virgin
+    to take charge of his salvation. The next day, just as I was
+    turning away after giving him a drink, he called me and said:
+    'Sister, what ought I to do to prepare for the next world?' I
+    told him that it was necessary to repent of his sins, because
+    sin is the greatest of evils, and it had caused the sufferings
+    and death of our Lord Jesus Christ; that God's goodness and
+    mercy towards sinners are infinite, and that He is always ready
+    to pardon us, even at the last moment, if we sincerely return
+    to Him. I urged him to cast himself with confidence into the
+    arms of this merciful Father, who earnestly desired to open
+    for him the gates of the Eternal City, and I added that it was
+    absolutely necessary to be baptized. He assured me that he
+    believed all I had said to him; he then repeated with fervor
+    the acts of faith, hope, charity, contrition, and resignation
+    to the will of God. Seeing that he was entering into his agony,
+    I baptized him; the Sacraments appeared to revive his strength.
+    He began to pray, and made such beautiful aspirations of
+    love and gratitude to God, that one might have said his good
+    angel inspired them, particularly the act of contrition. I
+    remained with him to the last, praying for him, when he had not
+    strength to do so himself; if I paused a moment through fear of
+    fatiguing him: 'Go on Sister,' he would say in dying accents,
+    'I can still pray.'"
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+    "Another soldier, William Barrett, scarcely twenty years of
+    age, was almost in a dying condition when brought to the
+    hospital. After doing all I could for the relief of his poor
+    body, I inquired very cautiously as to the state of his soul.
+    Alas! it was deplorable; not that he had committed great
+    crimes, but that he was entirely ignorant of everything
+    relating to his salvation. He had never said a prayer, and he
+    hardly knew of the existence of a God. My first conversation
+    with him on the subject of religion, was not altogether
+    pleasing to him, for he did not understand it; but when I
+    had briefly explained the principal articles of Faith, he
+    listened very attentively, and begged me to tell him something
+    more. When I told him that our Lord had loved us so much as
+    to become man and die on a cross for our salvation, he could
+    not restrain his tears: 'Oh!' said he, 'why did no one ever
+    tell me that? Oh! if I had only known it sooner! How could I
+    have lived so long without knowing and loving my God!' I now
+    prepared him to receive the Sacrament of Baptism, and tried
+    to make him sensible of God's great mercy, in bringing him to
+    the hospital, that he might die a holy death. He understood
+    this and much more, for grace had spoken to this poor heart,
+    so truly penetrated with sorrow for sin. 'I wish to love God,'
+    said he, 'but I am such a miserable creature! I would like to
+    pray, but I do not know how. Sister, pray for me, please.' I
+    promised to do so, and offering him a medal of the Blessed
+    Virgin, I told him that by wearing it, he would secure the
+    intercession of the Mother of God, who is ever powerful with
+    her divine Son. He gladly accepted the medal, put it around
+    his neck, and repeated, not only the aspiration, O Mary!
+    conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee,
+    but other prayers, to obtain the grace of a happy death. He
+    then asked me when I would have him carried to the river, for
+    he was under the impression that he could not be baptized
+    without being immersed. I explained to him the manner in
+    which the Catholic Church administers this Sacrament, and the
+    dispositions necessary for receiving it. Listening eagerly to
+    every word I uttered, 'Pray with me, Sister,' said he, 'come
+    nearer, that I may hear you better, for I do not know how to
+    pray.' He repeated with great fervor all the prayers I recited,
+    and thought only of preparing himself for his baptism which
+    was to take place on the following day. From that time he
+    wished to converse with the Sisters only. If his companions or
+    the attendants came to him, he answered them in a few words,
+    evidently showing that he desired to be alone with his God. One
+    of the officers asked him, if he wished any one to write to his
+    family. 'Do not speak to me of my family now,' said he, 'the
+    Sisters have written to my parents. I wish for nothing but to
+    pray and to be baptized.' And the words ever on his lips, were
+    these: 'O God, have mercy on me, a sinner.' Towards evening he
+    became so weak, that I thought it best to remain with him. At
+    three o'clock in the morning, fearing that he was in his agony,
+    I administered the Sacrament of Regeneration; he lived till
+    seven o'clock. The fervor with which he united in the prayers
+    was truely edifying; even when scarcely able to speak, he tried
+    to express his gratitude to God for His goodness and mercy to
+    him. He was most anxious to quit this world, that he might go
+    to that Father, who had admitted him into the number of His
+    children, and whom he so earnestly desired to see and know."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+    "A soldier, advanced in age, told me one day, that in his
+    country the prejudices of the people were so strong against our
+    Faith, that they would refuse hospitality to a traveler did
+    they know him to be a Catholic; as to himself, he had never
+    met with a Catholic previous to his coming to the hospital;
+    but what he had seen here (nothing comparable to which had he
+    ever witnessed among Protestants), was sufficient to convince
+    him of the truth of Catholicity; that he had belonged to the
+    Presbyterian Church, but he would remain in it no longer, and
+    desired to be instructed in our holy religion. I gave him
+    a catechism and some other books, which he read with great
+    attention. Perceiving that his end approached, he asked for a
+    priest and was baptized. 'If it were the will of God,' said he,
+    speaking of his property, which was considerable, 'I should
+    like to live a little longer and enjoy my fortune; but if the
+    Lord wills otherwise, I am ready to leave all.' He was ever
+    repeating these words: 'Not as I will, O Lord, but as Thou
+    wilt.' From the moment of his baptism, he applied himself
+    most diligently to a profitable disposition of the remainder
+    of life, that he might prepare for his journey to eternity.
