sublime intercession, after this most efficacious prayer of our divine
Mediatrix, her hands are suddenly filled with graces, under the figure
of rings and precious stones, which emit such brilliant rays that
all else is invisible, Mary is enveloped in them, and her hands are
bent beneath the weight of these treasures. Her eyes are cast upon
the humble Sister whose ravished glances can scarcely support this
celestial effulgence. At the same time, an oval frame is formed around
the vision, and a voice directs the Sister to have a medal struck
according to the medal presented. The medal is a faithful reproduction
of this picture, at the moment the symbolical part disappears in the
sheaves of light.
Sister Catherine being asked if she still saw the globe in the
Blessed Virgin's hands, when the luminous sheaves issued from them,
answered no, there remained nothing but the rays of light; and that
when the Blessed Virgin spoke of the globe, she meant that under her
feet, there being no longer any question of the first. Hence, we may
conclude, that Sister Catherine's description of the apparition and
M. Aladel's agree perfectly. The small globe which the Blessed Virgin
holds in her hands, and the large one on which she stands, are both
inundated with the same dazzling rays, or enriched with the same
graces. The august Mary seems to indicate by the small globe merely a
figure of the world, imperfectly represented beneath her feet, thus
reminding us that she is the all merciful Queen of the human race.
There is yet another variation in the description of the two
apparitions. M. Aladel, in conformity with the popular belief, that
white and blue combined constitute the Blessed Virgin's livery,
as emblems of purity, celestial purity, gives the mantle an azure
tint. Sister Catherine expresses the same idea several times in her
notes, saying: "White signifies innocence, and blue is the livery of
Mary." However, the blue mantle is not mentioned in the notice of
the apparition, Sister Catherine speaks only of the robe and veil of
auroral light.
When questioned as to a more definite description of this color, she
replied that it was a deep white, tinted with the mild, beautiful
radiance of dawn,[9] thus wishing, no doubt, to give some idea of the
celestial hue of the robe and veil. It is this hue that tortures the
artist, for he feels his pencil powerless to depict the beauties of
another sphere.
[Footnote 9: We must remember that Sister Catherine's childhood
was passed in the country, where she could admire the beauty
of that luminous tint which precedes the sun, and colors the
horizon at break of day with its increasing radiance.]
We can understand from the above, how M. Aladel could have mistaken
some details furnished by Sister Catherine, or have confounded the
apparition of the medal with the visions of July 18th and 19th, in
which the Blessed Virgin's apparel was white and blue.
However, the accessories of the mantle and its indescribable hue, in no
wise affect the reality of the apparition.
* * * * *
We recollect with what indifference, we might say severity, M. Aladel
received his penitent's communications, bidding her give no heed
to them, but dismiss them from her mind, as altogether unworthy of
attention. But Sister Catherine's obedience, attested by her Director
himself, could not efface the delightful remembrance of what she had
seen and heard; to return to Mary's feet was her greatest happiness;
the thought never left her, nor the firm conviction that she would see
this dear Mother again. And, indeed, in the course of December, she
was favored with another vision, similar to that of November 27th, and
occurring at the same time, during evening meditation. But there was
a striking difference between this and the previous one, the Blessed
Virgin, instead of stopping at St. Joseph's picture, passed on, and
rested above the tabernacle, a little behind it, and precisely in the
place the statue now occupies. The Blessed Virgin appeared to be about
forty years of age, according to the Sister's judgment. The apparition
was, as it were, framed from the hands in the invocation: "O Mary!
conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee!" traced
in golden letters. The reverse presented the monogram of the Blessed
Virgin, surmounted by a cross, and beneath were the divine hearts of
Jesus and Mary. Sister Labouré was again directed to have a medal
struck upon this model. She terminates her account in these words: "To
tell you what I understood at the moment the Blessed Virgin offered the
globe to Our Lord, would be impossible, or what my feelings were whilst
gazing on her! A voice in the depths of my heart said to me: 'These
rays are symbolic of the graces the Blessed Virgin obtains for those
who ask for them.'"
These few lines, according to her, should be inscribed at the base of
the Blessed Virgin's statue. On this occasion, contrary to her usual
custom, she could not refrain from an exclamation of joy at the thought
of the homages which would be rendered Mary! "Oh! how delightful to
hear it said: 'Mary is Queen of the Universe, and particularly of
France!' The children will proclaim it, 'She is Queen of each soul!'"
When Sister Labouré related the third apparition of the medal, M.
Aladel asked her if she had seen anything written on the reverse. The
Sister answered that she had not. "Ah!" said the Father, "ask the
Blessed Virgin what to put there."
The young Sister obeyed; and after having prayed a long time, one day
during meditation, she seemed to hear a voice saying: "The M and the
two hearts express enough."
None of these narrations mention the serpent, yet it always figures in
representations of the apparition, and certainly in conformity with
Sister Catherine's earliest revelations of the vision. The following
shows why we are so positive of this fact.
Towards the close of her life, after a silence of forty-five years, M.
Aladel being no more, this good daughter was interiorly constrained to
confide to one of her Superiors the communications she had received
from the Blessed Virgin, that they might serve to reanimate devotion
and gratitude to Mary. Having done this, her mind was relieved; she
felt that now she could die in peace.
The Superior, favored with her confidence, wishing to realize one of
her venerable companion's most cherished desires, proposes a statue
of Mary Immaculate, holding the globe. On asking Sister Catherine if
the serpent must be represented under the Blessed Virgin's feet, she
answered: "Yes; there was a serpent of a greenish color, with yellow
spots." She also remarked that the globe in the Virgin's hands was
surmounted by a little cross, that her countenance was neither very
youthful nor very joyous, but indicative of gravity mingled with
sorrow, that the sorrowful expression vanished as her face became
irradiated with love, especially at the moment of her prayer.
Our attempt at representing the vision was successful, although the
tint of the robe and veil, the celestial radiance of the face, the
splendor of the rays, must always remain an impossibility for art;
as the good Sister, whilst declaring her satisfaction, betrayed by
her tone of voice and expression the disappointment she felt at the
impotency of human skill to depict the beauty of the celestial original.
Thirty-five years before, M. Aladel had vainly attempted a
representation of the same apparition, as we learn from a curious
fragment, a small design[10] representing the Immaculate Virgin holding
the globe, etc., as described by Sister Catherine. His note directing
the details is in exact conformity with the Sister's description,
except in one particular, the blue mantle. But little satisfied with
this attempt, which gave but a confused idea of the apparition, and
his own especial impression of it, he relinquished the undertaking, and
held to the known model.
[Footnote 10: The author of this design is M. Letaille, editor
of religious imagery.]
We may say, with truth, that nothing can equal the beauty, the grace,
the expression of tenderness depicted in the attitude of this Virgin,
whose graciously downcast glances and hands, filled with blessings,
proclaim her the Mother, inviting her little child to cast itself into
her arms, or earnestly entreating the prodigal son to confide in her
merciful mediation.
This image of the Immaculate Mother, universally admired and honored,
has a mute eloquence which never fails to touch the heart; and, truly,
may it ever be styled the miraculous Virgin. Were we to cite only those
which have come to our knowledge, a volume would be insufficient to
contain an account of all the wonderful conversions, cures, marks of
protection, wrought since the appearance of this vision to the present
day.
The production of new models, representing the Immaculate Virgin in a
different attitude, should never supplant this, which is, as it were,
the type of all others; nor weaken the devotion heretofore accorded it
by popular gratitude.
CHAPTER IV.
PROPAGATION OF THE MEDAL.
ITS WONDERFUL CIRCULATION--CANONICAL INVESTIGATION ORDERED BY MGR.
DE QUÉLEN.
We have already seen with what mistrust M. Aladel received Sister
Catherine's communications, and how he hesitated to assume the mission
proposed to him. At last, after grave reflection, after consultations
with enlightened persons, and upon the formal authorization of Mgr.
de Quélen, Archbishop of Paris, he decided to have the medal of the
Immaculate Conception struck. This was in 1832.
When about to depict the details as related by the Sister, many
difficulties presented themselves. In what attitude should the Blessed
Virgin be represented, for in the apparition she had several? Should
a globe be in her hands? Again, at one instant she was enveloped in
waves of light, but this could not be gracefully reproduced in an
engraving. After mature consideration, it was decided to adopt the
already existing model of the Immaculate Virgin, which represents her
with hands extended; to this were added the luminous rays escaping from
the rings on her fingers, the terrestrial globe on which she stands,
and the serpent she crushes under her feet. Around the oval were
inscribed these words: "O Mary! conceived without sin, pray for us who
have recourse to thee!" The reverse bears the letter M, surmounted by a
cross, and the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary below the M, the first
surrounded with a crown of thorns, the second pierced by a sword.
"As soon as the medal was struck," says M. Aladel, "it was
freely circulated, especially among the Daughters of Charity,
who, knowing something of its origin, wore it with great
confidence. Shortly after, they gave it to several sick
persons, six of whom experienced most beneficial results. Three
cures and three conversions were wrought, some of them in
Paris and some in the diocese of Meaux, all of a very sudden
and unexpected nature. And now there was heard everywhere
a great demand for the Miraculous Medal, the medal which
heals--virtuous mothers of families giving it as a New-Year's
present to their children, who received it so gladly and wore
it with such respect that no one could doubt how their innocent
hearts prized it. All the pious hastened to procure it as soon
as it was known to be within reach; but the event it gives us
most pleasure to record here, and which edified us most in
these early days of the propagation of the medal, is that,
in two cities of the province, nearly all the young people
united in wearing the medal as the safeguard of their youth.
Four hundred silver medals were sent for, to be indulged for
this purpose. Very soon entire parishes in various counties
solicited their pastors to get them medals, and in Paris an
officer of high rank bought sixty for brother officers at their
request.
"Thus, the medals of the Immaculate Conception were circulated
in a truly wonderful manner, in all the provinces and among
all classes; from every side we heard most consoling things;
priests filled with the spirit of God wrote to us that these
medals reanimated piety in the cities as well as in the
country; grand vicars, enjoying the high esteem due their piety
and intellect, prelates, even more distinguished, assured us
of their entire confidence in the medals, which they regarded
as means sent by Providence to revive the faith so sensibly
enfeebled in our age; that in reality they did awaken faith
daily in many hearts apparently devoid of it, that they
re-established peace and union in families divided by discord,
in fine, that not one of all those wearing the medal but had
experienced most salutary effects.
"Mgr. de Quélen himself (whose great charity brought him
in contact with all classes) told me several times, that
he had given the medal to numbers of sick persons of every
condition in life, and never had he failed to recognize the
blessed results. Very soon he publishes these in a circular of
December 15th, 1836, on the occasion of consecrating the parish
church of Our Lady of Loretto. It is a fact we are jealous
of confirming, and the knowledge of which we desire should
reach even the most remote parts of the Catholic world; in our
diocese this devotion has become more deeply rooted with time;
the afflicted still affirm, increase and extend its marvelous
progress; signal favors, graces of healing, preservation and
salvation seem to multiply among us, in proportion as we
implore the tender pity of Mary conceived without sin. 'We
exhort the faithful,' adds he in the beginning of the same
circular, 'to wear the medal struck a few years ago in honor
of the Blessed Virgin,' and to repeat frequently the prayer
inscribed around the image: 'O Mary! conceived without sin,
pray for us who have recourse to thee!'
"Moreover, in every part of France have we witnessed the
increasing eagerness of the faithful of all ages, sexes
and conditions, to procure the Miraculous Medal. Careless
Christians, hardened sinners, Protestants, the impious and even
Jews, asked for it, received it with pleasure and wore it with
religious veneration.
