M. Alphonse Ratisbonne belonged to a Jewish family of Strasburg,

distinguished in the world as much for its social position as the

universal esteem in which it was held; he himself was a member of

a society for the encouragement of labor, contributing thus to the

benefit of his unfortunate brethren. Towards the end of the year 1841,

he became affianced to a young Jewess, who united in her person all

those qualities calculated to assure his happiness. Before entering

upon this new state of life, he decided to take a pleasure trip to the

East, visiting on the way some of the most remarkable cities of Italy.

There was nothing, he thought, interesting to him in the Eternal City,

so from Naples he would direct his course to Palermo; but Divine mercy

called him, though he did not recognize the voice; he is constrained,

as it were, by a secret design of Heaven, to change his determination,

and visit Rome. It was in this centre of Catholic unity that the God

of all patience and goodness awaited him, it was here that grace was

to touch his heart. But what were his dispositions? Thou, O Lord,

knowest them!... His hatred of Catholicity was very far from suggesting

a thought of his ever embracing it. He felt for our holy and sublime

religion that violent animosity which could not contain itself, which

chafed at anything reminding him of Christianity, and which had even

grown more rancorous since his brother M. Theodore Ratisbonne's

abjuration of Judaism and reception of Holy Orders. He could not

pardon this desertion, and his implacable hatred increased with time.

But the innocent object of his aversion never ceased to supplicate

Heaven to shed a ray of divine light upon the deluded brother, who

loaded him with indignation and contempt. Made sub-Director of the

Archconfraternity of Notre Dame des Victoires, he often implored the

associates' prayers for this brother's conversion.

Such were M. Ratisbonne's sentiments when he entered Rome. He had

scarcely arrived ere he thought of leaving; everything he saw in the

Holy City urged him to hasten from it, everything excited him to

declaim against what shocked and vilified his belief.... He was not

proof, however, against a species of emotion in visiting the church

of Ara Coeli; but it was an emotion which lost all its influence,

(if influence it could be said to have exerted upon this heart buried

in the shades of death,) when he understood that it was the general

effect produced by the first sight of this remarkable monument. So, far

from giving way to it, he hastened, on the contrary, to affirm that

it was not a Catholic emotion, but an impression purely religious. In

traversing the Ghetto, his hatred against Christianity was still more

inflamed at witnessing the misery and degradation of the Jews; as if

the chastisement of that deicidal people had been inflicted by the

children of the Church, as if this people had not called down upon

itself the vengeance of innocent blood!

Before leaving Rome, M. Ratisbonne was to visit one of his childhood's

friends, an old schoolmate with whom he had always kept up an intimacy,

although their religious belief was so widely at variance. This friend

was M. Gustave de Bussière, a zealous Protestant, who several times had

endeavored to profit by their intimacy, by persuading M. Ratisbonne

to embrace Protestantism, but the latter was immovable, and the two

friends, after useless discussions, usually ended by a renewal of

their faith in two words, expressing most emphatically how invincible

each deemed himself. "Headstrong Jew!" said one; "Enraged Protestant!"

replied the other. Such was the result of these conversations, which

never succeeded in shaking the opinion of either, or dissipating any

of their deplorable errors. This opposition of principles, however,

did not estrange their friendship. M. Ratisbonne called to see M.

De Bussière, and was admitted by an Italian servant. He inquired

for M. Gustave de Bussière, but this gentleman was absent, and by a

providential mistake the servant introduced him into the salon of M.

Theodore Bussière, Gustave's brother, whom M. Ratisbonne had seen but

once. It was too late to withdraw, and though somewhat disconcerted

at the mistake, he stopped to exchange a few words of courtesy with

his friend's brother. M. De Bussière had had the happiness of abjuring

Protestantism, and he was a zealous advocate of the Faith he had

so lately learned to prize. He knew that M. Ratisbonne was a Jew;

he received him with affectionate eagerness, and the conversation

naturally turning upon the various places of interest in Rome visited

by the young French traveler, it soon drifted into a religious

discussion. M. Ratisbonne did not disguise his real sentiments, he

expressed his animosity against Catholicity, his inalterable attachment

to Judaism and to the baron De Bussière's solid arguments, his only

replies were the frigid politeness of silence, a smile of pity, or new

protestations of fidelity to his sect, repeating that a Jew he was born

and a Jew he would die!

It was then that M. De Bussière, not the least discouraged by M.

Ratisbonne's emphatic language, and impelled by a secret impulse

of grace, thought of offering him the Miraculous Medal. Doubtless

this idea appears rash to many, and many would have banished it as a

veritable folly, but the simplicity of faith teaches us to discern

things by a very different light from that in which they are revealed

to the world. Filled with this holy fearlessness of the Saints, M. De

Bussière presents the young Jew a medal of the Immaculate Conception.

"Promise me," said he, "to always wear this little image, I beg you not

to refuse me." M. Ratisbonne, unable to conceal his astonishment at

so strange a proposition, rejects it instantly with an expression of

indignation that would have disconcerted any other than his new friend.

"But," continues our fervent Catholic undismayed, "I cannot understand

the cause of such a refusal, for, according to your view of things, the

wearing of this object must be to you a matter of total indifference,

whilst it would be a real consolation to me if you would condescend to

my request." "Ah! I will comply, then, if you attach so much importance

to it," replied the other with a hearty laugh; "I should not be sorry,

moreover, to have an opportunity of convincing you that Jews are not

so headstrong as they are represented. Besides, it will give me an

interesting chapter to add to my notes and impressions of travel." And

he continued to jest on the subject in a manner rather painful to the

Christian hearts around him.

During this debate, the good father of the family had told his two

little daughters (interesting children, whom an eminently religious

education had already imbued with sentiments of piety), to put the

precious medal on a cord. They did so, and gave it to their father,

who hung it around the young Israelite's neck. Encouraged by this

first success, he wishes to go still farther. He attempts nothing less

than binding M. Ratisbonne himself to ask the favor and protection of

Mary, of Mary whom he despises without knowing, Mary whose image he

receives most reluctantly! M. De Bussière presents him a paper upon

which is written St. Bernard's powerful invocation, the _Memorare_....

This time, the Jew can still less dissimulate his displeasure, it seems

tried to the utmost; but the baron feels himself actuated by a secret

impulse, that urges him to persevere in his solicitations, and conquer.

He repeats his request, and even goes so far when he presents the

prayer as to beg M. Ratisbonne to take a copy of it for him, as he has

but one. M. Ratisbonne, convinced that resistance is useless, rather

than repeat his refusal prefers acceding to the request, and thus

ridding himself of such vexatious importunity. "Agreed," said he, "that

you take my copy and I keep yours." And, hastening to this indiscreet

zealot, he retired, murmuring to himself: "I really wonder what he

would say if I were to insist upon his reciting the Jewish prayers?

I must admit that I have, indeed, met a striking original!" It was

thus he left this house of benediction and salvation, ignorant of the

treasure he bore with him, the key of Heaven that had been given him;

the image of the Mother of holy hope he wore upon his heart, and whose

blessed effects he would so soon experience.