+    At times, when he felt a little stronger, he studied the
+    catechism; and when he could no longer hold a book, he prayed
+    and meditated in silence. One day as I was giving him a drink,
+    he showed me his medal. 'Ah!' said he, tears of gratitude
+    streaming down his cheeks, 'behold! my Mother. I kiss her
+    every hour!' He prayed constantly, even when he could neither
+    eat, drink, nor sleep. Once when he was extremely weak, the
+    attendants having changed his position, he fainted, and rallied
+    only with great difficulty. On perceiving that I was trying to
+    restore him: 'Ah! Sister,' said he, 'why did you not let me
+    go?' He also remarked to the attendants, that he feared the
+    Sister would prolong his life for a month, but his fears were
+    not realized; in a few days he slept the sleep of the just.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+    "One of the soldiers, who had been a long time in the hospital,
+    having fallen very ill, I tried to persuade him to make his
+    peace with God, before going to meet that God as his Judge. My
+    efforts met with little success; he did not admit the necessity
+    of baptism, and he was not in the least concerned about his
+    salvation. But he accepted a medal, and without being aware of
+    it, he swallowed some drops of holy water. Then I recommended
+    him very earnestly to the Blessed Virgin, and in a few days
+    after he asked to be instructed, and was baptized. We could not
+    give him greater pleasure than to pray beside him. He received
+    Extreme Unction with deep and sincere devotion, and expired in
+    the most happy dispositions."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+    "In the hospital was a soldier named Sanders, who, though not
+    very ill, was unable to join his regiment. He had no idea of
+    religion. I remarked that he observed us very closely, as if
+    examining our conduct; nothing escaped him. Before leaving, he
+    came to bid me good-by and thank me for the care I had bestowed
+    upon him. I was somewhat surprised, as I had had no occasion of
+    serving him; but, seeing he was so well disposed, I profited by
+    the opportunity to offer him a medal and a book explaining the
+    Catholic Faith. He accepted them with gratitude, and returned
+    to his regiment. A year later, he came again to the hospital,
+    hastening to inform me of his conversion, and seeking a priest,
+    by whom he was gladly instructed and received into the fold
+    of the Holy Church. 'I owe my conversion,' said he, 'to the
+    intercession of the Immaculate Mary and your prayers, and it
+    has been my happy lot to bring other souls to God.' This was,
+    indeed, the case; employed in a military hospital, where he was
+    the only Catholic, by his zeal and solicitude he instructed
+    many poor sick, called a priest, had them baptized, and enjoyed
+    the consolation of procuring eternal happiness for a large
+    number of his fellow-soldiers."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+    "In 1862, a Sister of the hospital at New Orleans gave a medal
+    to one of the attendants on the point of setting out for the
+    army, and she advised him to keep it always about him. Some
+    time after, he returned, having received a slight wound on
+    the head. On seeing the Sister, he exclaimed: 'Sister, here
+    is the medal you gave me; it has saved my life! Just in the
+    midst of battle, the string by which the medal hung around my
+    neck broke, and whilst the cannons were roaring around us, I
+    attached it to a button of my uniform; all my companions fell,
+    and I escaped with this slight contusion.'"
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+"_Military Hospital of Philadelphia._
+
+    "A soldier was brought to the hospital grievously wounded. A
+    few questions which the Sister put to him on the subject of
+    religion revealed the fact, that not only was he not baptized,
+    but also most ignorant of the truths essential to salvation.
+    The Sister then began to instruct him, and with all requisite
+    prudence, gave him to understand that the physicians despaired
+    of his recovery. From this moment he listened with the deepest
+    interest to explanations of the catechism; and, one day, when
+    Sister had spoken to him of the necessity of that Sacrament
+    which renders us children of God and heirs of heaven, he joined
+    his hands and said in the most beseeching tone: 'Oh! do not let
+    me die without baptism!' The Sister then asked him from what
+    minister he desired to receive this Sacrament and he replied:
+    'From yours; from him who says Mass in the Sister's Chapel.'
+    Before the close of the day, Father MacGrane had satisfied
+    the sick man's pious desire, and the new Christian, filled
+    with joy, incessantly repeated acts of love and gratitude. The
+    physician, making his evening visit, found him so ill, that
+    he directed the attendant to watch him all night, saying he
+    might die at any moment. Before retiring, the Sister gave him a
+    medal of the Blessed Virgin, and briefly narrating to him how
+    this tender Mother had often wrought miraculous cures by means
+    of her blessed image; she encouraged the dying man to address
+    himself to Mary with entire confidence.
+
+    "Next morning she was surprised to find him better; but he
+    was much troubled about 'his piece,' which he could not find;
+    he feared it had been taken away. The Sister soon found and
+    restored it to him; receiving it most joyfully, he asked for a
+    string and placed the medal over his wound. When the physician
+    came, which was soon after, he was no less surprised than the
+    Sister at perceiving the change in his patient's condition.