"Not only in France were we forced to admire the propagation
of the medal; it spread rapidly and extensively throughout
Switzerland, Piedmont, Italy, Spain, Belgium, England, America,
in the Levant, and even China. It is also said, that at Naples,
as soon as they heard of it, the Metropolitan Chapter sent
for some to one of our establishments in that city, that the
king had silver medals struck for all the royal family and
court, and a million of another medal, which were distributed
during the cholera--that the image is there venerated in nearly
every house, and the picture in several churches. At Rome, the
Superior Generals of religious orders took pains to circulate
it, and the Sovereign Pontiff himself, placed it at the foot of
his crucifix. We also received a letter informing us that His
Holiness gave it to several persons as a particular mark of his
pontifical affection.
"Moreover, to estimate the propagation of this medal, it
suffices to consult the registry of M. Vachette, to whom was
entrusted the striking of it.[11] This examen shows that, from
June, 1832, to the present time, he has sold: 1st, two millions
in silver or gold; 2d, eighteen millions of a cheaper metal.
According to him, eleven other manufacturers in Paris have
sold the same quantity; at Lyons, four others with whom he
was acquainted, at least double the number; and in many other
cities, whether of France or foreign countries, the manufacture
and sales are incalculable."
[Footnote 11: _Quai des Orfevres_, number 54. They are of
different sizes, and the invocation is inscribed in several
languages.]
Struck with this marvelous propagation, and the universal anxiety
to learn the origin of the medal, Sister Catherine's pious Director
published, in 1834, a short notice containing a brief narration of the
apparition, and of the graces obtained by means of the medal. This
book sold rapidly, and new editions had to be printed; when the eighth
appeared in 1842, the number of copies sold amounted to a hundred and
thirty thousand, and each successive edition was increased by well
authenticated accounts of many new miraculous occurrences.
* * * * *
In consequence of all this, the venerable priest found himself engaged
in a vast and active correspondence, which, to the end of his days,
filled his heart with ineffable consolation, at the thought of his
thus assisting in the accomplishment of the Immaculate Mary's promises
throughout the universe.
Among the communications he received in the course of the year 1836,
there was one which appeared to him the confirmation of Sister
Catherine's vision. He published it in the notice of the medal.
It was the vision of a Swiss religious, already favored with many
extraordinary graces. We reproduce it here for the edification of the
reader:
"The 17th of August, 1835, the first day of her retreat, this
religious, in an ecstasy after Holy Communion, sees Our Lord
seated upon a throne of glory, and holding a sword in His hand.
'Where goest thou, and what seekest thou?' He asked. 'O Jesus!'
she answered, 'I go to Thee, and it is Thyself alone I seek!'
'Where dost thou seek Me, in what and through whom?' 'Lord,
in myself I seek Thee, in Thy holy will and through Mary.'
Here Our Lord disappeared, and the religious, awaking from her
ecstasy, was reflecting upon His words, when there suddenly
appeared to her the Blessed Virgin, all lovely and resplendent.
She held in her hand a medal, on which was engraven her image
and the inscription: 'O Mary! conceived without sin, pray for
us who have recourse to thee!' And sheaves of light gleamed
from her hands. 'These rays,' said Mary to her, 'are symbols
of the graces I obtain for men.' She then turned the medal,
and the religious saw on the reverse the letter M surmounted
by a little cross, beneath which were the Sacred Hearts of
Jesus and Mary. 'Wear this medal,' said the Queen of Heaven,
'and thou wilt enjoy my very especial protection; take pains,
also, that all who are in any pressing necessity wear it, that
efforts are made to procure it for them.... Be in readiness,
for I will put it upon thee myself, on the Feast of my beloved
servant Bernard; to day, I leave it in thy hands.' The Blessed
Virgin afterwards reproached her for misplacing the medal and
taking little pains to find it; the religious acknowledged
indeed, that she had received it in July, and that having lost
it, she really gave herself no anxiety, considering it merely
an ordinary medal, knowing neither its origin nor its effects
till this vision. This is attested by the Superior of the
Community. The Blessed Virgin kept her promise, and on the 20th
of the same month, the Feast of St. Bernard, she placed on the
neck of the religious, the medal she had already put in her
hands, recommending her to wear it respectfully, to repeat the
invocation frequently, and to apply herself to the invitation
of the Immaculate Mary's virtues.
"During her retreat in August, 1836, she sees the medal every
day, suspended, as it were, in the air. At first, it appeared
very high, shining a few moments like the sun, then like gold;
again, it seemed not so high and was apparently of silver;
finally, very near the earth, and of a baser metal. The
religious gazed in admiration, though without comprehending the
meaning of this vision, until Vespers, when it was explained
to her. A sweet but unfamiliar voice asked her which of these
medals she preferred. She answered, the most brilliant, and the
same voice congratulating her on the choice she had made, told
her, that the brilliant medal shining like the sun, was that of
faithful Christians, who, in wearing it, honor Mary perfectly,
and contribute to her glory; the gold medal, that of pious
persons who have a tender and filial devotion to Mary, but
who keeping it within their hearts, advance but slightly this
divine Mother's cause; the silver medal, that of all who wear
it with respect and devotion, but who sometimes lack constancy
and generosity in imitating Mary's virtues--finally, that the
brass medal, represented that of all, who contenting themselves
with invoking Mary, take no pains to walk in her footsteps, and
thus remain sadly attached to earth. The same voice added, that
there is, however, a very especial and peculiar union among
these various persons, marked, we might say, with the precious
seal of Mary Immaculate; they all necessarily aid one another
in a very particular manner by prayer, so that with this
powerful assistance, the third can elevate the last, the second
sustain the third, and the first, thus happily attract all the
others.
"These details have been communicated to us, from the abbey of
Our Lady of Hermits at Einsiedlen, so renowned for the great
virtues of its fervent religious, and the immense concourse of
pilgrims, who repair hither from all parts of the world."
* * * * *
Up to this time, the medal had received only the verbal approbation of
the Archbishop of Paris; a formal authorization was necessary to assure
the faithful of its authenticity, and to conform moreover to the laws
of the Church, which exact a canonical judgment, before permitting
the introduction of new images in the liturgical worship. A juridical
examination was consequently requested, in order to confirm the origin
of the medal.
Mgr. de Quélen willingly complied, and by his order an investigation
was begun February 16th, 1836, under the direction of M. Quentin, Vicar
General, Promoter of the diocese; it was prolonged into the month of
July, and had not less than nineteen sittings.
We still possess the verbal process of this inquiry. Various witnesses
appeared, the principal of whom was Sister Catherine's Director, M.
Aladel.
In the course of the process, the Promoter asked, why God had chosen
the Daughters of Charity for so rare a favor, and not one of those
convents noted for the observance of an austere rule, such as rigorous
fasts, mortifications, etc. For it was not in a contemplative order,
but in the Mother House of this modest institution so useful to
humanity, in the chapel which for a long time contained the mortal
remains of St. Vincent, the father of the poor, that the apparition,
which was the model of the medal, took place.
We believe the reason of this preference is to be found in the two
usages observed among the Daughters of Charity, from the beginning of
their Society; the first, an act of consecration to the Blessed Virgin
on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception; the second, the ending each
decade of the chaplet by the following profession of faith: "O Most
Holy Virgin! I believe and confess thy Holy and Immaculate Conception,
pure and without spot! O Most Pure Virgin! by thy virginal purity, by
thy Immaculate Conception and thy glorious quality of Mother of God,
obtain for me of thy dear Son, humility, charity, great purity of
heart, body and soul, holy perseverance in my dear vocation, the gift
of prayer, a good life and a happy death."
The proofs admitted in the inquiry to establish the authenticity of the
vision of the medal, are:
1st. The Sister's character--she is a poor young country girl,
uneducated and without talent--of solid but simple piety,
good judgment, and calm, sedate mind; we perceive at once
that everything about her excludes all suspicion of deceit or
illusion. The better to preserve her incognito, she will not
allow her name to be mentioned, and she even refused to appear
before the Promoter of the investigation.
2d. The wisdom of the Sister's Director, who took all possible
precautions to guard against deception, and who yielded to his
penitent's reiterated entreaties, only from fear of displeasing
the Blessed Virgin, and by the advice of his Superiors.
3d. The apparition in itself, contains nothing, either in its
character or object, opposed to the teachings of the Church,
but is, on the contrary, conducive to edification. Being
several times renewed and always in the same manner, we may
conclude, that the Sister's imagination had nothing whatever to
do with it.
4th. The wonderful circulation of the medal, confirmed by the
testimony of the first engraver, M. Vachette, and the extensive
sales of copies of the notice, reaching 109,000 in sixteen
months, as attested by the publisher, M. Bailly, must be
regarded as a confirmation of its supernatural origin.
5th. The extraordinary graces obtained through the
instrumentality of the medal, cures and conversions, several
of which are legally attested by the deposition of reliable
witnesses, who appeared before the Promoter and signed the
verbal process, give a last proof to the fact it was sought to
establish, namely, that the Miraculous Medal must be of divine
origin. Such is the formal conclusion, in the report addressed
to the Archbishop by the Promoter, at the end of the inquiry.
Unfortunately, the ecclesiastical authority did not pronounce judgment;
we know not why the inquiry did not receive the sanction to which it
apparently led. The death of Mgr. de Quélen, at the end of the year
1839, caused all proceedings to be abandoned. Everything remains still
in the domain of private devotions, and the model of the Immaculate
Virgin, with its symbolical attributes, is not yet authorized as an
object of public veneration in the churches.
This deplorable omission is so much the more difficult to understand,
as, personally, Mgr. de Quélen took a serious interest in the
apparition of 1830, the compass of which he comprehended. It was he who
urged M. Aladel to have the medal struck; he expressed a wish to have
some of the first; he received them, and experienced their efficacy.
Before ordering the investigation, he had summoned to him the Mother
General of the Daughters of Charity, together with the officers forming
her council, and other Sisters well versed in Community affairs, to
learn from them what usages of the Community could have drawn down upon
it such a favor as the Blessed Virgin had just bestowed. Not content
with possessing the Miraculous Medal, the pious prelate had in his own
chamber a statue of the Immaculate Conception after the Sister's model.
It was cast in bronze, under his own eyes, as he wished to assist at
the operation. When, in 1839, the solemn octave of the Immaculate
Conception was celebrated in the diocese of Paris, for the first time,
this statue, on a throne surrounded with flowers, was exposed to the
veneration of the faithful. The 1st of January of this same year, he
consecrated his diocese to Mary Immaculate.
In commemoration of this, he had a picture painted, which represents
him standing at the foot of Mary's statue, his eyes fixed upon her
with love and confidence. The statue rests upon a globe which bears
these words: "_Virgo fidelis_." And the invocation, "_Regina, sine labe
concepta, ora pro nobis_," is inscribed upon the picture.
On the Feast of the Assumption, he presented this picture to his
chapter, that it might, he said, be a monument of his devotion and
that of the chapter of Paris to the Immaculate Conception of the Mother
of God.[12]
[Footnote 12: "Life of Mgr. de Quélen," by the Baron Henrion.]
A medal, bearing date of January 1, 1839, reproduces this picture upon
one of its faces. On the other is a vessel, tempest-tossed, and a star
guiding it to the haven of peace. These words of St. Bernard, "_Respice
stellam, voca Mariam_,"[13] explain the allegory. The following lines
complete the explanation:
"_Vana, Hyacinthe, furit; Stella maris auspice, vincis._"[14]
[Footnote 13: Look at the star, invoke Mary.]
[Footnote 14: In vain, Hyacinthe (de Quélen) is the tempest
unchained; under the auspices of the Star of the Sea, thou wilt
triumph over its fury.]
[Illustration]
CHAPTER V.
DEVELOPMENT OF THE DEVOTION TO THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION
MGR. DE QUÉLEN'S CIRCULAR.