* * * * *

M. De Bussière, deeply grieved at the young Jew's levity, united with

his family in conjuring the God of mercy to pardon the words of one who

knew not what he said; and he recommended his dear children to lift

up their hands to the Refuge of Sinners, supplicating her to obtain

the gift of Faith for this poor soul in the shades of darkness and

error!... O Mary! your tender love graciously welcomed these prayers of

the innocent, they penetrated your maternal heart, and soon obtained

the object of their desires. The zeal of this devout servant of the

Queen of Heaven was not confined within the narrow limits of his own

family circle.... Going, that evening, according to a pious custom in

Rome, to keep watch before the Blessed Sacrament with the prince B.

and some other friends, he also engaged their prayers for the young

Israelite's conversion.... Let us follow attentively all the details

preceding the ever memorable day which was to crown M. De Bussière's

pious efforts. Let us not forget that a generous Christian, elevated by

a lively faith above the vain prejudices of the world, and docile to

the secret inspirations of grace, becomes the instrument of Providence

in procuring God's glory and the salvation of a soul.

Meanwhile, M. Ratisbonne was making arrangements to leave Rome; he

had already fixed upon the day of his departure, and had come to say

good-bye to his friend and acquaint him with his intention of starting

the next evening. "Going!" replied M. De Bussière; "do not think of

it. I want you to grant me just eight days longer; our conversation of

yesterday occupies my thoughts more than ever; let me entreat you to

prolong your stay, and let us go to the diligence office to countermand

your order." It was in vain. M. Ratisbonne declined, saying he had

already decided to go, and had no motive for deferring his departure.

Under the pretext of a very imposing ceremony which was to take place

at St. Peter's, M. De Bussière forced, rather than persuaded him to

remain a few days longer.

We shall not here enter into a detailed account of what passed

between them from the moment M. De Bussière's constancy gained the

last triumph--that is, from the 16th of January to the 20th--inasmuch

as there was not the slightest sign of the happy change, either in

the language or conduct of M. Ratisbonne, towards the new friend

divine Providence had given him, in spite of himself. He could not,

however, avoid receiving this new friend's civilities, or refuse to

be accompanied by him in visiting the various places of note in the

Eternal City. M. De Bussière, full of hope against all human hope,

allowed no opportunity to escape of enlightening his young friend; but

not one consoling response could he obtain, M. Ratisbonne, by jest and

raillery, always avoiding the arguments he would not take the trouble

to refute, always ridiculing Catholicity, and thus afflicting the heart

of the servant of Jesus Christ by responding coldly to the assiduity of

his zeal, the serious nature of his propositions. "Make your mind easy;

I will think of all this, but not at Rome. I am to spend two months

at Malta; it will serve to while away the time." He was astonished at

the imperturbable tranquillity with which M. De Bussière persevered in

trying to convince him; he could not understand that union of serenity

(which religion alone inspires) with that ardent desire (that he

doubtless attributed to obstinacy) of leading him to a new belief, for

which, according to his own words, he felt more aversion than ever. To

him this tranquillity appeared incomprehensible. M. De Bussière did

not hesitate to express his belief in the triumph of his cause; for

instance, in passing the _Scala Sancta_ with the young Israelite, as

he pointed it out he bared his head respectfully and said aloud, as

if in a voice of prophecy, "Hail, holy staircase! here is a man who

one day will ascend your steps on his knees." This was on the 19th.

M. Ratisbonne's only response was a disconcerting peal of laughter,

and the two friends separated again, without the slightest religious

impression having been made upon the Israelite, although, unknown to

human ken, he was on the eve of the brightest day of his life.

During this short interval, M. De Bussière tasted the bitterness of

losing one of his dearest friends. M. De La Ferronays died suddenly on

the evening of the 17th, leaving to his family and all who knew him

the sweet hope that he had bid adieu to this perishable life only to

enter upon the joys of a blissful immortal one. Doubtless this event

contributed to the young Israelite's speedy conversion, for whilst on

earth M. De La Ferronays had prayed for him, and we have every reason

to believe that he soon became his advocate in heaven. M. De Bussière

had informed this dear friend of his hopes and the means employed for

gaining the young Israelite to Jesus Christ, and he had received the

consoling answer: "Do not be uneasy; if you have succeeded in making

him say the _Memorare_, he is yours." ... Such was the admirable

confidence of this fervent Christian in the powerful protection of the

most compassionate Virgin Mary!

Yet notwithstanding the bitterness of the sacrifice Heaven had just

demanded of the Baron De Bussière, he found it hard to part from this

young man whom he longed to conquer to the Faith, and the resignation

of his grief was a new prayer attracting the Divine mercy. Immediately

after leaving him on the 19th, he went to prostrate himself beside the

remains of his virtuous friend, begging that friend's assistance from

the heights of heaven in obtaining what had been already recommended to

his prayers on earth.

* * * * *

Thursday, 20th.--M. Ratisbonne's dispositions are not changed in the

least; he never raises his thoughts above terrestrial things, the

religious discussions of the preceding days have not even fixed his

attention, or apparently not excited in his soul the slightest anxiety.

As to his false belief, he never dreams of taking one step towards a

knowledge of the truth; M. De Bussière is not with him to continue the

conversation on religion, and he dismisses the subject from his mind.

Leaving the café, he meets one of his fellow-boarders; they discourse

of balls and other frivolous amusements in such a way as to convince

one that he was surely not engrossed with anything serious. It was then

noon, and two hours later the young Jew had seen the light, two hours

later he eagerly desired the grace of holy baptism, two hours later he

believed in the Church!... Who is like to Thee, O my God? Who can thus,

in an instant, triumph over human reason, and force it to render homage

to Thy sovereign truth?... Ah! it is Thyself, Thyself alone, Lord, it

is the prerogative of Thy mercy to work such prodigies! Let us return

to our Israelite.

It is one o'clock; M. De Bussière must repair to the church of

St. Andrew delle Fratte to make some arrangements for the funeral

ceremonies of M. De La Ferronays, which take place on the morrow. He

sets out, and on the way happily meets M. Ratisbonne, who joins him,

with the intention of taking one of their usual walks, when M. De

Bussière had fulfilled the imperative duty that required his immediate

attention.... But the moment of grace has come. They enter the church,

where various decorations already announce the morrow's ceremonies;

the Israelite inquires the meaning of them, and M. De Bussière, having

replied that they were for the funeral obsequies of M. De La Ferronays,

the intimate friend he had just lost, begs him to wait there an

instant, whilst he goes into the house to execute a commission with

one of the monks. M. Ratisbonne then glances coolly around the church,

seeming to say by his air of indifference, that it is not worth his

attention. We must remark that he was then at the epistle side of

the altar. M. De Bussière returns after an absence of about twelve

minutes, and is surprised at not seeing his young companion. Could he

have grown weary of waiting in a place that inspired only repugnance

and disgust?... He knew not, and sought M. Ratisbonne. What was his

astonishment at finding him on the left hand side of the church,

kneeling, and apparently wrapt in devotion!... He could scarcely

believe his eyes, and yet it was no mistake.... It was in the chapel

of the archangel St. Michael that the prince of darkness had just been

crushed.... A great victory already rejoiced all Heaven.... The young

Jew was vanquished.