+    The patient, (Duken by name), continued to improve, and in a
+    few weeks he could walk with the aid of crutches. His first
+    visit was to the chapel; from that day, whenever we had Mass,
+    he rose at five o'clock in order to assist at it; and so eager
+    was he for Father MacGrane's instructions, that the intervening
+    time from one Sunday to another seemed to him very long. He
+    attributed his cure to the Blessed Virgin, and it was indeed
+    most remarkable; for he was out of the physician's hands long
+    before many other soldiers of the same ward whose wounds were
+    less dangerous, and who had received the same attentions, were
+    able to leave their beds. He asked for a furlough that he might
+    visit his wife, whom he was very anxious to see a member of the
+    true Church, but 'knowing her prejudice against Catholics, he
+    dared hope for such a happiness.' It was, nevertheless, granted
+    him; she consented to be baptized with her children, and Duken
+    returned to the hospital, blessing God and the holy Virgin for
+    the wonderful graces bestowed on his family.
+
+    "Our Sisters of the South, like those of the North, were
+    in great demand wherever sufferings and miseries claimed
+    relief, and they responded to the call with a holy courage and
+    eagerness.
+
+    "In these divers localities was the Miraculous Medal the
+    instrument God frequently employed in delivering souls from
+    the yoke of Satan. How often have we seen Mary's image
+    kissed respectfully by lips which had formerly uttered only
+    blasphemies against the Mother of God! Every one asked for
+    a medal; some, no doubt, urged by curiosity or the desire
+    of possessing a souvenir of the Sisters, as they themselves
+    acknowledged; but, even so, they could not carry upon
+    their person this sweet image, without growing better and
+    experiencing the effects of Mary's protection. In nearly every
+    case, what rendered the triumph of grace still more remarkable
+    was the fact of its acting upon men who were not only ignorant,
+    but fanatical, hating the name of Catholic, and excited to
+    fury at the sight of a priest. A Sister relates that she
+    ventured, one day, to ask a soldier, who was in the threshold
+    of eternity, if he had been baptized. 'No,' was the reply, in
+    a voice of thunder; 'no, and I have no wish to be plunged in
+    water just now. Let me alone!'
+
+    "'Recommending him to Mary,' says the Sister, 'I left him.
+    Towards evening, I heard a noise in the ward in the direction
+    of his bed, and the attendant came in haste to say that the
+    patient had sent for me.' 'Ah!' said the latter, in a tone
+    very different from that of his morning's speech; 'I am dying,
+    baptize me, I beg of you.' 'Giving him briefly the necessary
+    instruction, I administered the holy rite, and a few hours
+    later he peacefully expired.'
+
+    "Rarely did these poor soldiers complain of their fate; though
+    but little accustomed to the rigors of military life, they bore
+    them with admirable patience. However, there was one exception
+    to the general rule, that of an old soldier, who murmured
+    continually and accused God of afflicting him unjustly.
+    Arguments were worse than useless, they served but to aggravate
+    the evil. Failing in this means to bring him to a better state
+    of mind, I offered him a medal of the Blessed Virgin. By
+    degrees, his complaints ceased, his countenance became composed
+    and serene, and I had the consolation of seeing him expire in
+    the most edifying dispositions."
+
+
+THE WAR BETWEEN PRUSSIA AND AUSTRIA, 1866.
+
+Letter of Mr. Stroever, Priest of the Mission, July 1st, 1867:
+
+    "The wounded arrive in great numbers, and all our houses are
+    filled. Every one wishes to have a medal; I inquired of one,
+    who had begged for a medal at any price, if he were a Catholic.
+    'No,' was the answer; 'I am a Protestant but I would like to
+    have it as a souvenir of yourself;' and he received it most
+    gratefully.
+
+    "We observe a certain degree of piety among the soldiers,
+    and the sick are most eager to receive the Sacraments. The
+    Protestants show a remarkable inclination to Catholicity. Not
+    only the private soldiers, but even persons of distinction,
+    wishing to have medals, scapulars or a crucifix. They take no
+    measures to conceal these objects of devotion, and no one seems
+    surprised at seeing them on their persons."
+
+
+REMINISCENCES OF THE COMMUNE, PARIS, 1871.
+
+Notes of a Sister of the Hospital d'Enghien:
+
+    "During the siege, we had placed Miraculous Medals over all the
+    doors and windows of the house. As one of our Sisters expressed
+    the intention of concealing them, Sister Catherine exclaimed:
+    'No, no; they must be seen; put them in the middle of the
+    principal entrance.'
+
+    "During the few days immediately preceding our departure from
+    the house, the federal national guards said to one another:
+    'Let us go and ask the venerable Sister Catherine for medals;
+    she has given some to our comrades who have shown them to us,
+    we would like to have them too.' 'But you, poor creatures,'
+    replied a Sister, 'you have no faith, no religion, what good
+    will the medal do you.' 'Very true, Sister,' said they, 'we
+    have not much faith, but we believe in the medal; it has
+    protected others, it will also protect us, and when we go to
+    battle, it will help us to die as brave soldiers.' Good Sister
+    Catherine gave medals to all who presented themselves, and
+    many, who belonged to the enemy, sent their comrades to procure
+    them.