The principal end of the Blessed Virgin's apparition to Sister
Catherine was to develop among the faithful, devotion to the Immaculate
Conception; and the medal was the instrument used to accomplish this.
Its influence was so prompt and perceptible that, in the year 1836, the
Promoter charged with directing the canonical inquiry attributed to
it, in a great measure, the wonderful development of devotion to the
Virgin Immaculate. This pious impulse, once firmly rooted, continued to
increase throughout the world; but, according to the ordinary ways of
Providence, whilst the effects struck the eyes of all, the cause was
forgotten, it was forgotten especially that God had chosen a modest
Daughter of Charity to revive in the Church devotion to the Blessed
Virgin. The medal was known everywhere, it was worn by everyone, it
accomplished numberless prodigies, but whence did it come? This no
one thought of asking. It is miraculous; that epithet includes its
name, its origin, its value, and the humble Daughter who received it
from Mary, to bestow upon mankind, silently admires these astonishing
results, and says, like her blessed Father: "I am nothing in all this
but a vile instrument, I cannot attribute to myself any of the glory
without committing an act of injustice."
The august Virgin had said that the graces obtained for mankind through
her intercession would be particularly abundant in France. Events
have proved the reality of the promise. It is in France, especially,
that the medal has been propagated, miracles multiplied, and devotion
to the Immaculate Conception most rapidly developed; it may be said,
with truth, that that country has, indeed, merited the title of Mary's
kingdom. As, among all the French dioceses, Paris was the one favored
with these apparitions of the Blessed Virgin, so was Paris the one
to inaugurate the religious movement. Faithful echo of the Church's
ancient traditions concerning the Immaculate Conception, a prelate,
whose piety equaled his nobility of character, and whose virtue
received a new lustre from the fire of persecution, Mgr. de Quélen
distinguished himself among all the bishops by his zeal in honoring the
privilege so dear to Mary. A witness of the influence exerted by the
medal upon the sensibly increasing devotion of the faithful to Mary
conceived without sin, and struck with the already abundant fruits of
this devotion in the conversion of sinners, the pious Archbishop was
filled with joy. Incited by a just hope of seeing the gifts of Heaven
still more abundantly multiplied, if devotion to Mary were produced
under new forms, he addressed a petition to the Sovereign Pontiff with
the view of obtaining from His Holiness: 1st. To celebrate solemnly, on
the second Sunday of Advent, the Immaculate Conception of Mary, that
the devotion might be maintained and strengthened among the faithful;
2d. To add to the preface, _Et te in Immaculata Conceptione_; 3d. A
plenary indulgence, in perpetuity, for this same day.
Our Holy Father, Pope Gregory XVI, approved the Archbishop's petition,
and granted it by a rescript of December 7, 1838. The privileges he had
just obtained, in honor of Mary, conceived without sin, this venerable
prelate joyfully published the first of the following January in a
solemn circular, which clearly depicts his eminent piety. We here
reproduce it for our readers' edification:
"_Circular of the Archbishop of Paris on the subject of the Feast
of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of
God._
"HYACINTHE LOUIS DE QUÉLEN, by the divine mercy and grace
of the Holy Apostolic See, Archbishop of Paris, etc.
"To the clergy and faithful of our diocese, health and benediction
in our Lord Jesus Christ.
"We do not wish, dearly beloved brethren, to await the end of the
year which begins to-day, and which we dare regard as one fruitful
in all manner of spiritual blessings, ere announcing to you the new
favor we have just received from the Holy Apostolic See, so much
have we loved to persuade ourselves that the joy of your hearts
will equal our own, so confident are we that this favor is for us,
the presage of multiplied graces, and that it becomes henceforth
for our diocese an abundant source of sanctification and salvation.
"Let us hasten to proclaim this favor: it treats of devotion to our
august Queen, Mother and Mistress, the Most Holy and Immaculate
Virgin Mary, honored especially in the mystery of her most pure
Conception.
"Mary was conceived without sin: Behold what the Catholic Church,
what the infallible Church, what the true and only Church of Jesus
Christ authorizes us to teach, without, however, declaring it an
article of Faith,[15] what she prevents us denying publicly, what
she instils into all the faithful, when in her general council,
she declares, she proclaims, that in the decree treating of
original sin, her intention is not to include therein the Blessed
and Immaculate Virgin Mary, Mother of God.[16] Behold! what the
Sovereign Pontiffs permit us to say, that always, and with a
view of nourishing the piety of Mary's servants, who invoke her
by recalling the first of her privileges, that which approaches
nearest the sanctity of God, always do they deign to second
these prayers, and zealously open the treasure of indulgences of
which they are the supreme dispensers, in favor of a devotion so
legitimate.
[Footnote 15: The Immaculate Conception had not then been defined.
(Note by translator.)]
[Footnote 16: Conc. Trid. sess. V. _Decret. de peccato originali_.]
"Mary was conceived without sin. Behold! what the Church of Paris
glories in professing and maintaining; what her Doctors hold it
an honor to teach and defend; what her children are jealous of
preserving as one of their dearest possessions after the sacred
dogmas of faith; what they do not hesitate to regard as an
immediate consequence of their faith, not believing it possible
to separate in Mary, the title of Immaculate Virgin from that of
Virgin Mother of God, and not considering it possible to refuse the
privilege of a Conception without spot, to her who was to receive
and who indeed did receive, that of the divine Maternity. Behold!
what respect and love for the Word made Flesh, inspire for the
chaste bosom the Most High sanctified, because He was to descend
there, and there clothe Himself with our nature, there become man
by the operation of the Holy Ghost.
"Mary was conceived without sin. Behold! what for years, has been
repeated thousands and thousands of times, not in this great city
or diocese only, but in every part of France, among strangers
and in the most distant countries. Behold! the cry of hope which
suffering danger, public or private necessities, have wrung from
mouths accustomed to bless God, and celebrate the praises of His
Holy Mother. Behold! what has been written, engraved, religiously
deposed, wherever there were spiritual or temporal favors to be
asked, graces of protection, of healing or conversion; at the
entrance of cities, at the doors of dwellings, on the breast of the
sick, on the couch of the dying. Behold! what in these later times
especially, has taken such deep root in all Christian hearts, what
has received an extraordinary impulse, what has been propagated in
so remarkable a manner, what seems to justify moreover, (the fact
can no longer be disguised) the numberless graces obtained through
the invocation of Mary conceived without sin.
"Mary was conceived without sin. Behold! what the chaste generation
has taken the pious custom of placing on its heart with the sign
of the cross as an impenetrable buckler against the inflamed darts
of Satan, and under which its innocence and virtue are shielded.
Behold! what inspires it, fortifies it, renders it invincible in
combats with the demon of darkness; what makes it victorious over
all the seductions of the world and the attacks of hell; what
attracts, what leads it to follow Mary in the path of angelic
perfection, and makes it taste that celestial word which is not
given to all to understand; finally, behold! what everywhere and in
all conditions, fills with holy emulation, souls truly pious; what
encourages them to walk with constancy in the ways of justice; what
communicates to them a just horror of sin and the highest esteem
for sanctifying grace, of which the Immaculate Virgin is for them
the faithful mirror and venerable sanctuary.
"And behold, also, our very dear brethren, what has urged, and
determined us to regard as a consolation, a duty of our episcopate
to second your piety in this regard, at the same time, that we
satisfy our devotion to this Immaculate Virgin, to whom we are
indebted for many signal benefits. We thought it not a rash zeal,
to supplicate our Holy Father, the Pope, to deign confide to us the
means of increasing devotion to Mary Immaculate in her Conception,
to render it easier and thus more popular. The Feast of the Blessed
Virgin's Conception, being now in France only one of devotion,
we have feared that even if the memory of it were not gradually
effaced, it might become insensibly neglected, and the fruits of
sanctification and salvation diminished.
"The Sovereign Pontiff has deigned to accord our humble request.
The rescript we have received, our very dear brethren, sufficiently
testifies how our petitions have been welcomed, our prayers
answered, upon what foundation the regulations we are going to
prescribe rest, and the advantages we have had reason to expect
from them. We long, yes, we long, from lively gratitude, from
tender love to Mary, to give vent to our transports and salute her
solemnly by the title of Immaculate in her Conception that day, for
distant day it seems to our hearts, when we will be permitted to
proclaim it joyfully before the assembled faithful, and during the
celebration of the holy mysteries.
"O Mary! thou whom wisdom hast possessed in the beginning of thy
ways, cloud divinely fruitful, always in light and never in shade,
new Eve, who didst crush the infernal serpent's head; courageous
Judith, glory of Jerusalem, joy of Israel, honor of thy people,
amiable Esther, exempt from the common law which presses as a
yoke of anathema upon all the children of Adam, full of grace,
blessed among all women. O Mary! conceived without sin, pray for
us who have recourse to thee! By thy most Holy Virginity and thy
Immaculate Conception, O most Holy Virgin! obtain for us purity of
heart and body, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of
the Holy Ghost. Amen!"
But this does not satisfy the prelate's piety; he also entreats the
Sovereign Pontiff that the belief in the Immaculate Conception be
expressed in the litanies of the Blessed Virgin. The Holy Father
grants this petition, and permits the addition to the litany of
the invocation: "_Regina sine labe concepta, ora pro nobis_." Then
Monseigneur, in a new circular of June 24th, orders that the Sunday
following its reception, this invocation should be chanted three
times at Benediction, and in future chanted or recited every time the
litany was chanted or recited, adding that no prayer-book without this
invocation inserted in the litany would have his approbation. The
prelate also exhorted all the clergy, pastors and others, to instill
into the faithful, devotion to the Immaculate Conception, recommending
the use of the formula, "_Regina sine labe concepta, ora pro nobis_."
At last, seeing the near approach of that epoch so dear and solemn, he
could not refrain, in spite of his extreme weakness and the violent
sufferings of a mortal malady, from giving vent to his feelings in
a third circular, which displays at the same time his zeal for the
Immaculate Virgin's honor and his indefatigable solicitude for the
welfare of his flock.
The feast and octave of the Immaculate Conception, announced and
prepared with so much zeal by the pious Bishop, were celebrated with
extraordinary solemnity in all the churches throughout the diocese
of Paris, and especially at Notre Dame. It was one of the last
consolations this great prelate enjoyed upon earth. He died the 31st
of December, crowning a life rich in virtues and sacrifices, by an act
of filial homage to Mary Immaculate, and a final testimony of tender
solicitude for the flock he was about to leave. He loved this flock
during life, and before dying, he confides it to the inexhaustible
charity of the Immaculate Heart of the Mother of Jesus, he conceals it
under the mantle of her purity, that he may feel assured of the victory
over the enemies of its happiness. He had consecrated his person, his
diocese and all France to this Virgin, conceived without sin. Was it
not to her maternal protection the venerable prelate owed that generous
submission, that admirable tranquility, that tender love and sweet
serenity of the just, when he was hovering on the brink of eternity? He
had placed all his confidence in thee, O Mary! at that last moment, he
invoked thee as the Star of the Sea that was to guide him to Heaven,
and it was under thy auspices his beautiful soul winged its flight to
the bosom of its God.
* * * * *
In emulation of the example of the illustrious Archbishop of the
capital, the other Archbishops and Bishops of France petition the
Holy See for the same privileges, publishing them in their respective
dioceses by solemn circulars, and proclaiming them a new source
of benediction for the people. Thus, in the same year, 1839, the
Archbishops of Toulouse and Bourges, the Bishops of Montauban, Pamiers,
Carcassonne, Fréjus, Châlons, Saint-Flour and Limoges; in 1840, the
Cardinal Archbishop of Rouen, the Archbishop of Lyons and Besançon,
the Bishops of Bayeux, Évreux, Séez, Coutance, Saint-Dié, La Rochelle,
Tulle, Ajaccio, Nantes and Amiens; in 1841, the Archbishop of Bordeaux,
the Bishops of Versailles, of Nîmes and Luçon, Mende and Périgueux. We
are fully persuaded, and even assured, of the fact that a great number
of the dioceses in France requested and obtained the same privileges;
but we cite only those of which we ourselves have kept note.