M. De Bussière approaches, but he is not heard; he touches his

friend, but he cannot distract him; he touches him again, but still

no response; he repeats it a third or fourth time, and at last M.

Ratisbonne turns to answer, and his tearful countenance, his utter

inability to express what has passed, his hands clasped most fervently,

partly reveal the heavenly secret. "Oh! how M. De La Ferronays has

prayed for me!" he exclaims. This is all he says. Never did M. De

Bussière enjoy a more consoling surprise. The bandage of error blinding

the young Israelite had fallen, and M. De Bussière's heart was filled

with the most lively gratitude to God.... He raises his young friend,

who was completely overcome by this celestial visitation; he takes

him and almost carries him out of the church.... He is all eagerness

to know the details.... He asks M. Ratisbonne to reveal the mystery,

and begs him to say where he wishes to go. "Lead me," replies the new

Paul, completely vanquished, "lead me where you will.... After what

I have seen, I obey." ... And not being able to say more, he draws

forth the unknown treasure he had been wearing upon his heart for four

days. He takes the dear medal in his hands, he covers it with kisses,

he waters it abundantly with tears of joy, and amidst his sobs escape

a few words expressive of his happiness, but which a profound emotion

almost prevents his articulating. "How good is God! What a plentitude

of gifts! What joy unknown! Ah! how happy I am, and how much to be

pitied are they who do not believe!" And continuing to shed torrents

of tears over the miseries of those whom Faith has never enlightened,

he already feels the holy desire of seeing the kingdom of Jesus Christ

extended throughout the world. He can scarcely himself understand such

a transformation, and amidst the various feelings surging through his

heart, he interrupts his tears, his exclamations and his silence, to

ask M. De Bussière if he does not think him crazy.... Then answering

his own question, "No," he continues: "I am not crazy.... I know well

what I think and what passes within me.... I know that I am in my right

mind.... Moreover, everybody knows that I am not crazy!" By degrees,

these first transports of emotion give place to a more composed frame

of mind; he can at last express his new desires, his new belief, and

he asks to be conducted to the feet of a priest, for he craves the

grace of holy baptism.... Already favored with the most lively Faith,

he aspires after the happiness of confessing his Divine Master in the

midst of torments and recalling the sufferings of the martyrs he had

seen represented upon the walls of St. Étienne le Rond; he wishes to

shed his blood in attestation of his Faith as a disciple of Jesus

Christ.... Meanwhile, he has told M. De Bussière nothing of the sudden

blow that vanquished him, and he refuses to tell except in the presence

of God's minister; "for what he saw he ought not, he could not reveal

except on his knees."

Father De Villefort, of the Society of Jesus, is chosen to receive

the neophyte and hear this consoling secret, which will reveal the

excess of Divine mercy towards the soul of the young Israelite. M. De

Bussière himself conducts him to the Reverend Father, who welcomes him

tenderly.... Then, in the presence of M. De Bussière, M. Ratisbonne

takes in his hand the medal, the dear pledge of the Immaculate Mary's

protection, and again covers it with respectful kisses, mingled with a

shower of tears. He endeavors to overcome his emotion, and exclaims in

a transport of joy: "I have seen her! I have seen her!" Conquering his

feelings, he continues his narration, interrupted from time to time by

the sighs of an overburdened heart.

"I had been in the church but an instant, when suddenly I was

seized with an inexplicable fear. I raised my eyes, the whole

edifice had disappeared from my view, one chapel alone had,

as it were, concentrated all the light, and in the midst

of this effulgence there appeared standing upon the altar the

Virgin Mary, grand, brilliant, full of majesty and sweetness,

such as she is represented upon the medal--an irresistible

force impelled me to her. The Virgin made me a sign with her

hand to kneel, and she seemed to say: 'It is well.' She did not

speak to me, but I understood all."

[Illustration: _APPARITION OF THE MIRACULOUS MEDAL_

_To M. Ratisbonne, January 20, 1842, in the Church of St. Andrew,

delle Fratte, in Rome. "She did not speak one word to me," said M.

Ratisbonne, "but I understood it all._"]

He ceased, but this short account eloquently revealed the abundant

favors with which his soul had just been inundated. Reverend Father De

Villefort and the pious baron listened with a holy joy, mingled with an

involuntary feeling of religious awe, at thoughts of the infinite power

which had just triumphed by such a striking manifestation of mercy....

The mystery was revealed, but M. Ratisbonne, now the disciple of the

most humble of Masters, a God annihilated, expressed a wish to have the

wonderful vision kept a profound secret; he even earnestly entreated

that it should be, but Father De Villefort considered it wiser not

to yield to the neophyte's modesty, God's glory, the Immaculate

Mary's honor, demanding that such a miracle should be proclaimed. M.

Ratisbonne's humility gave way to obedience. In the brief narration

just quoted, one thing especially had struck the Reverend Father,

"She did not speak to me, but I understood all!" What, then, had he

understood, he who, having hitherto lived in the shades of darkness,

found himself in an instant instructed in heavenly knowledge? What,

then, had he understood, he who was suddenly recalled from the bosom of

death which he loved, to a new life which but a short time previous he

had solemnly declared he would ever ignore, 'a Jew he was born and a

Jew he would die?' What had he understood, he the young Jew, so lately

headstrong in his belief, an avowed enemy of Catholicity, but who now

humbly prostrates himself at the feet of our Lord's minister to retract

his words and renounce his own will, for he declares that, after what

he has seen, he obeys?... What has he understood? What has he seen? He

has seen the Mother of divine grace, the bright aurora of the Sun of

Justice; he has understood the gift of God, the eternal truth ... the

unity of the Church, its infallibility, the sanctity of its morals, the

sublimity of its mysteries, the grandeur and elevation of its hopes....

He has understood Heaven, and henceforth everything is changed for

him, everything is renewed within him, he is no longer the same. His

desires, projects, thoughts, earthly affections, where are they in the

brilliancy of this celestial radiance? Vain prejudices of error, where

are they?... The Immaculate Mother of Jesus has rent asunder the band

that veiled the young Israelite's eyes, and the shades of error are

dissipated, the blind man sees the light, and his joy is inexpressible,

for he knew not till then the true gifts, the blessings promised the

children of the true Church.

* * * * *

M. Ratisbonne had heretofore been completely ignorant of the truths

of Catholicity, he acknowledges that he had never read even one book

calculated to enlighten him on the subject, his hatred of Christianity

kept him aloof from all that might change his views in regard to it.

He blasphemed without examining the object of his blasphemy, he judged

without hearing, he despised without investigating.... And behold!

in spite of himself, in an instant, in defiance of all his past

protestations, he bends, he falls, he is conquered!

Rejoice, O Mary! for the dew of grace has not descended upon an

ungrateful soil.... No; not in vain at your mysterious school has he

learned all this privileged soul of your love, this heart that your

incomparable beauty, your ineffable bounty have vanquished for Jesus

Christ!

