[1806-1875], was a novice in the community of the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul when she received 3 visions of the Blessed Mother. On November 27, 1830, Our Lady told the young sister to have a medal struck to represent the vision. This plaque depicts her holding the Miraculous Medal. Sister Catherine was known for her extreme piety and love of mortification. She spent the last 45 years of her life caring for the sick and aged. Her feast is November 28.
Profile Ninth of eleven children born to a farm family, and from an early age felt a call to the religious life. Never learned to read or write. Forced to take over running the house at age eight after her mother died and her older sister joined the Sisters of Charity. Worked as a waitress in her uncle's cafe in Paris. Upon entering a hospital run by the Sisters of Charity she received a vision in which Saint Vincent de Paul told her that God wanted her to work with the sick, and she later joined the order, taking the name Catherine.
On 18 July 1830 she had a vision of Our Lady who described to her a medal which she wished struck. On one side it has the image of Our Lady, and the words, "O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee"; on the other are the hearts of Jesus and Mary. Our Lady told Catherine that wearers of the medal would receive great graces, it has become known as the Miraculous Medal, and its wearing and devotion has spread worldwide. Miracles reported at her tomb.
Born 2 May 1806 at Fain-les-Moûtiers, Côte d'Or, Burgundy, France as Zoe Laboure
Died 31 December 1876 at Enghien-Reuilly, France; body incorrupt; entombed in her convent chapel