On July 18, 1830, the Virgin Mary Appeared to Catherine Labore, aged 24, a novice of the Sisters of Charity, at Rue Du Bac, Paris. The Virgin, of astonishing beauty, was standing and all clothed in white; a white veil covered her head and fell on either side of her feet. Our Lady told her about the looming trials of France, and all her prophecies were later fulfilled. Later, On November 30, 1830, the Blessed Mother once again appeared, requesting Catherine to promote a medal on her honor, the so-called Miraculous Medal. After detailing the design , Mary said: "Have a medal struck after this medal. All who wear it will receive great graces... Graces will abound for persons who wear it with confidence." The medal was reproduced over a billion times and distributed around the world. The Apparitions were investigated and approved as supernatural by the Archbishop of Paris in 1836. Catherine worked until 46 more years in hospices of her Order until her death in 1876. Her body lies incorrupt at the site of the apparition to this day. She was Canonized by the Church in 1947.