We see, indeed, that, from the moment his eyes are opened to the

light, he adores the mysteries he formerly despised, loves what he

hated, venerates what he ridiculed, and proves himself as humble

and submissive to the Church as the most fervent Christian. That

very day, he goes to the basilica of St. Mary Major, in tribute of

gratitude to her who had just descended from Heaven, to bring him the

gift of Faith, and its attendant blessings; thence he repairs to St.

Peter's, to declare in that sanctuary dedicated to the Prince of the

Apostles, his belief in the truths that Peter taught. M. De Bussière,

who found a pious delight in offering to God this conquest of grace,

accompanied him on his holy pilgrimage, and conversed intimately with

him, they had but one heart and one soul. A new Paul, Ratisbonne, in

what he experienced, at the moment the Blessed Virgin gently forced

him to prostrate himself at her feet, to receive the light of Heaven,

recognized the strength of Him who vanquished His persecutors.... The

profound emotion, the holy awe that filled the neophyte on entering

a church, declared more fully the secrets that had been revealed to

him.... Penetrated with the liveliest faith for the great Sacrament

of love, he could not approach the altar, he was overwhelmed at the

thought of the Real Presence of the God who resides in the Most

Holy Sacrament. He considered himself unworthy to appear in this

august Presence, as he was yet stained with original sin, and M. De

Bussière relates, that he took refuge in a chapel, consecrated to the

Blessed Virgin, exclaiming: "I have no fears here, for I feel myself

under the protection of a boundless mercy." O Mary! you opened your

maternal heart, and there he concealed himself, knowing that divine

justice yields to mercy, when the guilty soul has found and invoked

with confidence the Refuge of Sinners.... So great was the fervent

neophyte's happiness when in the temple of the Lord, that he was unable

to find words expressive of his happiness. "Ah!" said he in a holy

transport, "how delightful it is to be here! How great reason have

Catholics to love their churches and to frequent them! How zealous

they should be in ornamenting them! How sweet to spend a lifetime in

these holy places! They are truly not of earth but of Heaven!" Ah! are

we not confounded and abashed by the fervor of him who has just been

born into the truth! What would he think of the coldness, the levity,

the ingratitude of the majority of Christians?... Let us acknowledge

it to our confusion; there is a Host who dwells in our midst, and

whom we know not; we who eat at His table, who feed upon His own

flesh, the Bread descended from Heaven, and behold! a young Israelite,

instructed but a few hours in the wonders of God's love, teaches us how

we must conduct ourselves in the presence of this Host, and with what

sentiments our hearts should then be filled.

* * * * *

Next day, the news of this wonderful conversion had spread through

Rome; every one was anxious to learn something about it, and collected

with pious curiosity the various statements in circulation; every one

wished to see the newly converted and hear his account.... General

Chlabonski even went to M. De Bussière's house. "So you have seen the

image of the Blessed Virgin," said he, accosting the neophyte. "The

image?" answered the latter, "ah! it was no image, but herself I saw;

yes, M. her real self, just as I see you now!" We must here remark that

to the Church alone, appertains the power of judging and qualifying

this vision; but every one was impressed with the fact, that mistake

or illusion seemed impossible, considering the young Israelite's

character, education, prejudices and horror for Christianity; moreover,

in this chapel there was neither statue, picture nor any representation

whatever of the Blessed Virgin. And we love to quote here the words of

a wise man, who, referring to the event, says, "that without one grain

of exaggeration, just as it happened, just as all Rome narrates it, the

unexpected fact, the public fact of this conversion, considering all

the circumstances, would of itself be a miracle, if a miracle had not

caused it."

M. Ratisbonne reluctantly gave the details of what he had seen. When

questioned closely as to what took place at the moment he found himself

environed by this celestial effulgence, he answers ingenuously that he

could not account for the involuntary impulse causing him to leave the

right hand side of the church for the chapel on the left, especially

as he was separated from it by the preparations for the morrow's

ceremonies; that, when the Queen of Heaven appeared before him in all

the glory and brilliancy of her immaculate purity, he caught a glimpse

of her incomparable beauty, but immediately realized the impossibility

of contemplating it, that urged by the desire, three times had he

endeavored to lift his eyes to the face of this Mother of mercy, whose

sweet clemency had deigned to manifest herself to him, and three times,

in spite of himself, had his gaze been stayed at sight of the blessed

hands, whence escaped a torrent of graces. "I could not," he told us

himself after his arrival, "I could not express what I saw of mercy and

liberality in Mary's hands. It was not only an effulgence of light,

it was not rays I distinguished, words are inadequate to depict the

ineffable gifts filling our Mother's hands, and descending from them,

the bounty, mercy, tenderness, the celestial sweetness and riches,

flowing in torrents and inundating the souls she protects."

In the first moments of his conversion, M. Ratisbonne gave vent to some

of those thoughts which strongly pre-occupied him, those outpourings

of a fervent heart which happily, are still preserved. "O my God!"

he exclaimed in a transport of astonishment and gratitude, "I, who

only half an hour before was blaspheming! I, who felt such violent

hatred against the Catholic religion!... Every one of my acquaintances

knew full well, that to all human appearances, it was impossible for

me ever to think of changing my religion. My family was Jewish, my

betrothed, my uncle were Jewish. In embracing Christianity, I know that

I break away from all earthly hopes and interests.... And yet I do

it willingly; I renounce the passing happiness of a future which was

promised me; I do so without hesitation, I act from conviction; ...

for I am not crazy, and have never been; they well know it.... Who,

then, could refuse to believe me, and believe in the truth?... The most

powerful interests enchained me to my religion, and consequently all

should be convinced that a man who sacrifices everything to a profound

conviction must sacrifice to a celestial light, which has revealed

itself by incontrovertible evidence. What I have affirmed is true. I

know it, I feel it; and what could be my object in thus betraying the

truth and turning aside from religion by a sacrilegious lie?... I have

not said too much; my words must carry conviction."

The Baron De Bussière had the consolation of entertaining at his own

home the new son Heaven had given him; the young Jew remained there

until the retreat preceding his baptism. It was right and just,

indeed, that this friend should gather the first bloom of a heart

refreshed by the dew of grace, that he should be the happy witness of

the wonders wrought in that soul.... M. Ratisbonne himself had need

of a confidant, some one that understood him thoroughly, and to whom

he could communicate the emotions of his heart.... It was in moments

of sweet intimacy, when alone with his friend, that he could give

full vent to his feelings, and, in unison with him, admire the loving

designs of divine Providence, and the means that had dissipated such

deplorable errors. He bewailed the blindness in which he had lived!...

"Alas!" said he, "when my excellent brother embraced Catholicity,

and afterwards entered into the ecclesiastical state, I, of all his

relatives, was his most unrelenting persecutor.... I could not forgive

his desertion of our religion--we were at variance, at least; I

detested him, though he had none but the kindest thoughts for me....

However, at the time of my betrothal, I said to myself that I must be

reconciled to my brother, and I wrote him a few cold lines, to which

he replied by a letter full of charity and tenderness.... One of my

little nephews died about eighteen months ago. My good brother, having

learned that he was seriously ill, asked as a personal favor that the

child be baptized before its death, adding, with great delicacy, that

to us it would be a matter of indifference, whilst to himself it would

be a veritable happiness, and he hoped we would not refuse. I was

infuriated at such a request!