"What should be our transports of joy, confidence, admiration and
gratitude, at this universal tribute of honor and homage to the
Virgin conceived without spot! All earth unites with Heaven in
a concert of praise and thanksgiving, proclaiming that Mary has
been conceived without sin; all hearts vie with one another in
celebrating the signal favors, the miraculous cures and conversions
God has deigned to accord those who invoke the Blessed Virgin
under the title of Immaculate in her Conception." (Circular of the
Archbishop of Bourges.)
"This new lustre bestowed upon the devotion to Mary conceived
without sin, should console religion and raise our hopes.... Oh!
in this desolated region, how should we rejoice to see appear
in Heaven, if not an omen of the end of all combats, at least
the pledge of new triumphs and new conquests!" (Circular of the
Archbishop of Digne.)
* * * * *
May this beautiful devotion, be powerful in attracting the
benedictions of Heaven upon earth, ever increase. Let us fervently
implore the Immaculate Mother of God to enkindle it in all hearts,
to bless that France whose protectrice she has so often proved
herself, to preserve and augment therein faith and piety, and to
make all the children of France but one family, united by the bonds
of religion and charity. Let us also implore the same grace for all
countries, all peoples. Let each one of us wear the precious sign
of her maternal tenderness, this Miraculous Medal, which, recalling
to our minds the first and most glorious of her privileges, she
gives us as the pledge of all her favors.
Oh! if we knew the gift of our Mother! oh! if we understood
the excess of her bounty! Does she not seem longing to give us
knowledge, when she displays to us the abundance of her riches and
the prodigies of her liberality, in those rays of grace she showers
upon us like a deluge of love and mercy? Does she not likewise
unveil to us the mystery of her charity, in the image of her heart
united to that of the divine Jesus?... The same fire consumes them,
the same zeal devours them, thirst for our salvation. This union
of love and sacrifice is very clearly represented by the august
Mary's initial joined to the sacred sign of the cross above the
two hearts, as an authentic testimony, of the co-operation of the
Mother of the Saviour in the salvation of the human race.
Wear then, little children, this cherished medal, this precious
souvenir of the best of mothers; learn and love to say: "O Mary!
conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee!"
Morning Star, she will delight to guide your first steps and to
keep you in the paths of innocence. Wear it, Christian youth,
and amidst the numberless dangers lurking in your paths repeat
frequently: "O Mary! conceived without sin, pray for us who have
recourse to thee!" Virgin most faithful, she will preserve you
from all peril. Wear it, fathers and mothers; say often: "O Mary!
conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee!"
And the Mother of Jesus will shed upon you and your families the
most abundant benedictions. Wear it, ye old and infirm; say also:
"O Mary! conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse
to thee!" Help of Christians, she will aid you in sanctifying
your sufferings and the closing years of life. Wear it, souls
consecrated to God, and never cease repeating: "O Mary! conceived
without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee!" Queen of
Virgins, she will implant in the garden of your heart those fruits
and flowers which constitute the delight of the Spouse, and which
will form your crown at the nuptials of the Lamb. Amidst the trials
and tribulations of life, let us invoke Mary, conceived without
sin, and our tears will be dried, our sufferings assuaged, our
sorrows sweetened, for she dispenses the dew of all graces. In our
combats against the demon, the world and the flesh, let us appeal
to Mary, conceived without sin; Strength of combatants and Crown
of victors, she will shield us against their most violent assaults
and assure us of the victory; but oh! when standing on the brink
of that moment which summons us before the Sovereign Judge, then
especially must we invoke Mary, conceived without sin, and she
whom the Church calls Gate of Heaven will herself receive our last
sigh and introduce our soul into the abode of glory and perfect
happiness.
And you also, poor sinners, though covered with the wounds of sin,
buried in the deepest abysses of passion, the arm of an avenging
God lifted to descend upon your guilty head, despair seizing your
soul, raise your eyes to the Star of the Sea; you are not bereft
of Mary's compassion; take the medal, cry from the depths of your
hearts, "O Mary! conceived without sin, pray for us who have
recourse to thee!" Unfailing Refuge of sinners, her charitable hand
will apply to your cruel wounds a healing ointment; she will rescue
you from the depths whence you have fallen, she will turn aside
the formidable blows of Divine justice, she will pour over your
soul the balm of sweet hope, she will guide you anew in the paths
of righteousness and conduct you even to the haven of a blessed
eternity.
Would that all might taste this means of salvation! the dismal
shades of voluntary death would soon cease to terrify our cities
and rural districts. Yes, the short prayer, "O Mary! conceived
without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee!" made with
faith, would, even amidst the violent agitation of a homicidal
thought, banish the tempter; a simple glance at the medal of the
Immaculate Mary would dissipate despair. "No one commits suicide
under the eyes of a mother," said very truly, His Eminence, the
Cardinal Archbishop of Rouen. And the same might be said of many
other crimes of daily occurrence.
Oh! you whose souls are cruelly afflicted night and day,
virtuous wives, who shed burning tears over the irreligion of a
tenderly-loved husband; sorrowful mothers, bitterly deploring the
wanderings of a child reared in the bosom of an eminently Christian
family, but drawn into the vortex of bad example; pious sisters,
praying fervently and incessantly for the conversion of a brother,
who once, like yourselves, enjoyed the sweet consolations of
religion; Christian children, secretly bewailing the indifference
of a father who seems to have lost, long since, the precious gift
of Faith, console yourselves; a new hope is offered you, and it
comes to you through the beneficent hands of Mary; offer, give the
image of this tender Mother to the dear objects of your solicitude;
the thought of this precious medal or a glance at it, will banish
many a temptation, for we may say with truth of the soul as well as
of the body, "no one commits suicide under the eyes of a mother."
If they refuse your offer do not despair; Mary will find her way to
these hardened hearts, and in spite of themselves, she will take
them under her protection; imitate the pious ruse of many others,
who in a like extremity, have stealthily slipped the precious medal
under the pillow of the impenitent sick on the verge of death;
imitate those mothers, those wives, those Christian daughters, who
carefully concealed in the clothing of that child, that spouse,
that father, the medal they had refused to wear, do this, and one
day they will appreciate the pledge of your piety and tenderness.
No, no, never does any one wear in vain, the medal of her to whom
the Church applies these words of Scripture. "He who finds me,
will find life, and will obtain salvation from the Lord."[17]
[Footnote 17: Prov. viii.]
But it is not enough to wear the medal as a mere pledge of the
Immaculate Mary's love; we must regard it also, as an assistant in
reaching perfection. This Mother, all amiable, proposes herself to
our imitation, she places herself, in a measure, before our eyes,
that seeing her so pure and perfect, we may be attracted by her
charms. It is the image of her beauty and goodness she brings us
from Heaven. It is a mirror in which we learn to know the Sun of
Justice, by the perfections with which he has enriched His divine
Mother.... It is on one side, the picture of what we should be, and
on the other, an eloquent lesson of what we should practice. The
shining purity of the Immaculate Mary, reveals to us the beauty of
our soul, created in the image of the thrice holy God, and exciting
in us, the love of that amiable virtue which makes us resemble the
angels, it necessarily inspires us with the most vivid horror of
evil, and causes us to shun the slightest imperfections, since they
tarnish this divine resemblance.
And, as though it were not enough to excite our fervor by the
sight of her ravishing beauty, this faithful Virgin discovers to
us the means of preserving innocence or recovering it, should we
have been so unfortunate as to lose it. This is the lesson of the
symbolic figures engraven on the reverse of the medal: "Nothing
shall be written on the reverse of the medal; ... what is already
there says enough to the Christian soul." The Sacred Heart of
Jesus and Mary placed beneath the cross tell us that purity is
preserved or restored by love and union with our Lord.... Love
covers a multitude of sins; love is the bond of perfection, the
consummation of all virtues.... Love assures fidelity. It must
be stronger than death to make us die to the world, to sin and
ourselves, that we may be attached inseparably to Jesus crucified.
There is also another lesson to be learned--that taught by Mary's
holy name, united to the sign of the cross. It is placed above the
two hearts because true love leads to sacrifice; it immolates, it
fastens, it nails to the cross of Jesus Christ, and this union of
sufferings on earth is the pledge of a glorious and eternal union
hereafter.
Children of Mary, respond to her loving tenderness; be docile to
the salutary lessons of our divine Mother, gratefully acknowledge
this inappreciable testimony of her ingenious liberality. Go to
Mary with the simplicity of a child, who lovingly clings to her
bountiful hand until he obtains the object of his desires. Amidst
all the storms of life, let your eyes be fixed upon this Star of
the Sea. Invoke Mary; ever seek her amiable protection; she will
never refuse to hear our petitions. May her remembrance and love
reign always in our minds and hearts! May we repeat incessantly
this sweet invocation: "O Mary! conceived without sin, pray for
us who have recourse to thee!" and when strength and speech have
failed us may the Miraculous Medal be pressed to our dying lips,
and the last throb of our heart protest that we wish to die
murmuring: "O Mary! conceived without sin, pray for us who have
recourse to thee!"
CHAPTER VI.
EXTRAORDINARY GRACES
OBTAINED THROUGH THE INSTRUMENTALITY OF THE MIRACULOUS MEDAL.
I.
_Graces Obtained from 1832 to 1835._
"Bless the God of heaven," said the angel to Tobias and his son; "chant
His praises among all mankind for the blessings with which He has
loaded you, for it is good to conceal the secret of the king, but it is
glorious to reveal and publish the works of God. _Elenim sacramentum
regis abscondere bonum est; opera autem Dei revelare et confiteri
honorificum est._"[18] Blessed, then, always and everywhere, be the God
of heaven and earth, for the numberless benefits He has been pleased to
confer upon us through Mary! Let us adore the mysterious destiny of
the Mother of the King of Kings, "who, by reason of this title, truly
merits the name of Queen," says St. Athanasius; and let us rob neither
God nor Mary of the honor and glory due them. Let us publish the
Lord's works of power and goodness to man through the mediation of the
Immaculate Virgin, whom He has established Depositary and Dispensatrix
of the treasures of His mercy, that mercy which embraces our corporal
infirmities as well as spiritual needs.
[Footnote 18: Tob., xii, 7.]
An account of the extraordinary graces obtained by means of the
Immaculate Conception Medal will be for all Christian souls a source of
precious benedictions. At the view of these prodigies of mercy, these
marvelous cures and conversions, the reader will be led to thank God
and glorify His Holy Mother; those who have already loved Mary will be
incited to still greater love; careless Christians, those who are tried
by suffering, those who have the misfortune to be in a state of sin,
will feel their confidence awakened, and they will tenderly invoke her
whom the Church so justly styles Health of the weak, Refuge of sinners,
Comforter of the afflicted.
Experience proves this. Every one knows, moreover, that an example of
virtue or an event which clearly reveals God's agency, acts much more
powerfully on the soul than a simple consideration of the subject or a
series of arguments. "_Verba movent, exempla trahunt_--words can move,
example attract."
