Women Saints part 15

Saint Catherine Laboure

When she was born, in Burgundy, France, her name was Zoe. She was the ninth of eleven children. Her mother died when she was eight. When her older sister left home, Zoe became the housekeeper and helper to her father.

Zoe refused to marry because she wanted to give herself to God alone. She joined the Sisters of Charity of Saint Vincent De Paul in Paris. There, she took the name of Catherine.

When she was a novice at twenty-four, Catherine saw a vision of the Blessed Virgin Mary three times. The first time she saw the vision in the chapel. The Blessed Mother taught Catherine how to endure trials.

She was told to have a medal made with the words, "O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who turn to thee." This miraculous medal helped to spread devotion to Jesus and Mary throughout the world.