"I hope, oh! yes, I hope that my God will send me severe trials, which

may redound to His honor and glory, and convince all that I am actuated

by conscience...." What generosity of heart! What knowledge! His eyes

are scarcely opened to the truths of Catholicity, ere he embraces

them in their full extent.... He knows already that the cross is the

distinctive mark of the children of the Church, of God's elect, and

this cross which so many Christians drag reluctantly after them, he

greets, he awaits, he desires.... Moreover, it had been shown to him in

a very mysterious manner; for he relates that the night preceding his

conversion there was constantly before his eyes a large cross without

the Christ, that the sight really fatigued him, although he considered

it of no importance. "I made," said he, "incredible efforts to banish

this image, but in vain. It was only later, when having, by chance,

seen the reverse of the Miraculous Medal, he recognized the exact sign

which had struck him.

Divine Providence, looking with a loving eye upon this young convert,

directed his steps, and in these early days of his conversion, led

him to a venerable Father who was to give him very precious counsel,

upon the life of abnegation and perpetual sacrifice he had embraced.

This servant of the Lord, immediately lay before him the importance

of the step he had taken, the trials awaiting him, the temptation that

would most assuredly beset his path, and without fearing to shake

his constancy, he read him a few verses of the second chapter of

Ecclesiasticus, upon the trials testing the virtue of the true servant

and friend of God. With pleasure we quote here a part of this good

priest's instructions:

"My son, when thou comest to the service of God, stand in

justice and in fear, and prepare thy soul for temptation.

Humble thy heart and endure; incline thy ear, and receive the

words of understanding; and make not haste in the time of

clouds. Wait on God with patience; join thyself to God and

endure, that thy life may be increased in the latter end. Take

all that shall be brought upon thee; and in thy sorrow endure,

and in thy humiliation keep patience. For gold and silver

are tried in the fire, but acceptable men in the furnace of

humiliation. Believe God, and He will recover thee; and direct

thy way, and trust in Him. Keep His fear, and grow old therein."

M. Ratisbonne listened in respectful silence to these words of life; he

cherished the remembrance of them, and the eve of his baptism, he asked

the Reverend Father to put them in writing that he might meditate upon

them the rest of his days.... It was accomplished, the joys of earth

were sacrificed to the glory of bearing the cross of Jesus Christ....

He was initiated into heavenly secrets by reason of those favors the

Immaculate Mary had conferred upon him.... He already felt the strength

that God communicates to the soul, resolved to share the sorrows of its

divine Master.

Ten days elapsed between the happy moment of the young Israelite's

sudden comprehension of the truth, and his baptism. The Mother of Mercy

had brought him from Heaven, the torch of Faith; in enlightening his

intelligence, she had touched his heart; he sighed after the happy day,

when the Church would admit him among the number of her children, and

it was on the 31st of January, this tender Mother opened to him all

her treasures, clothed him with innocence, called down upon him the

plenitude of the gifts of the Spirit of love, and invited him to the

banquet of Angels that she might give him the Bread of life.

The Gésu was the church selected for this solemn ceremony. Long before

the appointed hour, it was filled with a devout, eager multitude, all

anxious to get as near as possible to the holy altar. Nothing disturbed

the beauty or serenity of the occasion, no cloud dimmed the brightness

of this heavenly festival, which inundated truly Christian hearts with

the purest joys.

M. Ratisbonne, clothed in the white robe of the catechumen, appeared

about half-past eight, accompanied by the Reverend Father Villefort,

(whose consoling duty it had been to prepare the neophyte for this

beautiful day), and the Baron De Bussière, his god-father. They

conducted him into the chapel of St. Andrew, where the touching

ceremony was to take place. An object of the most profound curiosity,

the fervent neophyte, wrapt in recollection, awaited with angelic

serenity, the solemn moment.... The pious Romans gave vent to their

feelings by words and gestures, kissing their chaplets in an effusion

of grateful love for Mary Immaculate, the cause of our joy.... They

pointed out one to another the zealous baron, whom divine Providence

had chosen to give the Miraculous Medal to the young Israelite. "He is

a Frenchman," they repeated, "He is a Frenchman! Blessed be God!"

His Eminence, the Cardinal Vicar, was to receive M. Ratisbonne's

profession of Faith. He appeared at nine, clothed in his pontifical

robes, and commenced the prayers prescribed for the baptism of adults.

The prayers terminated, His Eminence went in procession with the

clergy to the foot of the church; the young Israelite was conducted

to his presence. "What do you ask of the Church of God?" "Faith,"

was the immediate answer. "What name do you wish?" "Mary," said the

neophyte, in a tone of tender gratitude; Mary, who had opened to him

the path of salvation; Mary, who was to conduct him into the new life;

Mary, who will one day introduce him into the City of the Saints,

whence she descended to lead him to the divine fold.... Then followed

his profession of Faith, his solemn promises.... He believes all,

he promises all, he accepts all, he wishes to be a Christian, he is

already one at heart.... His desires are gratified, the vivifying

waters are poured upon his head, the grace of holy baptism has invested

him with all the rights of his eternal heritage, the spirit of darkness

is confounded. Behold the child of God, the brother of Jesus Christ,

the new sanctuary of the Spirit of love, the favorite of the Queen of

Heaven, the friend of Angels and the well-beloved son of Mother Church!

It was on this occasion that the Abbé Dupanloup, who happened to be in

Rome at the time, celebrated before an immense audience the infinite

mercies of God and the Immaculate Mary's miraculous protection of a

child of France. We cannot refrain from inserting here a few fragments

of the account printed at Rome. It is well calculated to increase

devotion to Mary:

"How admirable are the thoughts and ways of divine Providence,

and how deplorable the lot of those who neither comprehend nor

bless them. For such, the life of man is only a sad mystery,

his days a fatal series of events, man himself a noble but

miserable creature, cast far from Heaven upon this land of

tears, to live here in perpetual darkness, to die in despair,

oblivious of a God who heeds neither his virtues nor his

sorrows.... But, no; Lord, Thou art not forgetful of us, and

life is not thus; despite our infinite misery, thy Providence

watches over us, it is far above the heavens, more boundless

than the sea--it is an abyss of power, wisdom and love.----

"Thou hast made us for Thyself, Lord, and our hearts are never

at rest until they repose in Thee! We feel an insatiable need,

which stirs the depths of our being, which consumes us, and

when we yield to it, we inevitably find Thee!

"I bless Thee especially, I adore Thee, when from the depths of

Thy eternity, Thou dost remember compassionately the lowliness

of our being, the dust of which we are fashioned; when from the

heights of heaven, Thou dost cast a glance of pity and love

upon the most humble of Thy children; when, according to the

Prophet's expression, 'Thou dost move heaven and earth,' and

work innumerable marvels to save those who are dear to Thee, to

conquer one soul!

"O, you, upon whom, at this moment, all eyes are bent with

inexpressible emotion, with the tenderest love; for it is God,

it is His mercy we love in you, in you whose presence in this

holy place inspires these thoughts, tell us yourself what were

your thoughts and ways, by what secret mercy the Lord pursued

and reclaimed you?