We also hope for something more from the publication of these
accounts--we hope by them to convince the faithful that Mary's dearest
title is that of Immaculate, and that she knows not how to refuse the
petitions of those who, with lively faith, invoke her by this dearest
title. It is, moreover, the Church of Rome which thus reveals, as it
were, all the merciful tenderness of Mary's Heart, and presents us the
devotion to her spotless Conception as the sure means of enriching
ourselves from the exhaustless treasures of that Heart and according
to all our necessities. "_Sacra Virgo Maria ... sentiant omnes tuam
juvamen quicumque celebrant tuam sanctam Conceptionem_;"[19] and
surely this prayer of the Mother of all churches--prayer which we
might readily style prophetic--has long since been answered. We have
recently seen a compilation, made in 1663 by a Jesuit father, with
the approbation of the Ordinary, containing an account of sixty-two
conversions or cures effected in different places by the invocation
of Mary conceived without sin, and apparently nothing less than
miraculous. It is also a well known fact, mentioned in the life of
B. Peter Fourrier, founder of the Congregation of Notre Dame, that
these simple words, "Mary was conceived without sin," worn with faith,
brought relief to a multitude of sick persons during an epidemic. The
same means obtained not less visible protection at Nemours, when that
city was in imminent danger of being sacked, and also at Paris in 1830.
But we confine ourselves to the graces obtained through the Miraculous
Medal. Our choice of examples will show that, in bestowing especial
favors upon France, the Immaculate Mary gives no less striking proofs
of her protection in other countries where the medal is known and
piously worn.
[Footnote 19: Offic. Concept. B.V.M.R. viii.]
Among the traits of protection obtained through the medal in the
diocese of Paris, nine (three conversions and six cures) underwent a
detailed examination, and were pronounced veritable by the Promoter in
the investigation of 1836. We mention them in this edition, adding to
each one's title the word--Attested.
Quite a number of incidents printed in the edition of 1842 we have
omitted here, in order to insert (without greatly increasing the size
of the volume) more recent accounts equally reliable, thus proving that
the medal is not less miraculous in our day than at the time of the
apparition.
The extraordinary graces of which it has been the instrument, would
have formed an uninterrupted series from the year 1832 till the
present, if unfortunately, neglecting to keep note of them, an interval
of several years had not crept into the documents in our possession.
For the future, please God, no such omission will occur, and all the
authenticated accounts which come to our knowledge will be carefully
registered for the glory of Mary conceived without sin, and the
edification of her servants.
CONVERSION OF A SOLDIER AT ALENÇON--1833.
The 14th of April, 1833, there was brought to the hospital of
Alençon (Orne) a sick soldier, who came from the hospital of Vitré
(Ile-et-Vilaine). His impiety there had greatly distressed the
hospitable ladies of St. Augustin, in charge of that establishment,
a circumstance communicated to us by persons who witnessed the
insulting manner in which he rewarded the kind attentions of their
unfailing charity. Arrived at the hospital Alençon, we soon saw
what he was, irreligious, impious, and brutally rude. The chaplain
hastened to visit him, and condole with him on his sufferings; and
as the opening of the Jubilee very naturally paved the way for a
few words on that extraordinary grace, he gently exhorted the sick
man to imitate the example of other soldiers who were preparing to
profit by it, but his words were answered by insults. The chaplain
did not insist, and contented himself for several days with merely
visiting him, and kindly sympathizing with his sufferings; the sick
man scarcely replied, and seemed much annoyed, even at the visits.
The Daughters of Charity in charge of this hospital, met with no
better treatment, notwithstanding the kind attentions they lavished
on him. His malady increased; seeing that it was becoming very
necessary for him to receive the consolations of religion, the
chaplain urged him again to make his peace with the good God, but
he was answered by blasphemies. "Ah! yes, the good God, little He
cares for me." In answer to this the abbé made a few observations
full of charity, and the patient continued: "Your good God does
not like the French; you say He is good and He loves me; if He
loved me, would he afflict me like this, have I deserved it?"
These outbursts of impiety only inflamed the charitable zeal of
the minister of a God who died for sinners, and inspired him with
forcible language, to depict the justice and merciful goodness of
the Lord. The sick man soon interrupted him by invectives: "You
worry me; let me alone; go away from here; I need neither you nor
your sermons," and he turned over to avoid seeing the priest.
His treatment to the Sisters was no better; and he continued to
utter the most horrible blasphemies against religion, and those
who reminded him of it; he carried this to such a degree, that
the other soldiers were indignant, especially at his outrageous
behaviour, after any one has spoken to him about his soul, or there
had been prayers or a little spiritual reading in the room--he
appeared dissatisfied, until he had vomited forth his stock of
blasphemies and imprecations. Some days passed and nothing was
said to him on the subject of religion, but every care for his
bodily comfort was redoubled; no one now scarcely dared hope
for his return to God, for his malady increased, and likewise
his impiety; all contented themselves with praying for him, and
recommending him to the prayers of others. The Sister in charge of
that ward, having great confidence in the Blessed Virgin's promises
to all under the protection of the medal, felt urged interiorly
to hang one at the foot of his bed; she yielded to the apparent
inspiration, and, unknown to him, the medal was there. He still
showed no signs of relenting, and even became indignant when some
of the other soldiers prepared themselves, by confession, to gain
the Jubilee. The medal had now been six days hanging at the foot of
his bed, and many and fervent were the prayers offered up to God
for this miserable creature's conversion, although nearly every one
despaired of it. One day, when all the convalescents of the ward
were assisting at Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament, the Sister
approached his bed, detached the medal and held it up before him.
"Look," said she, "at this medal, it is miraculous; I hung it to
your bed several days ago, and thereby put you under the Blessed
Virgin's especial protection. With her powerful assistance, I
confidently hope for your conversion. Look at this good Mother, she
is praying for you now." He never raised his eyes, but already was
grace working in his heart, for he showed no signs of irritation
which had heretofore been the inevitable consequence of mentioning
religion. Profiting by this, the Sister spoke to him of God's
mercy, and begged him again to cast a glance at the medal she had
just hung at the foot of his bed on the inner side. After being
repeatedly urged, he opened his eyes and looked towards it. "I do
not see your medal," said he to the Sister, "but I see the candle
which, doubtless, you have just lit; yes, it is certainly a light."
It was five o'clock in the afternoon, June 13th; his bed was so
placed that it could not receive any reflection of the sun's rays,
and the chaplain, after examining the spot felt assured, that at
no time could a reflection strike it in that direction. "You are
mistaken," said she, "look at it carefully." He repeated in the
most positive manner, "I see it distinctly, it is certainly a
light." Astonished beyond expression, but fearing her patient's
sight was affected, the Sister showed him other and more distant
objects; these he distinguished perfectly, and continued to see
this light for a quarter of an hour. During this interval, the
Sister spoke to him of God; suddenly, fear and love filled his
heart. "I do not wish to die as I am!" he exclaimed, "tell the
chaplain to come immediately and hear my confession." Hearing one
of the other patients utter an oath, "oh! make that miserable man
hush!" said he, to the Sister; "oh! I beg you to make him stop
swearing."
"I was still ignorant," says the chaplain, "of the origin and
effects of this medal. It was a very familiar object, and I
regarded it as nothing more than an ordinary medal. When told
that the sick man wanted me, I went joyfully, and saw for myself
what a complete change had taken place in him. Congratulating
and encouraging him, without knowing the cause of this change,
I hastened to ask him if he wished me to hear his confession.
He replied in the affirmative, and made it without delay; I had
every opportunity of admiring his good will and the pleasure he
manifested at each repetition of my visit. I endeavored to make him
explain himself, and asked if he had not acted from mere civility
or a desire to rid himself of the importunities by which he had
been so long beset. "No," he answered, "I sent for you, because
I wished seriously to make my confession and arise from my state
of sin." Henceforth he was no longer the same man; he was now as
docile, patient, gentle and edifying in all his words and ways,
as he had formerly been unmanageable, brutal and scandalous.
He eagerly desired the Last Sacraments, which, after proper
preparation, he received with lively faith. His happiness seemed
beyond expression, and though suffering intensely, no one ever
heard the least sign of impatience escape his lips. He continued
to give the most unequivocal signs of a true conversion; peace and
resignation were depicted in his countenance, and to his last sigh,
which he breathed June 27th, 1833, did he persevere most faithfully.
NOTE.--These details are attested by M. Yver Bordeaux, chaplain of the
Hotel Dieu; by the Sisters of Charity; by a woman patient named Bidon;
Julien Prével, an infirmarian; by Jean François Royer, of the Seventh
Cuirassiers; Marie Favry, infirmarian, all eye witnesses, besides
a large number of other soldiers who left the city whilst we were
investigating the matter.
CURE OF MADEMOISELLE AURELIE B. (PARIS)--1833. _Attested._
The account of this cure was sent us by the person herself in the month
of May, 1834.
The 3d of November, 1833, I was attacked by a typhoid fever, for
which I was treated by a skillful physician and the Sisters of
Charity, who spared no pains for my recovery. At the end of a month
I was able to take a little nourishment, and I had the happiness
of assisting at the Holy Mass and receiving Holy Communion on the
Feast of the Immaculate Conception. I was still very weak, and
utterly incapable of any exertion. In this state of exhaustion, I
took a little chocolate. The fever soon returned, and continued
with daily increasing violence until Christmas. Then the physician
said there was no longer any hope of my recovery. Another physician
was called in, who, after an examination, declared me consumptive
to the last degree, but said they might try the effect of a few
blisters. Those proved of no benefit. The 27th of December, the
physicians finding me extremely ill, informed the Sisters that my
death was imminent. Moreover, I had been cold for two days. About
half-past six that day, I received the last Sacraments, and at nine
every one thought I would soon breathe my last. Suddenly, one of
the good Sisters around my couch thought of putting the medal on
me. I kissed it continually with great confidence, and began to
feel better. My condition next morning was a matter of astonishment
to the physician, and I continued to improve so rapidly that,
at the end of two days, the fever had entirely disappeared. My
appetite was ravenous, I soon resumed my occupations, and ever
since have been in perfect health. I doubt not, Monsieur, that I
owe my recovery to Mary, my good Mother, my love for whom seems to
have increased; my greatest happiness being to decorate her altars,
and my most earnest desire that of consecrating myself to God in a
Community whose works have so touching a connexion with the sublime
destiny of the Mother of Jesus; it is under her protection I expect
the accomplishment of my designs.
Yours very respectfully,
AURELIE B.
NOTE.--The nine Sisters of the establishment have attested the truth
of these details, and one of the two physicians does not hesitate to
declare her recovery supernatural.
Moreover, this young person has ever since remained in perfect health.
Her prayers are granted, the Immaculate Mary has also obtained for her
the grace of being received into the Community she wished to enter,
which is the reason we do not give her name.
CURE OF A RELIGIOUS (PARIS)--1834.--_Attested._
This fact is known to many; however, to prevent too great a number
of visitors, the Superior requests us not to publish the name of the
Community.
A young religious, twenty-seven and a-half years old and eight years
professed, in an Order especially consecrated to the Blessed Virgin
(Paris), had been kept in the infirmary by various maladies, for the
space of five months. At the very time she appeared convalescent, an
accident of the gravest nature happened; her left thigh bone became
disjointed and shrunken, the limb was attacked by paralysis, and the
sick religious lay upon her bed one month, without experiencing the
slightest alleviation from human remedies. Two physicians and a surgeon
being consulted at various times, pronounced the displacing of the bone
due an irritating humor; but they could not check it, even by means of
cauterizing and issues, so that after a long and painful treatment,
she remained a cripple. She now had recourse to the Blessed Virgin as
a child to its good mother; a religious of the house having brought
her one of those medals called miraculous, which had been given her,
she received it gratefully, applied it to the afflicted member and
commenced, Saturday, March 1st, 1834, a novena to the Blessed Virgin.