+
+    "After the army had entered Paris, thirty of the wounded
+    insurgents, before being brought to trial, were sent to the
+    Hospital d'Enghien to be nursed by the Sisters. The house
+    was already transformed into an ambulance, and we were
+    obliged to take one of the dormitories of the orphans for the
+    newly-arrived patients. The appearance of these men were so
+    frightful, that Sister Eugenie who had been appointed to attend
+    them, had not the courage for the first two days to make any
+    suggestions to them concerning religion; but finally, feeling
+    that she must comply with her duty, and urged by the advice of
+    a companion, she went to Sister Catherine and asked for medals
+    for the insurgents. Sister gave them cheerfully, and encouraged
+    her to use this powerful means of inspiring these unfortunate
+    men with Christian sentiments. Animated by this thought, Sister
+    Eugenie repaired to the ward, and much affected, proposed
+    to say evening prayers. 'Yes, Sister,' answered some among
+    them. Trembling, she began; but at the _Creed_, overcome by
+    excitement and terror, she wept like a child, and was obliged
+    to pause. When she recovered her voice, it was not to continue
+    the prayers, but to tell the prisoners how much she felt at the
+    thought that on the morrow, they would be judged and perhaps
+    condemned; then making them a brief exhortation, inspired by
+    the circumstances, she offered to give each one a medal of the
+    Blessed Virgin, begging them to retain it about their person,
+    happen what might. The proposition was accepted immediately,
+    but Sister Eugenie was too frightened to give the medal into
+    their hands; in the middle of the night, when all seemed to be
+    asleep, she quietly placed a medal under each one's pillow.
+    How great was her joy next morning, to see all these poor
+    insurgents with the medal around their neck.
+
+    "The Superioress came into the hall where the men were
+    collected and asked if they wished a priest to come and hear
+    their confessions. All consented with unequivocal signs of
+    gratitude. A good priest, one of the hostages of the Commune,
+    came and heard their confession. On leaving them he seemed
+    much consoled, and said he had every reason to hope for their
+    salvation. The unfortunate men left the house at seven o'clock,
+    and were conducted to Versailles; they were calm and resigned,
+    and when about to leave, showed the Sisters the medal they
+    wore. Doubtless, God accepted the sacrifice of their life in
+    atonement for their faults."
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+Recent Apparitions of the Blessed Virgin
+
+_IN FRANCE, ITALY AND GERMANY_.
+
+THE CONFIDENCE WITH WHICH THESE APPARITIONS SHOULD INSPIRE US.
+
+
+The definition of the dogma of the Immaculate Conception, has, in our
+age, brought to its climax, devotion to the Blessed Virgin. Divine
+Providence employed twenty-four years in preparing the world for this
+great event; we have seen in the preceding chapters, how much the
+apparition of 1830, contributed thereto, and how powerful the influence
+of the Miraculous Medal in propagating this devotion. Since this time a
+second period of twenty-four years has elapsed, during which devotion
+to the Immaculate Mary has shone as a radiant star in the firmament
+of the Church, spreading everywhere the light of truth and the warmth
+of true piety; and, by a gentle yet efficacious impulse, producing
+unanimity of mind and heart in the great Catholic family.
+
+Since the definition, as well as before it, France continues to be the
+privileged country of Mary; nowhere else are miracles so numerous, or
+graces so abundant. Whence arises this glorious prerogative? So far as
+we are permitted to penetrate the secrets of God, it appears to us, to
+our understanding: France who has wrought so much evil by disseminating
+philosophical and revolutionary doctrines, is to repair the past by
+propagating truth, and Mary desires to prepare her for this mission.
+Everyone knows, moreover, that the French character possesses a force
+of expansion and a power of energy that render the French eminently
+qualified to maintain the interests of truth and justice. Then, again,
+is not France the eldest daughter of the Church, since she was baptized
+in the person of Clovis, the first of the Most Christian Kings; and in
+virtue of this title, is it not her duty to devote herself under the
+patronage of her Mother in heaven to the defence of her Mother on earth?
+
+Be the motives of Mary's predilection for the French nation what they
+may, the fact is incontrovertible. Nevertheless, the Blessed Virgin has
+not forgotten other Catholic countries; they also have had their share
+in the singular favors she has so generously dispensed in our days.
+
+
+OUR LADY OF LOURDES.--1858.
+
+Four years after the definition of the Immaculate Conception, Mary
+vouchsafed to manifest herself anew to the world, and this time, as if
+in token of her gratitude, she took the glorious name the Church had
+just decreed her: "_I am the Immaculate Conception_." It was in France
+that the vision of the medal took place, preparatory to the act of
+December 8th, 1854; it was also in France, at Lourdes, in the diocese
+of Tarbes, at the base of the Pyrenees, that Mary came in person, to
+testify and proclaim that privilege which she prized above all others.
+In 1830, she choose a young, unlettered Sister for her confidant; in
+1846, she addressed herself to two poor peasant children; in 1858, she
+also selects one in the humblest ranks of life as the depository of her
+merciful designs.
