July 18th, 1830 A.D.
On the eve of the Feast of Saint Vincent de Paul, the Sister Superior of the Daughters of Charity motherhouse in Paris, France, spoke to the novices about the virtues of their Holy Founder (Saint Vincent de Paul) and gave each of them a piece of cloth from his surplice (liturgical vestment) [1]. Sister (now Saint) Catherine Labourè prayed to him, asking that through his intercession, she might see the Blessed Mother [1]. Later that night, Catherine was awakened after she heard herself being called by name [2]. A mysterious child emanating with light, stood at the foot of her bed and said "Sister Labouré, come to the chapel. The Blessed Virgin awaits you" [1]. The child led Catherine to the chapel and the locked chapel door swung open at the angel's touch [1]. Catherine found the Chapel ablaze with light as if it was prepared for a midnight Mass [1]. She quickly knelt at the communion rail, and suddenly, she heard a sound "like the rustling of a silk dress" [1]. The child said to her, "Here is the Blessed Virgin", but she hesitated [2]. The child repeated in a louder voice: “Here is the Blessed Virgin." and Catherine rushed to the feet of the Blessed Virgin, who was sitting in an armchair [2]. The Blessed Virgin said to Sister Catherine, "God wishes to charge you with a mission. You will be contradicted, but do not fear; you will have the grace to do what is necessary. Tell your spiritual director all that passes within you. Times are evil in France and in the world." [1]. A pain crossed the Blessed Virgin's face [1]. She pointed with her hand to the altar where the tabernacle rested and said, “Come to the foot of this altar. There, graces will be poured out on all those who ask for them with confidence and fervor." [2]. Catherine was given the mission to spread this promise of God and Mary to the world, and was asked to establish a Confraternity of the Children of Mary (which was accomplished by Catherine’s spiritual director, Father John Mary Aladel, C.M. on February 2, 1840) [2]. Then after speaking for some time, the Blessed Virgin like a fading shadow, was gone [1].
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