All human remedies seemed unavailing; she lost her appetite and was
unable to sleep. She was also racked with high fever; however, having
snatched a little repose during the Wednesday night after beginning
the novena, she was suddenly awakened by a very painful commotion,
which re-established the bones in their place; the leg which had been
shortened about six inches, became lengthened almost even with the
other, and recovered its usual strength. On visiting her next morning,
the physicians were greatly astonished, but gave orders that she should
not yet leave her bed. On Sunday, the last day of the novena, the fact
of the cure was established beyond a doubt. The religious arose quite
naturally, and without any assistance, ran to kiss the feet of Mary's
statue, placed over the infirmary fire-place; then, dressed in her
habit, and accompanied by the Mother Infirmarian, she descended about a
dozen steps to the chapel to adore the Blessed Sacrament, after which
she repaired to the community room, where the Superior with her Mothers
and Sisters were assembled, to give her the kiss of congratulation.
This touching scene was terminated by the recitation of the _Te Deum_,
and _Sub Tuum_. No trace of disease remained, except a slight weakness
for a few days, and as this was felt only in the sound limb, it was
evidently the result of her having been six months in bed.
Two of the physicians acknowledged, with all the Community, that it was
a supernatural favor. One of them has even declared in a certificate
of May 4th, 1834, that without wishing to characterize a fact as
extraordinary, he observes that in this circumstance there are: 1st,
spontaneous disjointing; 2d, spontaneous diminution, three days
convalescence, and these last two are, to the extent of his knowledge,
without parallel in the records of surgery.
The religious has never had another attack of this infirmity.
CURE OF A SICK PERSON (CHÂLONS SUR MARNE)--1834.
The Abbé Bégin, an eye-witness of this cure, which took place at the
hospital St. Maur, where he is chaplain, has prepared a verbal process
which attests: 1st, that the patient was really afflicted; 2d, that she
was cured March 14th, 1834; 3d, that she declares no other means were
employed than the medal and prayer. This verbal process is signed by a
hundred persons of the above-mentioned hospital.
"Madame C.H., a widow, aged seventy, a charity patient at the
hospital St. Maur, was, in consequence of a fall the 7th of
August, 1833, crippled to such a degree that it was with great
difficulty she could walk, even with the aid of a crutch, and
sometimes the additional assistance of another person's arm; she
could scarcely seat herself, and to rise was still more of an
effort. To ascend the stairs was almost impossible, she could
accomplish it only by grasping as she went along whatever lay
within reach. She could not stoop or kneel; the left limb, which
was the principal seat of her malady, she dragged helplessly after
her, not being able to bend it.
"Such was her sad condition at the beginning of March, 1834.
However, she heard something that enkindled a ray of hope in her
heart. Some one had spoken to her the January previous of a medal
said to be miraculous; it bore on one side the image of Mary
crushing the infernal serpent's head, her hands full of graces
figured by rays of light proceeding from them, and the invocation:
'O Mary! conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to
thee!' on the other, the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary, with
the letter M surmounted by a cross. She was also informed of the
wonders it had wrought, and her heart awoke to the consoling hope
of realizing some benefit from the medal which had been promised
her. How she sighed for the happy moment when it would be in her
possession! How long the time of waiting appeared! At last, her
desires were gratified; the 6th of March she received, as if
it were a present from Heaven, the long wished-for medal, and
hastened, by the reception of the Sacrament of Penance, to prepare
herself for the desired favor. Next day, the first Wednesday in
the month, she commenced by Holy Communion a novena to the Sacred
Hearts of Jesus and Mary. Twenty times, day and night, did she
press to her lips the precious medal hung around her neck. For
several days of the novena, our Lord severely tried her faith
anew. Her sufferings increased greatly, likewise her fervor and
confidence, and soon the most blessed results were the recompense
of this poor woman's prayers.
"Seven days of the novena had not elapsed ere she was relieved of
the sufferings that had so cruelly afflicted her for seven months.
I could not depict the astonishment and admiration of every one,
who saw on the morning of March 14th this person so helpless
the very evening before, walk with all ease imaginable, bend,
kneel, go up and down high steps. One spoke of it to another for
mutual edification, and, in turn, came to congratulate her on her
recovery, and give thanks to God and Mary. The Superior, who had
bestowed constant care upon the sick woman during her crippled
state, and had thus been a daily witness of her sufferings,
returned solemn thanks for this extraordinary grace, the whole
Community chanting a _Te Deum_ in their chapel.
"P.S.--I forgot to say that the widow has the free use of all her
limbs, and has never since had a return of her former infirmity."
The following is what Monseigneur thought proper to append to the
verbal process, an extract from which we have just read: "We certify
that credence can, and ought to, be placed in the testimony of the Abbé
Bégin, that of the Sisters and so many other eye-witnesses who have
spoken conscientiously and from no motive save that of zeal for the
truth.
"† M.S.F.V., Bishop of Châlons.
"_Châlons, May 30, 1834._"
CONVERSIONS OF M. DE CASTILLON, CAPTAIN IN THE 21ST LIGHT GUARDS;
AND OF A WOMAN--1834.
Extract from a letter of Sister C. (Herault) to M.E.:
"_November 13, 1834._
"It should be the duty of children to glorify their mother, and
a very sweet one it is for me to acquaint you with two incidents
manifesting the boundless charity of Mary conceived without sin.
"The first relates to a sick soldier in our house. Though we
had already witnessed the efficacy of the medal, in effecting
the conversion of several soldiers most obstinate in resisting
grace, no conversion was so striking as this. M. Frederick de
Castillon, aged thirty-five, Captain in the 21st Light Guards,
entered the hospital, April 29th, in the last stage of consumption,
and attacked by paralysis of the left side. We nursed him a long
time, his condition grew alarmingly worse, but how could we
mention religion to a young soldier who boasted of having none?
I kept myself always informed of his state, and contented myself
(apparently) with watching the progress of the disease. Several
times I attempted to make him realize his danger, but in vain. One
day, when he was much worse, and I had an opportunity of seeing
him alone, I ventured to inquire if he were a Catholic. 'Yes,
Sister,' he replied, looking steadily at me. I then asked him to
accept a medal, to wear it, and frequently invoke the Immaculate
Mary, telling him at the same time that, if he did so with faith,
this good Mother would obtain for him all the graces he needed, for
bearing his sufferings patiently and meritoriously. He received it
gratefully, but did not put it on.
"But our confidence in the Blessed Virgin's influence over him
was not diminished, especially when we saw him place the medal
on the side of his bed. The Sister in charge of that hall had
already slipped one in his pillow-case. Several days passed, his
strength was gradually ebbing away, and after many ineffectual
efforts to obtain his consent to see a priest, I asked a clergyman
to visit him notwithstanding, and I introduced him into the sick
man's presence just as some one came to tell me he could not live
through that night (October 15th). We found him extremely ill,
but still inflexible. After a few moments, I withdrew, and left
him alone with the charitable priest, who could get nothing from
him but these despairing words: 'Leave me in peace, to-morrow I
shall be dead, and all will be over!' Of course, there was nothing
else to be done but comply with his request, and you can imagine
how painful it was. We redoubled our petitions to the Immaculate
Virgin, and this good Mother soon wrought a change in the
unfortunate man's heart.
"Next day, he asked the physician to tell him candidly if his case
were hopeless, because he wished to arrange his affairs. That same
evening, as soon as the Sister in charge of the hall entered, he
said to her very gently and penitently: 'Oh! how sorry I am to have
treated the Superior so badly, and the good priest she brought
me! Present my apologies to them, I beg you, and ask them to come
again.' You know we delayed not a moment in going to see him.
Next morning he began his new life, and during the nine days M.
Castillon still lived the chaplain visited him several times every
day, remaining two hours at a time. One of his brother officers,
coming to see him just after his first confession: 'If you had
been here a few minutes sooner,' said M. de Castillon, with an
utter disregard of human respect, 'you would have found me in good
company. I was with the curé, and I could not have been in better.'
He had the happiness of receiving the Last Sacraments with the most
admirable dispositions. Here are his dying words, which he asked
this gentleman to commit to writing: 'I die in the religion of my
fathers, I love and revere it, I humbly beg God's pardon for not
always having practiced it publicly.' And he expired in the peace
of the Lord, October 23d.
"I now relate the second conversion, that of a woman who, for
eighteen years, had been a public scandal, living with a wretch who
had abandoned wife and children for her. To such wicked conduct,
she added a more than ordinary degree of impiety, boasting that
she believed neither in God nor hell, and mocking at everything
religion held sacred. Although dangerously ill, she declared that
never would she make a confession. Sister N., seeing the rapid
progress of the disease and near approach of death, had recourse
to the Blessed Virgin; she put a medal around the woman's neck,
and began a novena for her conversion, relying upon the assistance
of her who, every day, gives us continually increasing proofs
that she is our Mother and a most merciful one. Before the novena
was finished, this poor creature, yielding to grace, made her
confession, and renounced forever the wretch who had been her
curse, manifesting as much sorrow for her past life, and proving
herself as pious as she had heretofore been shamelessly impious.
"The above facts, Monsieur, I have thought it my duty to make known
to you, for the edification of the faithful and the glory of Mary.
May these examples of her power and bounty, lead all sinners to
cast themselves into her arms!"
NOTE.--These two events are truly a confirmation of what St. Bernard
says, "that no one ever invokes Mary in vain;" but what a misfortune
for those who refuse her succor! A very reliable individual once told
us, that a sick person to whom a medal had been given, and who began
to feel the effects of grace, suddenly insisted upon having the medal
taken off, saying: "It hurts me; I can wear it no longer." To quiet him
it was taken off, and he soon expired without the slightest sign of
conversion. The person relating this, was an eye-witness; it happened
in the month of October, 1834.
CONVERSION AND CURE OF MME. PÉRON AND CURE OF HER
DAUGHTER.--_Attested._
NOTE.--It is Mme. Péron herself who gives us all the details. She lives
in Paris, rue des Petites-Écuries, No. 24. We quote her own account,
written February 26th, 1835, from her dictation, and in presence of the
Sister who visited her in her sickness.
"I was sick eight years, and afflicted with very considerable
hemorrhages. I suffered much and almost continually. I was without
strength; I took but little nourishment, and that little increased
my malady, which was gradually exhausting me. I do not remember
to have had during these eight years, more than eight entire days
of relief from pain; the rest of the time I passed on the bed,
unable to perform the work necessary to aid my poor husband in
supporting the family. I have even been confined to my bed as
long as eighteen months without intermission. I consulted several
physicians, who prescribed the remedies usual in such cases, but
all to no purpose. My husband, not being able to afford such
expense, and seeing no hope of my recovery, lost courage and was
almost in despair. Some kind persons sought to cheer him: 'You must
not be so low-spirited, my poor Bourbonnais, you must bear up under
these trials and show your strength of character; your wife is very
sick, but she will recover and your friends will not abandon you.'
As for myself, seeing that medicines had no effect and cost us a
great deal of money, I dispensed with doctors, and was a long time
without seeing one, having resigned myself to a slow death.
"A neighbor who understood my position, came one day to see me,
and urged me not to give up thus, but to have the physician again.
I opposed it, because we had not the wherewith to remunerate him.
She then proposed to call in a Sister of Charity. I observed that
not being in want, perhaps the Sisters would refuse to come, as it
might thus deprive of their services, others more unfortunate than
myself. This good lady insisted, and I yielded.
"Next morning, I received a visit from Sister Marie (of St. Vincent
de Paul's parish), who brought me some assistance, encouraged me to
support my sufferings, and did her best to console me. I can truly
say that happiness entered my house with this good Sister. She
soon sent a physician, who, after examining me and understanding
my case, told her, as I have since learned, that it was a hopeless
one, I had a very little while to live, and ought to be sent to
the hospital to spare my family the sad spectacle of my death.
Hearing this, Sister Marie believed it her duty to give my soul
especial attention. I was not an enemy to religion, but I was
not very practical; I went sometimes to the parish functions,
when my sufferings and occupations permitted, but (and I say it
to my shame) I had not approached the Sacraments for years. When
the Sister, after several other questions, asked me if I went to
confession, blushing, I said 'no.' She begged me to do so, and
I replied: 'When I am cured, I will.' The good Sister, little
satisfied with my evasive answer, urged me again to see a priest.