For who are you? What do you seek in this sanctuary? What are

these honors you seem to bear? What is this white robe in which

I see you clothed? Tell us whence you came and whither you

were going? What obstacle has suddenly changed your course?

For walking in the footsteps of Abraham, your ancestor, whose

blessed son you are this day, like him, blindly obedient to

the voice of God, not knowing whither your journey tends, you

suddenly find yourself in the Holy City.... The Lord's work was

not yet accomplished; but it is for you to describe to us the

rising of the Sun of truth and justice upon your soul, for you

to picture its brilliant aurora.... Tell us why you enjoy, like

ourselves, perhaps more keenly than ourselves, the good word,

the virtues of the future and all our most blessed hopes....

Tell us, for we have the right to know, why you enter into

possession of our goods as your heritage? Who has introduced

you among us, for yesterday we knew you not, or rather we knew

you.... Oh! yes, I shall tell all; I know the joy that will

fill your heart at my revealing your miseries as well as the

celestial mercies.----

"You did not love the truth, but the truth loved you. To

the purest and most ardent efforts of a zeal that sought

to enlighten you, did you oppose a disdainful smile, an

indifferent silence, a subtle response, a haughty firmness, and

sometimes blasphemous pleasantries. O patient God! O God, who

lovest us in spite of our miseries! Thy mercy has oftentimes

a depth, a sublimity, a tenderness and, allow me to say it, a

power and delicacy that are infinite!

"Suddenly a rumor is circulated throughout the Holy City, a

rumor that consoles all Christian hearts, he who blasphemed

yesterday, who this morning even ridiculed the friends of

God, has become a disciple of Christ; celestial grace has

touched his lips, he utters now only words of benediction

and sweetness, the most vivid lights of the evangelical law

seem to beam from his eyes; we may say that a celestial

unction has taught him all things. Whence does he receive this

enlightenment of the eyes of the heart, that heart which sees

all, which has understood all? O God! Thou art good, infinitely

good, and I love to repeat those sweet words, so lately on the

blessed lips of him, whose memory is henceforth ineffaceably

impressed upon our hearts. We wept over him a few days ago,

we still regret him, but we have dried our tears. 'Yes, Thou

art good, and the children of men have truly called Thee the

good God!' (Last words of M. de La Ferronays.) Thou dost set

aside the laws of nature, Thou dost account nothing too much to

save Thy children! When Thou dost not come Thyself, Thou dost

send Thy angels!... O God! shall I here relate all? I ought

to enjoin reserve upon my speech.... But who is she? _Quæ est

ista?_ I cannot say the word, and yet I cannot be silent.

"Hail Mary! You are full of grace; _Ave, gratia plena_, and

from the plentitude of your maternal heart, you love to bestow

your gifts upon us. The Lord is with you, _Dominus tecum_,

and it is through you He is pleased to descend to us! And now

to praise you worthily, I must borrow the images of Heaven or

speak the inflamed language of the prophets! For, O Mary! your

name is sweeter than the purest joys, more delightful than the

most exquisite perfumes, more charming than the harmony of

angels, _in corde jubilus_; more refreshing to the faithful

heart than honeycomb to the wearied traveler, _mel in lingua_;

more encouraging and cheering to the guilty but repentant heart

than the evening dew to the leaves parched and shriveled by

the mid-day sun, _ros in herba_. You are beautiful as the orb

of night, _pulchra ut luna_; you, who guide the bewildered

traveler; you are brilliant as the aurora, _aurora consurgens_;

fair and pure as the morning star, _stella matutina_; and it is

you who precede the dawn of the Sun of Justice in our hearts.

"O Mary! I can never portray all your loveliness and grandeur,

and it is my joy to succumb beneath the weight of so much

glory! But since I speak in the midst of your children, your

children who are my brothers, I shall continue to proclaim

your praises from the depths of my heart's affection.... At

your name, O Mary, Heaven rejoices, earth quivers with joy,

hell fumes with impotent rage.... No, there is no creature so

sublime or so humble, that invoking you, will perish. Those

august basilicas, erected by the piety of mighty nations,

those golden characters, those rich banners worked by royal

hands, likewise the modest offerings of the sailor in your

lowly chapels, in the crevices of the rock, on the shores of

the sea, or even your humble picture which martyr's hands have

traced upon the catacombs, all attest your power in appeasing

the tempests of divine wrath, and attracting upon us heavenly

benedictions.

"O Mary, I have seen the most savage wilds of nature smile

at your name and blossom into beauty; the pious inhabitants

of the deserts celebrate your glory, the mountain echoes,

the torrent billows, vie with one another in repeating your

praises. I have seen great cities bring forth and cherish,

under the shadow of your name, the purest and most noble

virtues. I have seen youth, with generous impulse, confident

ardor, and the inexpressible charm of virtue irradiating its

countenance, prefer your name and the happiness of celebrating

your festivals to all the enchantments of the world and its

most brilliant destinies! I have seen old men, after a godless

life of sixty or eighty years, rise upon their couch of pain,

to remember at the sound of your name the God who had blessed

their early infancy; you were to them as a pledge of security

and of peaceful entrance into the Eternal City! O Mary, who are

you then? _Quæ est ista?_ You are the Mother of our Saviour,

and Jesus, the fruit of your womb, is the God blessed from

all eternity. You are our Sister, _soror nostra es_; though a

child of Adam like ourselves, you have not participated in our

sad heritage, and our woes excite your deepest and most tender

compassion.

"O Mary! you are the masterpiece of the Divine power! You are

the most touching invention of God's goodness! I could not say

more--you are the sweetest smile of His mercy! O God, give eyes

to those who have them not--eyes that they may see Mary and

understand the beautiful light of her maternal glance; and to

those who have no heart give one, that they may love Mary; for

from Mary to the Word Eternal, to the Beauty ever ancient and

ever new, to that uncreated Light which strengthens the feeble

sight and appeases every desire of our souls, from Mary to

Jesus, from the Mother to the Son, there is but a step!----

"Our dearly beloved brother--and I am happy to be the first

to call you thus--behold under what favorable auspices you

enter this new Jerusalem, the tabernacle of the Lord, 'the

Church of the living God, which is the pillar and ground of

truth. But before delivering your heart to these emotions of

joy, there is one severe lesson it should learn this day; and

since I am destined to be the first to announce to you the

words of the Gospel, I shall conceal from you nothing of the

austerity it inculcates. 'You have understood all,' you say;

but let me ask if you have understood the mystery of the cross.

Ah! be careful, for it is the foundation of Christianity. I

speak now not only of that blessed cross which you lovingly

adore, because it places before your eyes Jesus crucified in

expiation of your sins, but borrowing the emphatic language of

an ancient apologist of our Faith, I shall say to you: 'This is

no question of the cross that is sweet for you to adore, but

of the cross to which you must soon submit.' _Ecce cruces jam

non adorandæ, sed subeundæ._ Behold what you must understand if

you are a Christian and what baptism must disclose to you!...