+
+Bernadette Soubirous, born at Lourdes in 1844, of poor parents, was
+a young girl of weak and delicate health; she could neither read nor
+write; she knew no prayers but her _Chaplet_, and she could speak only
+the _patois_ of the country. "On February 11th, 1858," says she, "my
+parents were in great perplexity for want of wood to cook the dinner. I
+put on my hood, and offered to go with my younger sister Marie and our
+friend, the little Jeanne Abadie, to pick up some dead branches." The
+three children repaired to the bank of the Gave, opposite the grotto
+of Masabielle; in which were collected the sand and branches of trees
+drifted there by the current. But to reach the grotto, it was necessary
+to wade through the shallow bed of the river. Marie and Jeanne took off
+their shoes without hesitation; Bernadette delayed and feared to cross,
+as she was suffering from a cold. Whilst thus deliberating, she was
+astonished by a rushing of wind, instantly repeated, though the trees
+near the river were motionless. One vine only was slightly agitated,
+an eglantine, which grew in the upper part of this natural grotto.
+This niche and the wild rose within reflected a most extraordinary
+brilliancy; a Lady of admirable beauty appeared in the niche, her feet
+resting on the eglantine, her arms gracefully bent, and her hands
+joined; with a sweet smile, she saluted the child. Bernadette's first
+emotion was one of fear; she instinctively grasped her chaplet, as if
+seeking defence in it, and she tried to raise her hand to make the sign
+of the cross, but her arm fell powerless and her terror increased. The
+Lady also had a _Chaplet_ suspended from her left wrist; taking it in
+her right hand, she made a very distinct sign of the cross, and passed
+between her fingers the beads (white as drops of milk); but her lips
+did not move. She smiled upon the shepherdess, who, reassured from
+this moment, recovered the use of her arm, made the sign of the cross
+and recited the _Chaplet_. The little Bernadette remained on her knees
+nearly an hour, in ecstacy. At length, the Lady made her a sign to
+approach, but Bernadette did not move. Then the Lady, extending her
+hand, smiled, and, bowing as if bidding farewell, disappeared. Returned
+to herself, Bernadette thought of rejoining her companions, who, having
+seen nothing, were at a loss to understand her conduct. She entered
+the water, which she found, to her surprise, of a gentle warmth. On
+reaching home, she imparted the secret to her sister, and then to her
+mother, who did not credit it.
+
+However, the child being tormented by an earnest desire to behold the
+apparition again, her parents granted permission for her return to the
+grotto with several companions; the same manifestation took place and
+the same ecstacy. On Thursday, February 18th, she again repaired to the
+grotto; the apparition was visible for the third time, and the Lady
+requested Bernadette to come there daily for a fortnight. Bernadette
+promised. "And I," replied the Lady, "promise to render you happy not
+in this world, but the next."
+
+On the succeeding days, the young girl went to the grotto, accompanied
+by her parents and an ever increasing crowd. None of them saw or
+heard anything. The transfiguration of the countenance of Bernadette
+announced the presence of a supernatural being, who urged the child to
+pray for sinners.
+
+On the sixth day of the fortnight, the august Lady revealed to
+Bernadette three secrets, forbidding her to communicate them to any
+one. She taught her a prayer, and charged her with a message. "You will
+go," said she, "and tell the priest that a chapel must be built here,
+and that the people must come here in procession."
+
+Bernadette communicated this order to the cure, but he hesitated to
+believe the child, and told her to ask the Lady for a sign which might
+confirm her words, for example, to make the wild rose which winter has
+divested of its leaves, break forth into blossom, then the month of
+February.
+
+The Blessed Virgin did not judge proper to grant the miracle, but she
+tried Bernadette's obedience, by commanding her to kiss the ground
+on several occasions, and to climb the rock on her knees, praying
+meantime for sinners. One day she enjoined upon her to go and drink at
+the fountain of the grotto, to wash therein, and to eat of a certain
+herb which grew in that place. Bernadette saw no fountain, and no one
+had ever heard of one in the grotto, yet on a sign from the Lady, the
+docile child dug the earth with her fingers, and discovered a muddy
+water which, notwithstanding her repugnance, she used as commanded.
+
+At the end of several days, the little thread of muddy water had become
+a limpid and abundant spring, and what was still more marvelous, it
+wrought innumerable prodigies. On February 26th, by the use of this
+water, a man who had gone blind twenty years previous, by the explosion
+of a mine, recovered his sight, and on the last day of the fortnight, a
+child dying, or as was supposed, dead, regained life and health in the
+waters of this fountain.
+
+We will not dwell here upon the persecutions directed against
+Bernadette by the magistrates, or upon the vexations besetting the
+pilgrims who flocked hither from all parts of the world. Every one has
+read these details in the work of M. Lasserre, who so ably depicts the
+dignity and firmness displayed in the affair by the parish priest, M.
+Peyramale.
+
+The apparition of March 25th, has a special significance. Bernadette,
+on several occasions, inquired the Lady's name. At this question, the
+vision, on the day mentioned, unclasped her hands, the chaplet of
+golden chain and alabaster grains sliding on to her arm. She opened her
+arms and directed them towards the earth, as if to indicate that her
+virginal hands were filled with benedictions for the human race; then
+raising them towards the celestial country, whence descended on this
+day the divine messenger of the Annunciation, she clasped them with
+fervor, and looking towards heaven with an indescribable expression
+of gratitude, she pronounced these words: "_I am the Immaculate
+Conception_." Having said this, she disappeared, and the child found
+herself and the multitude in presence of a bare rock.
+
+The Immaculate Virgin appeared to Bernadette twice again; on Easter
+Monday, April 5th, and July 16th, the Feast of our Lady of Mount
+Carmel.
