17/07/2025
JULY 18
MEMORIAL OF THE FIRST APPARITION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY TO ST. CATHERINE LABOURร
Today we commemorate the 195th Anniversary of the First Apparition of our Lady to St. Catherine Labourรจ.
On the Eve of the feast of St. Vincent de Paul
(Before the Feast is celebrated every July 19) at around 11:30 in the evening, Sister Catherine Labourรจ was lying on her bed when an angel of the Lord appeared to her and told her to go to the chapel "The Blessed Virgin is waiting for you." Hesitantly she looked in the eyes of the child that seemed to be her guardian angel, and the child spoke to her, "do not be afraid, it is past 11, everybody is asleep". Upon reaching the chapel, Sister Catherine saw that all the lights were open, it was like a Midnight Mass celebration, then The angel announced "Here is the blessed Virgin." Not seeing someone, sister Catherine was quietly asking as to where the Virgin is, but when the angel spoke for the second time she heard a loud voice like a rumbling thunder,"Here is the Blessed Virgin" and there she saw a beautiful lady walking towards the presider's chair, as she sat sister Catherine rushed to go to her, she knelt and put her hands on the Virgin's lap, and listens to what Our Lady would say to her.
"My Child the good God wishes to charge you with a mission. You will be contradicted, but do not fear have confidence, you will have the grace to do what is necessary. Times are evil in France and in the world. But come to the foot of the altar; there graces will be poured out to all those who asked for them with confidence great and small. I shall be with you, I always have my eye upon you. Have confidence."
Then the Virgin Mary vanishes. Sister Catherine went back to her bed and the clock struck at one in the morning, and she couldn't sleep anymore.
ACT OF CONSECRATION TO OUR LADY OF THE MIRACULOUS MEDAL
O Virgin Mother of God, Mary Immaculate, we dedicate and consecrate ourselves to you under the title of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal. May this medal be for each one of us a sure sign of your affection for us, and a constant reminder of our duties towards you. Ever while wearing it, may we be blessed by your loving protection and preserved in the grace of your Son. O most powerful Virgin, Mother of our Savior, keep us close to you every moment of our lives. Obtain for us your children the grace of a happy death; so that, in union with you, we may enjoy the bliss of heaven forever. AMEN.
O MARY CONCEIVED WITHOUT SIN, PRAY FOR US WHO HAVE RECOURSE TO YOU!