Moreover, in vain would I endeavor to dissimulate the truth, by

saying that your future may reveal no crosses; I see them in

store for you. No doubt, we must venerate them afar off, but

it is infinitely better to bend beneath their weight when laid

upon us, and courageously carry them. I shall be mistaken, if

the evangelic virtues are not increased and fortified in your

soul by patience. And blessed be God for it! You have been

introduced into Christianity through Mary and the Cross!...

It is an admirable mode of introduction! And again I repeat,

blessed be God for it! For I say to you, He has given you

ears to hear and a heart to feel this language! Son of the

Catholic Church you will share your Mother's destiny! Look

at Rome, Rome where you have just been born into the Church;

her heritage here below, is always to combat and always to

triumph. Moreover, nothing astonishes her; and after eighteen

centuries of combats and victories, it is here, in the centre

of Catholic unity, at the foot of the Apostolic See, that focus

whence daily emanate the most vivid and purest rays of Faith,

piercing the shades of paganism, error and Judaism, that the

Church has poured over your forehead the beneficent water of

celestial regeneration. What do I say? It is Peter himself, the

Moses of the new law, worthily represented by the first Vicar

of his august Successor, who has struck for you the mysterious

rock, the immovable stone. _Petra erat Christus_, whence gush

forth those waters springing up unto eternal life.

"But I have said enough; I retard your happiness. Heaven, at

this moment, regards you with love, the earth blesses you

and Jesus Christ awaits you; go forward then; angels have

commenced the feast, and the friends of God continue it with

you here below! And even he who seems dead in our eyes, and

whose heart is living in the hand of the Lord! you know him,

his supplications and prayers have been poured forth in your

behalf; the solemn moment has now arrived! Abraham, Isaac,

Israel, the patriarchs and prophets from their heavenly abode

encourage you, and Moses blesses you, because the law in your

heart has developed into the Gospel; mercy and truth sustain

you, justice and peace attend you, repentance and innocence

crown you.... And finally, it is Mary who receives and protects

you!

"O Mary! it is a necessity and a duty for us to repeat once

more this prayer, this cherished prayer, and I know that not

one of all the multitude here assembled, but will fervently

repeat it with me: 'Remember, O most pious Virgin Mary, that

no one ever had recourse to thy protection, implored thy aid

or sought thy mediation, without obtaining relief. Groaning

under the weight of our sins, we come, O Virgin of virgins, to

cast ourselves in thy arms, and do most humbly supplicate thee.

O Mother of the Eternal Word, to remember the just, remember

sinners, remember those who know thee, and those who know thee

not; remember our woes and thy mercy.' I shall not say remember

this young man, for he is thy child, the sweet and glorious

conquest of thy love, but I shall say, remember all those dear

ones for whom he offers this day, the first prayers of his

Catholic heart; restore them to him in time and eternity.----

"And since I am a stranger here (no, let me recall my words,

no one is a stranger in Rome, every Catholic is a Roman), but

since we were both born on the soil of France, I think my

prayers find an echo in the hearts of all who hear me, when I

say: remember France, she is still the home of noble virtues,

generous souls, heroic love.... Restore to the Church in France

her pristine beauty."

* * * * *

The Holy Sacrifice terminated the imposing ceremony. Our new Christian,

overwhelmed beneath the weight of so many favors, had to be assisted

to the Holy Table, where he received the Bread of Angels as the seal

of his celestial alliance. Inundated with happiness, the tears gushed

from his eyes, and after receiving, it was necessary to assist him

to his place.... A number of pious Christians participated in the

divine banquet, to which the Church so tenderly invites all her happy

children, and the admirable spectacle of a blessed union with their new

brother, was another edifying episode of this memorable day.

The _Te Deum_ which followed, that most fervent hymn of gratitude,

arising from every heart and mingling with the sound of all the

bells, was not less impressive. "I pray God," wrote a witness of this

ceremony, "never to let the memory of what I experienced during these

three hours be effaced from my heart; such an impression is, beyond

doubt, one of the most precious graces a Christian soul can ever

receive."

Clothed with innocence, enriched with the gifts of Heaven, admitted

to its joys, buried in the sweet transports of gratitude and love, M.

Ratisbonne could not relinquish immediately his dear solitude. He had

made one retreat, as a preparation for the reception of these three

grand Sacraments, and he was filled with ineffable consolation; feeling

now the necessity, the imperative duty of returning thanks to his

Benefactor, he wished to commence a second retreat, so that afar from

the world, he might be deaf to the confused noises of its frivolous

joys, and amidst the silence of a sweet peace, celebrate the Lord's

magnificence, chant hymns of gratitude, taste in secret and at leisure

the gifts which had been imparted to him, and the new treasures he

possessed.

Another grand consolation was in store for him. He sighed after the

happy moment when he could prostrate himself at the feet of the

Sovereign Pontiff, and there testify his submission to and love for

that holy Church who had just admitted him into the number of her

cherished children. An audience was granted him. The two friends, M.

Ratisbonne and the Baron de Bussière, were conducted into the presence

of His Holiness by the reverend Father General of the Society of Jesus.

Having bent the knee three times before the Vicar of Jesus Christ, they

received in unison, that holy and desirable benediction, which many

pious Christians esteem themselves happy in obtaining, after long and

wearisome journeys. They were welcomed with truly paternal tenderness

by the venerable Pontiff, who conversed some time with them, and loaded

them with tokens of his favor. M. Ratisbonne knew not how to express

his admiration for the great simplicity, humility and goodness of this

worthy Successor of the Prince of the Apostles. "He was so exceedingly

kind," has M. Ratisbonne told me several times since, "as to take

us into his chamber, where he showed me near his bed, a magnificent

picture of my dear medal, a picture for which he has the greatest

devotion. I had procured quite a number of Miraculous Medals. His

Holiness cheerfully blessed them for me, and these are the weapons I

shall use in conquering souls for Jesus Christ and Mary."

The Holy Father crowns all his favors, by presenting M. Ratisbonne

a crucifix, a precious souvenir which the young Christian will ever

cherish, clinging to it in his combats and his sorrows, as a weapon

that must assure him the victory over hell. A new soldier of Jesus

Christ, he needs no other arms than the cross and Mary Immaculate,

signal protectors that will guide him in the ways of justice, and one

day, usher him into the light of eternal felicity.

Shortly after his second retreat, M. Ratisbonne made preparations for

his return to France, and bade adieu to the Holy City, though not

without the sweet hope of again offering there his tribute of fervent

thanksgiving. We have seen and conversed with him many times. The first

emotions of a boundless and almost unparalled happiness are past,

but the fruits remain; daily does the precious gift of Faith strike

deeper root into this soul regenerated by the waters of holy Baptism;

and the divine life, which was communicated to him on the day of his

baptism, our new brother nourishes by the frequent reception of the

Holy Eucharist, and a withdrawal from all worldly society; for whilst

awaiting the manifestations of the Lord's will in regard to his future,

he feels the necessity of preserving, in the secrecy of a peaceful and

recollected life, the treasures he has received.

M. Ratisbonne's conversion, publicly styled a miracle, excited too much

interest and comment for the Holy See to allow it to pass unnoticed.