+
+The following 28th of July, the Bishop of Tarbes named a commission of
+inquiry, composed of ecclesiastics, physicians and learned men. July
+18th, 1862, he published a decree concerning the events that had taken
+place at Lourdes; it was couched in the following words:
+
+    "We judge that the Immaculate Mother of God did really appear
+    to Bernadette Soubirous, Feb. 11th, 1858, and on succeeding
+    days to the number of eighteen times in the grotto of
+    Masabielle, near the city of Lourdes; that this apparition
+    bears all the characteristics of truth, and that the faithful
+    may rely upon its reality."
+
+Mary had petitioned that a chapel be built upon the spot. The first
+stone was laid in the month of October, 1862, the piety of pilgrims
+furnishing the necessary funds for the erection of the edifice, and on
+the 21st of May, 1868, the Holy Mass was celebrated there for the first
+time, in the crypt which was to bear the new sanctuary. The connection
+existing between the apparitions of 1858 and 1830 is indicated by two
+painted windows in the sanctuary, one of which represents Bernadette's
+vision, the other that of Sister Catherine.
+
+The pilgrimage to Lourdes has assumed vast proportions; thanks to the
+railroads, the pilgrims each year number hundreds of thousands, coming
+from every quarter of the globe, and countless miracles recompense the
+faith of those who seek in this sanctuary the merciful power of the
+Immaculate Mary.
+
+The grotto of Lourdes, reproduced in a thousand places, has become one
+of the most popular objects of devotion.
+
+As to Bernadette, the interest and veneration attached to her have not
+in the least affected her candor and simplicity. She has retired to the
+convent of Sisters Hospitallers of Nevers, and nothing distinguishes
+her from the most humble of her companions.
+
+
+OUR LADY OF PONTMAIN (DIOCESE OF LAVAL).--1871.
+
+    "France, having been invaded by the Prussians, was conquered;
+    Paris was besieged and suffered the horrors of famine,
+    aggravated by the rigors of an extremely cold winter. It
+    was at this period the Blessed Virgin vouchsafed to appear,
+    bringing words of hope and consolation to the people of her
+    predilection. The place favored with this apparition was the
+    little town of Pontmain, situated about four leagues from
+    Fougeres, on the confines of the dioceses of Laval and Rennes.
+    It was Monday, January 17th, 1871, about six o'clock in the
+    evening; Eugene Barbedette, a child aged twelve years, looking
+    from the door of the barn where he was occupied with his father
+    and younger brother, Joseph, aged ten years, perceived in the
+    air, a little above and behind the house of the family of
+    Guidecoq, which was opposite him, a tall and beautiful Lady,
+    who smiled upon him. He called his brother, his father, and
+    a woman of the village who was talking to him at the moment.
+    But his brother was the only one except himself who saw the
+    vision, and both gave exactly the same description of this
+    wonderful being. The Lady was clothed in a wide-sleeved blue
+    robe, embroidered with golden stars. Her dress descended to
+    the shoes, which were also blue, fastened with a clasp of
+    gold-colored ribbon. She wore a black veil, covering a portion
+    of her forehead and falling behind her shoulders to the girdle.
+    Upon her head was a golden circle like a diadem, and with no
+    ornament but a red line passing through the middle. Her face
+    was delicate, very white, and of incomparable beauty.
+
+    "In a little while, quite a crowd had collected around the
+    barn-door; Madame Barbedette, the Sisters in charge of the
+    parish school, the venerable cure, and more than sixty other
+    persons, but of all these, only two shared the happiness of the
+    Barbedette children. These two were also children, boarders
+    at the convent. Frances Richer, aged eleven years, and Jane
+    Mary Lebosse, aged nine and a half. The other spectators were
+    witnesses only of the joy and happiness of the four privileged
+    ones, but all were convinced that it was truly the Blessed
+    Virgin who had appeared.
+
+    "The Blessed Virgin's attitude was at first, that seen in the
+    Miraculous Medal. After the parish priest arrived, a circle of
+    blue was formed around the apparition, and a small red cross
+    like that worn by pilgrims, appeared on the Blessed Virgin's
+    heart. All began to pray. Suddenly the vision was enlarged,
+    and outside the blue circle, appeared a long white strip or
+    band, on which the children saw letters successively traced
+    and forming those words: '_But pray, my children. God will, in
+    a short time hear you. My Son allows himself to be touched by
+    your supplications._' Then, raising her hands, as if in unison
+    with the singing of the canticle, '_Mother of hope_,' there
+    appeared in them a red crucifix at the top of which was the
+    inscription: _Jesus Christ_.
+
+    "This prodigy was visible for three hours. After juridical
+    information, Mgr. Wicart, Bishop of Laval, confirmed by a
+    solemn judgment, the reality of the apparition.
+
+    "On the 17th of January, 1872, the first anniversary of the
+    event, a beautiful statue representing the apparition, was
+    solemnly set up, in presence of more than eight thousand
+    pilgrims, and a magnificent church is now in course of erection
+    on the spot.