'Sister,' said I, 'I don't like to be persecuted with things of
this sort, when I am cured I will go to confession.' I saw that
this answer grieved her, but she never remitted her visits and kind
attentions. My malady increased. One Saturday or Sunday night, at
the commencement of October, 1834, my whole body was cold, and
vainly did my friends endeavor to restore a natural warmth, the
chill of death seemed on me. They spoke of reciting the prayers
for the dying; I understood a part of what was said, but myself
was speechless. Whilst I was so ill, my husband told our eldest
daughter to go to bed, and he, thinking me easier because I was
feebly breathing, threw himself, without undressing, upon the bed
to snatch a little repose; but, getting up a few minutes later, he
came to me, put his hand on my face, and was horrified to find it
covered with a cold sweat. He thought me dead, and called aloud:
'Euphemie,' (this is our eldest daughter's name), 'Euphemie, alas!
thy mother is dead!' Euphemie arose and mingled her lamentations
with those of her father. Their cries awakened Madame Pellevé, our
neighbor, who came to console them. 'Ah! madame,' said my husband,
on seeing her, 'my wife is dead!' Having begged him to be resigned
to God's will, this lady approached me, and, placing her hand upon
my heart: 'No,' she exclaimed, 'she is not dead, her heart still
beats.' They kindled a fire, and succeeded in restoring a little
warmth to my body.
"Madame Pellevé went betimes to inform Sister Marie of all this,
and the latter hastened to tell the physician. 'I am not at all
surprised,' he answered; 'this lady has two incurable diseases.
Besides these hemorrhages, she is in the last stage of consumption,
as I have already told you, and if not dead before this, she will
not live through the day.' My chest had, indeed, been very weak for
some time, and the physicians in consultation had all said I could
never be cured.
"At two o'clock in the afternoon I received a visit from Sister
Marie, who found me not quite so ill; I could speak. 'Do you
love the Blessed Virgin very much?' said she. 'Yes, Sister,' I
had indeed always practiced some devotion in honor of this good
Mother. 'If you love her very much, I can give you something to
cure you.' 'Oh! yes, I shall soon be well.' I spoke of death, for
I felt that it was near. Then she showed me a medal and said:
'Take this medal of the Blessed Virgin, who will cure you, if you
have great confidence in her.' The sight of the medal filled me
with joy; I took it and kissed it fervently, for I truly longed to
be cured. The Sister now recited aloud the little prayer which I
could not read, and urged me to repeat it daily; I promised to add
five Paters and five Aves. She then put the medal around my neck.
At that instant, there passed through me a new, strange feeling,
a general revolution in my whole body, a thrill through all my
members. It was not a painful sensation, on the contrary, I began
to shed tears of joy. I was not cured, but I felt that I was going
to be cured, and I experienced a confidence that came not from
myself.
"Sister Marie left me in this state; after her departure, my
husband who had remained motionless at the foot of my bed said:
'Put all your confidence in the Blessed Virgin; we are going to
make a novena for you.' Towards evening I could raise myself up in
bed, which was very astonishing, considering my extreme exhaustion,
but a few hours previous. On Tuesday I requested some broth,
which was given me at last, and a little while after I took some
soup. My strength returned; I felt that I was cured. Finally, on
Thursday, I wished to go to church to thank the Blessed Virgin.
This suggestion was opposed, but I insisted and at length went.
Whilst on the way and alone (for I preferred going by myself), I
met Sister Marie, who did not recognize me; I took her hand: 'Oh!'
said she, 'it is really yourself!' 'Yes, Sister, it is I indeed; I
am going to Mass: I am cured!' 'And what has cured you so quickly?'
'The Blessed Virgin, and I am going to thank her.' The Sister was
lost in astonishment. I recounted to her how it had all come about
in less than three days, and I kept on to church and heard Mass.
Since then, I have had no return of my malady; I enjoy good health;
I go about my duties, performing a regular day's work, and to the
Miraculous Medal am I indebted for it all."
Not only Madame Péron's body but her soul, did the Blessed Virgin
restore to health; she soon chose a Director and went to confession,
and she has continued to do so ever since; her life is really very
edifying. As she deeply regrets having lived so long estranged from
God, her greatest happiness now is in frequently approaching the
Sacraments; two things awaken her tears, the recollection of her past
life, and gratitude for her twofold recovery.
Nor is this all; the Blessed Virgin seems to have chosen this family
for the purpose of displaying in it the wonders of her power. Madam
Péron had a daughter aged sixteen, who, after her mother's recovery,
gave herself to God in an especial manner, employing in exercises of
piety, all her leisure moments, and edifying her companions in the
parish confraternity, whenever she could take part in their devotions
for she lived in another quarter.
The father also was deeply touched at the favors accorded his wife; he
wears the medal, and he has experienced its blessed effects.
Madame Péron has still another daughter, a little girl six years and
a-half old, who had great difficulty in speaking, or rather, who did
not speak at all, although she was not mute. Her utterance was so
impeded, that she scarcely ever finished a word, thus disconcerting
the most patient. It was so much the more deplorable, as she was
quite a bright child. 'What a pity she does not talk!' said everyone
who witnessed her infirmity. When Sister Marie saw this little girl,
'Why do you not send her to school,' said she to the mother, 'instead
of keeping her home all day?' 'You hear how she talks,' answered
the mother, who did not like to have her child's infirmity exposed.
However, she yielded to the Sister's wishes, and little Hortense was
sent to the Sister's parish school. Her imperfect speech did not
improve, it would sometimes take her five minutes to pronounce half
a word. Some days after, Sister Marie, who deeply pitied the child,
spoke to her mother of a novena for curing this defect. "Cure Hortense,
Sister! it is impossible, it is a natural defect!" The Sister, with
increasing anxiety insisted. The novena was commenced on Saturday;
it consisted in hearing Mass every day, and reciting a few prayers
in honor of the Blessed Virgin. The medal was hung around the little
girl's neck, and she was to take part in all the exercises of the
novena. For several days there was no change, but Thursday after the
Mass of the Blessed Sacrament, Hortense, on leaving church, could
speak as distinctly and with as much ease as any one. Those who first
heard her were struck with admiration, the news soon spread, and from
all sides came persons to see her; they questioned her, and the child
answered, they scanned her to see if it were really the same, and
recognizing her, they returned, saying: "This is certainly a great
miracle, a sudden cure of a natural defect!"
Little Hortense, showing her medal with delight, would say to all who
knew and congratulated her: "The Blessed Virgin has cured me."
In thanksgiving for so great a benefit, the child was consecrated
to Mary on the 21st of November, Feast of the Presentation, in the
same chapel where the apparition of the medal took place, and, in
commemoration of this great event of her life, she was to wear only
blue and white until her First Communion. Previous to this ceremony,
she made her confession, with every evidence of understanding
thoroughly the importance of the act. When asked if she loves the
Blessed Virgin, "Oh! yes," she answers, "I love her with more than all
my heart!" an expression invented, it seems, solely by the fulness of
her gratitude. She prizes her brass medal so highly, that she would
not exchange it for one of silver or gold, and she wishes it put in the
tomb with her when she dies. "We hope, Hortense," said her father not
long ago, (he always finds a new pleasure in hearing her talk), "we
hope, when you die, that you will leave us this medal as a souvenir of
yourself and a relic of the Blessed Virgin." "Certainly, papa, if it
gives you so much pleasure, but I promised the Blessed Virgin, the day
of my consecration, that the medal should never leave me, but should
even descend with me into the tomb when I died."
We publish these details, with the cordial approbation of this family,
fully imbued with ever increasing gratitude to Mary Immaculate.
These two accounts have been confirmed by nine other persons.
CONVERSION OF SEVERAL SOLDIERS (HOTEL DES
INVALIDES)--1834.--_Attested._
NOTE.--All these edifying details, which have already produced a most
beneficial effect upon many young men, were given us and attested by
Sisters Radier and Pourrat, who, having charge of that ward, were
witnesses of the facts, and also instruments of divine mercy in
operating these prodigies.
"We had in St. Vincent's ward, number 20, royal hotel des
Invalides, Paris, a soldier who had been spitting blood about six
months, and who, it was thought, would soon die of consumption. He
was naturally polite and grateful for the attentions bestowed upon
him, but he showed no signs of religion; his morals were bad, and
it was a well-known fact that, for twenty years, his life had been
one of scandal.
"It appeared, however, that faith was not entirely extinguished in
his heart, for another patient, his neighbor, being on the point
of death and refusing to see a priest, this one entreated him to
yield, and was instrumental in bringing about his conversion.
Alas! his own turn soon came, we saw him growing worse day by day,
he was wasting visibly, and had not once mentioned receiving the
Sacraments. As he had urged his neighbor to prepare for death, we
hoped he would make his own preparation, without being reminded
of it, or, at least, that he would willingly comply with the
first suggestion. On the contrary, he absolutely resisted all our
entreaties, saying: 'I am an honest man, Sister, I have neither
killed nor robbed.' 'Even so,' we would answer, 'we all stand in
need of God's mercy, we are all sinners.' 'Oh! Sister, just leave
me in peace, I beg you.'
"However, he began to realize that he had been sinking for several
days, and he said aloud: 'There is no hope for me!' This thought
appeared to distress him. One day (it was Wednesday, the 26th of
November), the disease took such a sudden turn for the worse, we
feared he would not live through the day, and, being unable to
make any religious impression on him, we warned the chaplain of
his condition and his resistance to all our entreaties. The latter
went to see him. Our patient received him with great respect, but,
wishing to get rid of him adroitly, said: 'I am acquainted with the
curé.' A little while after, the curé visited him, and conversed
with him some time. On leaving his bedside, the venerable, zealous
pastor came to us and said: 'Your patient is very low, and I have
not succeeded in getting him to do anything for his soul; indeed,
I did not urge him too much, for fear he might say _no_, and then
would not revoke it, like so many others, after once giving a
decided negative.'
"The same day a lady of his acquaintance also came to see him, and
earnestly but vainly urged him to make his peace with God. To get
rid of her importunity he said: 'I know the curé; he has already
been to see me, and will return this evening.' The curé returned
indeed, according to promise; the sick man, on seeing him, jumped
out of bed to show that he was not so ill as to make confession a
very pressing matter. The curé, a true Samaritan, rendered him all
the little services imaginable, helping him back to bed, and even
offering to dress his blister; he then spoke to him about his soul,
but without avail, for after an hour's conversation he came to us
and said: 'I am deeply grieved, for I have done my utmost, but it
has had no effect upon him.' We asked the curé if we must call him
during the night, in case the sick man grew worse. 'I think,' said
he, 'you had better not, unless he asks for me.' A little later one
of us reminded him again of the chaplain, who was passing, but he
got enraged and began to swear, so that we had to drop the subject,
despite our distress at the thought of his appearing so unprepared
before his God. Our grief was so much the greater in proportion to
his extreme danger, for the death rattle was already in his throat,
and it did not seem possible that he could survive the night. It
was then my young companion said to me: 'Oh! Sister, perhaps our
sins, as our holy St. Vincent says, have been the cause of this
man's impenitence.' Expecting nothing more from the patient, Sister
Radier now turned all her hopes towards the Blessed Virgin. During
night prayers thoughts of the medal came into her mind, and she
said to herself: 'If we put the medal on him perhaps the Blessed
Virgin will obtain his conversion,' and she determined to make a
novena. After prayers she said to her companion: 'Let us go see the
sick man and put a medal on him; perhaps the Blessed Virgin will
grant our petitions.' She went immediately, and found him up and
in a state of great agitation, and about to leave the room; all
the other patients saw it clearly, and said that it was with the
intention of committing suicide. The Sister cautiously took away
his knife and whatever else might be used in this way, slipped
unperceived the medal between his two mattresses, and returned to
us very sadly, saying: 'Let us fervently invoke the Blessed Virgin,
for I very much fear this poor man will kill himself during the
night.'