+
+    "The Holy See has authorized the clergy of the diocese of Laval
+    to recite the _Office_ and celebrate the Mass of the Immaculate
+    Conception, every year, on the 17th of January; and by Papal
+    brief, an archconfraternity, under the title of _Our Lady of
+    Hope_, has been instituted in the parish of Pontmain."[36]
+
+    [Footnote 36: Extract of a relation approved by the Bishop of
+    Laval.]
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+We could enumerate many other apparitions of the Blessed Virgin in
+France, but, not having been approved, by ecclesiastical authority, we
+dare not give them as authentic. We shall mention only the apparitions
+with which Miss Estelle Faguette was favored with at Pellevoisin, in
+the diocese of Bourges. The instantaneous cure of this lady, afflicted
+by a malady judged incurable, may be regarded as evidence of the truth
+of the account. Moreover, the Archbishop of Bourges appears to have
+considered it reliable, as he has authorized the erection of a chapel
+in memory of the event. On the 14th of February, 1876, the Blessed
+Virgin appeared to Miss Faguette, and the vision was repeated fifteen
+times in the space of ten months. Mary's attitude was similar to that
+represented on the Miraculous Medal, except that the rays proceeding
+from her hands were replaced by drops of dew, symbols of grace. A
+scapular of the Sacred Heart of Jesus was on her breast.
+
+Mary expressed her love for France, but complained of her admonitions
+being disregarded. She recommended fervent prayer, by the fulfillment
+of which duty we may confidently rely upon God's mercy.
+
+    "What have I not done for France?" said she. "How many
+    warnings have I not given! Yet, this unhappy land refuses to
+    listen. I can no longer restrain my Son's wrath. France will
+    suffer. Have courage and confidence. I come especially for the
+    conversion of sinners. You must pray; I set you the example.
+    My Son's heart has so great love for my heart that He cannot
+    refuse my petitions. You must all pray, and have confidence!"
+    Showing the scapular, she said: "I love this devotion."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Who has not heard of the wonderful manifestations of the Blessed Virgin
+in Italy of late years? How many thousands of persons, moved by piety
+or curiosity, have visited the Madonnas of Rimini, of San Ginesio,
+of Vicovaro, of Prosessi, etc., and have witnessed the movement of
+the eyes, the change of color, and other miraculous signs certainly
+attributable to none but a supernatural power. It does not appear,
+however, that Mary has, in this country, presented herself in person,
+though here she receives the most sincere and abundant tributes of
+affection. Doubtless, she considers any stimulus to the faith of its
+people unnecessary. And besides, may we not say that she has fixed her
+abode in Italy, since her own house, the house of Nazareth, wherein the
+mystery of the Incarnation was accomplished, and where dwelt the Holy
+Family, has been transported thither by the hands of angels?
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Whilst the Prussian government is persecuting the Church, the Blessed
+Virgin vouchsafed to appear in the two most Catholic provinces of her
+kingdom, and in two opposite frontiers, near the banks of the Rhine
+and in the Grand Duchy of Posen. Does she not seem to say to the good
+people of these localities, that they must have confidence and that
+God will conquer their enemies? We must remark that on both of these
+occasions, Mary announces herself as the _Virgin conceived without
+sin_.
+
+We give an abridged account of these two apparitions, which we have
+every reason to consider supernatural. The second vision had been
+formally approved by the Bishop of Ermeland.
+
+On the 3rd of July, 1876, at Marpingen, an inconsiderable village of
+the district of Treves (Rhenish Prussia), the Blessed Virgin appeared
+to three little girls, in a pine forest about the hour of the evening.
+The three children were each about eight years of age, and belonged
+to families of poor, honest farmers residing in the village. They
+perceived a bright light, and in the midst of it a beautiful Lady
+seated, holding a child in her right arm. The Lady and child were clad
+in white, the Lady crowned with red roses, and in her clasped hands, a
+little cross.
+
+The vision was renewed several times. To the childrens' questions as
+to her name, she answered; "_I am she who was conceived without sin_;"
+and when asked what she desired, the reply was: "That you pray with
+fervor, and that you commit no sin." Several sick persons were cured by
+touching the place which the children pointed out as that occupied by
+the Blessed Virgin. These facts are incontestable; but they have not
+yet been examined by ecclesiastical authority.[37]
+
+    [Footnote 37: Extract from _Catholic Annals_.]
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+In the village of Grietzwald, in Varmia, one of the ancient provinces
+of Poland annexed to Prussia, four young girls, poor and of great
+innocence, were favored on various occasions for two months, beginning
+June 27th, 1877, with apparitions of the Blessed Virgin, who appeared
+sometimes alone, sometimes carrying the Child Jesus, holding in his
+hands a globe surmounted by a cross. Both Mother and Child were clothed
+in white.
+
+To the children's question: "Who are you?" the apparition answered, on
+one occasion: "I am the Blessed Virgin Mary, _conceived without sin_;"
+and another time, "_I am the Immaculate Conception_."
+
+In the first apparition, our Lady's countenance was sad, and she even
+shed tears; afterwards, it betokened joy. She asked that a chapel be
+erected and a statue of the Immaculate Conception placed therein. At
+each apparition she blessed the crowd, which was always numerous; she
+blessed also a spring, which has since then furnished an abundant
+supply of water, effecting miraculous cures. She recommended the
+recitation of the _Rosary_, and exhorted all to fervent prayer, and
+confidence in the midst of the trials which were to come.[38]
+
+    [Footnote 38: Letters from Poland.]