"Next day, immediately after rising, and even before seeing the
Sister who had kept watch, one of us hastened to visit our patient,
and not without most dire forebodings, but, to our astonishment,
his mind was calm and he seemed better. On inquiring how he felt,
'Very well, Sister,' he answered, 'I passed a good night, I slept
well (which I have not done for a long time), and I am better in
consequence.' As the Sister retired, he called to her, saying:
'Sister, I wish to make my confession, oh! send the curé to me!'
'You wish to confess?' replied the Sister, 'take care; are you
going to do as you did all day yesterday, do you really want him?'
'Yes, Sister, upon my honor.' 'Well, since you wish him, I will go
for him, it will certainly be well for you to confess your sins,
for it is said that your life has not always been edifying.' Then,
without the slightest human respect, he began to mention his sins
aloud, and with great sentiments of compunction; we could scarcely
induce him to stop. The curé came, and he made his confession,
which lasted an hour. Afterwards, one of us having come to see
him, he exclaimed joyfully at our reproach: 'Oh! Sister, how happy
I am, I have been to confession, I have received absolution, and
the curé is to return this evening. Since my First Communion, this
is the happiest day of my life!' He appeared deeply affected, and
expressed a most ardent desire to receive the good God. 'Do you
know what we did?' 'What was it, Sister?' 'We put between your
mattresses a Miraculous Medal of the Blessed Virgin.' 'Ah! then,
that is why I passed such a comfortable night; moreover, I felt as
if there was something about me that wrought a wonderful change,
and I do not know why I did not search my bed; I thought of doing
so.' The Sister then produced the medal, which he kissed with
respect and affection. 'It is this,' he exclaimed, 'that gave me
strength to brave human respect. I must place it on my breast; I
will give you a ribbon to attach it to my decoration,' (he wore the
cross of honor.) The first ribbon offered being a little faded,
'No, Sister,' said he, 'not that, but this; the Blessed Virgin must
have a new ribbon.' The Sister, regarding his weak state, placed
the medal in such a manner that it was somewhat concealed. 'Oh! do
not hide it, Sister,' said he; 'put it beside my cross, I shall not
blush to show it.'
"In the afternoon the curé asked us how our patient was, and he
was not less edified than ourselves at the account we gave of his
admirable dispositions. Preparations were made to give him the last
Sacraments. At the sight of the Holy Viaticum, he was so penetrated
with emotion that he begged pardon aloud of God for all the sins
of his life in detail, and it was with the utmost difficulty he
could be persuaded to lower his voice, his heart being too full
to contain itself. He passed the following night and the next day
in the same dispositions of faith, regret and piety, until Monday
morning, December 1st, when he peacefully rendered his soul to God,
and we have every confidence that it was received into the arms of
His mercy.
"We relate what we saw and heard; it took place in our ward, which
numbers sixty patients, the majority of whom witnessed a part of
these details."
NOTE.--Before burial, the Sister took the medal off his corpse, and the
patient in the next bed begged to have it, so persuaded was he that it
had been the instrument of this touching conversion.
This consoling return to God was followed by several others not less
striking or less sincere, and in that very institution, by the same
means--the medal. Quite lately two have taken place, but the details
are so very much like the above that for this reason alone we refrain
from giving them.
All this has been confirmed by M. Ancelin, curé of the Invalides.
CURE OF M. FERMIN, A PRIEST--1834.
This account was sent us by the Superior General of St. Sulpice, who
was anxious that we should have it. The venerable priest of this very
estimable Community, who was favored with this grace, wrote the details
himself, and they were attested by the Superior and the Director of the
grand Seminary of Rheims, both of whom were witnesses.
"To the glory of Mary conceived without sin, I, Jean Baptiste
Fermin, unworthy servant of the Blessed Virgin, and subject of M.
Olier, have, together with my Superior and confrères, thought it
my duty to transmit to our very honored Father, an account of the
special favor accorded me.
"Many persons knew what I suffered for six whole years, how I
was worn out with a nervous, worrying cough, whose attacks were
so frequent and so prolonged that one can scarcely imagine how I
ever survived them. My physician himself told me that, for the
first three years, my life was in imminent danger, and if in the
last three I was less exposed to death at every step, as it were,
the giving way of my stomach, the weakness of my chest, were such
that all my days were filled with bitterness, and new crosses
were laid upon me. In this condition, what ecclesiastical fasts
could I keep? Four or five years ago, the desire of complying,
in some degree, with the precepts of the Church led me to fast
the Ember week before Christmas, and the prejudice to my health
was such that I was not permitted to fast again even for a day.
Abstinence from meat became impossible, and for having attempted
this slight mortification, how much I suffered in consequence, even
in the very month of July, 1834! Whilst my health was so impaired,
and I saw only a lingering end to my afflictions, it pleased my
Superiors to give me a year's rest. I received with gratitude this
additional evidence of their consideration for me, and endeavored
to co-operate with them in re-establishing my health, of which they
had been so thoughtful; but, in my condition, the recuperative
powers of nature were of slight avail. Even amidst perfect
quiet and rest for four whole months, I experienced but little
alleviation of my sufferings, for though my chest became, at least,
apparently stronger, my stomach grew weaker and more disordered,
so that I was obliged to diet, which, added to the dieting I had
already practiced, reduced me to such a state of exhaustion that I
could not foresee the consequences.
"O, Mary, how deplorable was my condition when you cast upon
me a look of mercy! The 15th of November, 1834, I was sent a
medal, struck in honor of the Immaculate Conception, and already
celebrated as the instrument of many miracles. In receiving it,
I was penetrated, for the first time, with a strong feeling
of confidence, that this was the Heaven-sent means by which I
would reach the end of my afflictions; I had not foreseen this
hope, still less had I excited it, for I believe I can say,
conscientiously, that I felt naturally disinclined to ask a favor
of which I deemed myself unworthy. However, the feeling became so
strong that I thought it my duty to consider it prayerfully next
morning; and not to oppose so good an impulse, I determined to
make a novena, and I commenced it on the 16th. From that moment my
confidence was boundless, and like a child who reasons no longer,
but sees only what he feels sure of obtaining, it sustained me
amidst the new trials to which I was subjected; for on the 19th,
and several days after, my sufferings were redoubled, affecting at
once both stomach and chest. On the 22d I felt considerably better,
on the 23d I believed myself strong enough to abandon a diet on
which I had subsisted a long time, and on the 24th I wished to eat
just what was served the Community; that very morning I commenced,
like the hearty seminarians, to take a little dry bread and wine,
and it agreed with me. Thus my desires were accomplished. I had
implored the Blessed Virgin to give me health to live according
to the rule, and she had done so; but a good Mother like Mary
would not leave her work imperfect, and she chose the very day of
her Conception to bestow upon me her crowning favors. I was still
troubled with a slight indisposition of the stomach accompanying
digestion after dinner, but it was not positive suffering, and even
this remnant of my old infirmity disappeared entirely. On the eve
of that Feast my devotion to Mary, which had lost a little of its
first fervor, was, when I least expected it, excited anew, and I
felt urged to implore the consummation of a good work so happily
begun. I did so that evening, and next morning at prayers, at Mass,
at my thanksgiving, and it was in finishing this last exercise
before a statue of the Blessed Virgin, after a most fervent prayer,
that I realized the recompense of my confidence--I felt assured
that my petitions had been granted. Since then I have experienced
no indisposition worthy of attention. I was able to fast the Ember
week before Christmas and the eve of that great solemnity; I sang
the ten o'clock High Mass the fourth Sunday in Advent; I followed
all the offices of the choir on those days the Church consecrates
to the celebration of our Divine Master's birth, and, instead of
regretting these efforts, I find in each one of them a new motive
for blessing the Lord and testifying my gratitude to our good
Mother.
J.B. FERMIN."
"Though surpassing our hopes, we have witnessed the speedy and
perfect recovery of M.J. Fermin, which appears to be something
supernatural, since he employed no other remedies than great
devotion to the Blessed Virgin and a novena in her honor.
"AUBRY, RAIGECOURT GOURNAY."
II.
_Graces Obtained during the Year 1835, in France, Switzerland,
Savoy and Turkey._
CURE OF MADEMOISELLE JOUBERT.
NOTE.--The account of this very striking cure was sent us by M.
Poinsel, Vicar General of Limoges, whom I took the liberty of asking
for it.
"_Bishopric of Limoges._
"Glory to God! honor to Mary!
"The 10th of February, 1834, Mlle. Joubert, aged twenty-nine
years, a person of solid piety, was suddenly cured of a painful
and very serious infirmity. For more than a year, she had carried
her left arm in a sling, by reason of an unaccountable disease
which extended from the shoulder to the hand, and was of such a
nature that the afflicted member seemed dead; when necessary to
be handled, it had to be done with extreme precaution, and even
then the pain was so excessive that often the patient fell sick
in consequence. The disease was successively styled rheumatic
gout, inflammatory and gangrenous rheumatism; science employed in
combating it, baths, shower baths, poultices, liniments of all
sort, vain remedies which only aggravated the evil and varied
the suffering. Sometimes amputation was spoken of: 'Would to
God, Mademoiselle, you had but one arm!' said the physician,
not concealing his anxiety and fears of her death, as spring
approached, for the diseased arm was pale, livid, and frightful to
behold.
"The young lady, a true Christian, was resigned to all; by
meditations upon the cross, she encouraged herself to suffer,
and, perceiving the progress of the disease, she thought only of
dying the precious death of the just. A friend, one day, proposed
to her that she should wear the medal with confidence, and make a
novena to Mary. She acted upon the suggestion; at the end of the
novena, on the usual day of her confession (she was accustomed to
confess weekly), she approached the sacred tribunal, and lo! at the
very instant when recollected, contrite and humbled, she received
the moral effect of the priest's benediction and holy words, an
extraordinary physical change took place in the arm heretofore
judged incurable, it suddenly became unloosed and free, all
suffering vanished! 'I scarcely knew where I was,' said she, 'but
it seemed to me as if a cord that had been tightly drawn around my
arm was unwound, ring after ring, and I was cured! My surprise, my
joy, were extreme and beyond all power of expression!'
"On reaching home, she exclaimed: 'A miracle! light a taper, light
two, come, come, see the miracle! I can move my arm, animation is
restored to it, I am cured!' Oh! how great the joy of that family!
They surrounded the favored one, they looked at, they touched the
resuscitated member, they tested its powers in various ways, making
her lift divers objects and execute a variety of movements; then,
all the members of this truly Christian family, moved even to
tears, fell on their knees, and recited that hymn of thanksgiving,
the _Te Deum_.
"Since then, (that is, for more than a year), her arm has been
perfectly well. The physician himself was struck with this event,
which it would be difficult to attribute to concealed resources,
or the sudden agency of nature. What is nature without the
intervention and action of God? He is sole Master of nature, life
and death are at His will. It is not necessary, then, to reason so
much on the subject; a little faith will easily make us recognize
here a special grace of God, through the intercession of Mary, our
kind, sweet Mother, to whom we must ever repair, invoking her with
love and confidence.
"Such is the simple and conscientious account of the event given
me, the undersigned, by the person herself, in answer to my
questions, in the presence of an intelligent, reliable individual
who saw all, having several times dressed the arm, and who, by
reason of her skill and long experience, was well calculated to
judge of the danger.
"In attestation of which, etc.
"POINSEL, Vicar General.
"_February 14, 1835._"