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+These recent apparitions of the Blessed Virgin have founded new
+pilgrimages, the faithful flocking to the favored spots in honor of the
+Mother of God, and ask for the graces which she bestows with a truly
+royal liberality. At the same time her ancient sanctuaries, far from
+being neglected, have only become more endeared to piety, many having
+been reconstructed with magnificence, or at least most handsomely
+embellished; it suffices to mention Fourvieres, Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde,
+Rocamadour, Boulogne-sur-mer, Liesse and Buglose.
+
+The coronation of the most celebrated statues of the Blessed Virgin,
+in the name and by the munificence of Pius IX, was the occasion of
+imposing solemnities, and also a means of infusing into the devotion of
+the people greater vigor and fervor.
+
+The exercises of the Month of Mary have extended to the most humble
+villages, and there is scarcely a parish without its confraternity in
+honor of the Blessed Virgin.
+
+Science, eloquence, poetry, music, sculpture, painting and architecture
+have rivalled one another in celebrating the glory of the Virgin Mother.
+
+What may we deduce from this wonderful increase of devotion to the
+Immaculate Mary?
+
+The impression naturally produced is that of confidence. A society
+which pays such homage to Mary, cannot perish. If, as St Bernard says,
+it is unheard of that any one has been forsaken who had recourse to
+her intercession, how were it possible that the fervent prayers of an
+entire people should fail to touch her heart? No, the future is not
+without hope; the mediation of Mary will save us.
+
+The venerable Grignion of Montfort, in his _Treatise_ on true devotion
+to the Blessed Virgin has written these lines: "It is by the Blessed
+Virgin Mary, Jesus Christ came into the world; it is also by her,
+that he is to reign in the world. If then, as is certain, the reign
+of Jesus Christ will come, so likewise is it certain that this reign
+will be a necessary consequence of the knowledge and reign of the
+Blessed Virgin. Mary, by the operation of the Holy Ghost, produced that
+most stupendous of all creations, a Man-God, and she will produce by
+the power of this same Holy Spirit, the greatest prodigies in these
+latter times. It is through Mary the salvation of the world began, it
+is through Mary the salvation of the world is to be consummated. Mary
+will display still greater mercy, power and grace in these days. Mercy,
+to bring back poor sinners; power, against the enemies of God; grace,
+to sustain and animate the valiant soldiers and faithful servants of
+Jesus Christ, combating for His interests. Ah! when will arrive the
+day that establishes Mary mistress and sovereign of hearts, to subject
+them to the empire of Jesus?... Then will great and wonderful things be
+accomplished.... When will this joyful epoch come, this _Age of Mary_,
+in which souls absorbed in the abyss of the interior of Mary, will
+become living copies of the sublime, original, loving and glorifying
+Jesus Christ?"
+
+Father de Montfort adds, in addressing our Saviour: _Ut adveniat regnum
+tuum, adveniat regnum Mariae!_ May the reign of Mary come that they
+reign, O Jesus, may come!
+
+Is not this the _Age of Mary_? Was there ever in the Church, a period
+in which Mary was, if we may thus express it, so lavish of favors as
+in these, our days? Was there ever a period in which she has appeared
+so frequently and familiarly, in which she has given to the world,
+admonitions so grave and maternal; in which she has worked so many
+miracles; and poured out graces so abundantly? The reader of this
+volume will answer unhesitatingly, that no period of history offers
+anything comparable to what we have witnessed in our own days.
+
+It is true, that the day of triumph announced by the venerated
+Montfort, appears far distant; one might say that the kingdom of God on
+earth is more compromised than ever. The wicked make unexampled efforts
+to demolish the social edifice; they are numerous, powerful, and
+possessed of incalculable resources. But for the Church, when all seems
+lost, then is her triumph at hand. God sometimes permits the malice of
+men to exceed all bounds, that His power may be the more manifest when
+the moment of their defeat arrives.
+
+All the united efforts of the Church's enemies in the course of ages,
+all their errors, hatred and violence directed against her, the Spouse
+of Christ, are now concentrated in what is termed the Revolution--that
+is, anti-Christianity reduced to a system and propagated throughout the
+world, it is Satan usurping the place of Jesus Christ.
+
+But He who has conquered the world, and put to flight the prince of the
+world, will not permit Himself to be dethroned. He will reign, and even
+now, before our eyes, is His kingdom being prepared, by the mediation
+of the Immaculate Mary, of whom the promise was made that _she should
+crush the serpent's head, and to whom alone belongs the privilege of
+destroying all heresies arising upon earth_.
+
+
+                               _THE END._
+
+
+
+
+Transcriber's Note: The book included a decorative image at the
+beginning of each chapter.
+
+The labels for these have been removed in the text version of
+this book
+
+The oe ligature has been expanded. There were many printer's errors in
+this publication, which have been corrected.
+
+    Page 25 Extraordinay is now extraordinary.
+    Page 112 physican is now physician.
+    Page 158 Physycian is now for physician.
+    Page 258 Prepartion is now preparation.
+    Page 266 Tranformed is now transformed.
+
+Inconsistent use of accents has resulted in 2 words being
+amended. Chalons is now Chalons, and Eugene is now Eugene.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of Project Gutenberg's The Miraculous Medal, by Jean Marie Aladel
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