The Sovereign Pontiff ordered a canonical examination according to the

rules of the Church. The Cardinal Vicar prescribed an investigation.

Nine witnesses were examined; all the circumstances weighed, and

after a favorable conclusion, the most eminent Cardinal Patrizzi,

"pronounced and declared the 3d of June, 1842, that the instantaneous

and perfect conversion of Alphonse Marie Ratisbonne, from Judaism to

Catholicity, was a true and incontrovertible miracle, wrought by the

most blessed and powerful God, through the intercession of the Blessed

Virgin Mary. For the greater glory of God and the increase of devotion

to the Blessed Virgin Mary, His Eminence deigns to permit the account

of this signal miracle, not only to be printed and published but also

authorized."--A picture commemorative of the apparition of the Blessed

Virgin to M. Ratisbonne, a representation of the Virgin of the medal,

was placed in the chapel of St. Andrew's Church, where the miracle had

taken place.

A few days after his return to France, M. Ratisbonne, in token of

his gratitude, and with the intention of obtaining his family's

conversion, felt urged to erect a chapel under the invocation of Mary

Immaculate, in the Providence orphanage of the Faubourg St. Germain,

Paris. The laying of the corner stone took place May 1st, 1842, and

the sanctuary was finished and dedicated May 1st, 1844, with great

solemnity, in the presence of the founder of the house, M. Desgenettes,

curé of Notre Dame des Victoires, the Baron de Bussière, M. Étienne,

Superior General of the Priests of the Mission and daughters of

Charity, M. Eugène Boré, then a simple layman, but afterwards M.

Étienne's immediate successor, the abbé de Bonnechose, later an

Archbishop and Cardinal, and many other distinguished persons.

The pious convert often repaired to this sanctuary to mingle his

prayers with those of the Daughters of Charity and their dear orphans;

and many times has he also enjoyed the ineffable consolation of

celebrating the Holy Sacrifice and thanking his celestial Benefactress,

before the beautiful picture of the Immaculate Conception placed above

the high altar, as a souvenir of the miracle of St. Andrew delle

Fratte, for M. Ratisbonne is now a priest. Not content with leading a

pious life in the world, he has renounced forever the joys and hopes

of time to embrace the ecclesiastical state, which consecrated him

unreservedly to God. For several years past he has been associated with

his beloved brother Theodore in the order of Our Lady of Sion, the

object of which congregation is the conversion of Israelites.

V.

_Graces Obtained from 1843 to 1877, in France, Germany, Italy, America._

CURE OF A LITTLE GIRL (PARIS)--1843.

This account was sent us in the month of January, 1877, by the very

person who was cured:

"About the 15th of December, 1843, a little girl, Zénobie de

M., just one year old, was attacked, at the same time, by

water on the chest, a disease of the bowels, and cerebral

congestion. Dr. Flandrin, a friend of the family was called in

immediately, and gave the child every attention, but his skill

was powerless, and the family was plunged in the deepest grief.

The child's eldest sister alone cherished a faint hope in the

depths of her heart; she had intended consecrating herself to

God in a religious state, and had always regarded the birth

of this little one as a gift of Providence, sent to take her

place in the family, and console her afflicted parents. God

will not, she thought, take back the child. In her room was a

picture representing the apparition of the Miraculous Medal;

she knelt before it, begging the child's recovery, and renewing

her promises of embracing a religious life should the petition

be granted. This generous offering she kept a secret. A little

while after, the doctor came and declared the child's case

hopeless, and moreover, its recovery not desirable as it would

remain imbecile, paralyzed or blind. He proposed, however, a

consultation with M. Blache, physician of the Necker hospital,

who prescribed energetic treatment, but said, 'this child

cannot live.'

The poor mother, deeming it inadvisable to cause the little

creature unnecessary suffering, gently laid it in the cradle,

saying with the faith and resignation seen in none but a

Christian mother: 'The Lord gave it to me, the Lord wishes

to take it away, may His holy will be accomplished!' In the

afternoon, one of the aunts came to accompany the elder sister

to church, and whilst their prayers ascended to the Most

High, more for the mother than the child, this mother obeys

spontaneously a supernatural impulse, and taking the Miraculous

Medal as a last hope, she applies it to the body of the child,

and repeats with confidence the invocation: 'O Mary! conceived

without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee!' The

plaintive cries ceased, and when M. Flandrin came that evening

to see if the little one were still alive, he was greatly

surprised to perceive a faint improvement since morning, the

whole body covered with a gentle perspiration, and the little

paralyzed arm able to move in any direction. 'But what a pity,'

said he, 'the child will be blind,' which indeed it seemed to

be already, as a light passed several times before its eyes

produced no effect whatever.

"The mother who had not yet mentioned her secret, waited until

all had left the room, then taking her dear medal, she lay it

upon her infant's eyes and repeated the invocation. After a

sound sleep of about twenty-four hours, little Zénobie awoke,

recognizing all around her, and smiling upon all, her sight was

restored!

"The child's father, penetrated with faith and piety, said:

'Assuredly, God alone has restored our child to us; henceforth,

she shall be called Marie, that she may ever bear in mind

to whom she is indebted for life.' An attack of measles now

supervened and finished the work, according to the doctor, by

absorbing the water on the brain, and throwing out upon the

surface of the skin the heretofore internal malady. A small

gold cross, having engraven upon it the memorable date of this

miraculous cure, was hung around the neck of little Marie, who

is now a Daughter of St. Vincent de Paul."

CONVERSION OF A CAPTAIN IN THE AUSTRIAN ARMY.

Letter from the Superioress of the Daughters of Charity, at the

Hospital of Gratz (Austria), 1860:

After the war in Italy, a Polish regiment passed through Gratz;

the captain, attacked by a violent hemorrhage, was obliged

to stop at the general hospital, in charge of the Daughters

of Charity. Their constant and unremitting attentions did

not retard the progress of the disease, and his life was in

imminent danger.

Full of consideration, gratitude and politeness for those

who nursed him, he nevertheless expressed great displeasure

whenever they approached him on the subject of religion; he

had requested to be spared the visits of the chaplain of the

regiment, and as to the hospital chaplain, he dared not present

himself. It was necessary to keep the patient very quiet, and

avoid all worry, for the least excitement might cause a mortal

hemorrhage.

A Sister, who had been watching by his couch one night, left,

in mistake, a little book containing an account of favors

obtained through the Blessed Virgin's intercession. The sick

man took the book and read a few pages; another Sister coming

into his room, he showed her a passage, and said, putting his

hand to his forehead with a significant gesture: "Here, Sister,

just read this nonsense; as for myself, I cannot understand

how any one can write such books--if I may dare, let me beg you

to take this away."

Vain was every effort to reach his heart by pleasant

distractions, by engaging his attention or his interest; he

was insensible to all. A few days after the occurrence just

mentioned, a Sister ventured to offer him a medal of the

Blessed Virgin suspended to a cord, so that he might wear it

if he wished. He was too polite to refuse the present, but he

let it remain just where the Sister had put it. His servant,

though a devout Christian, dared not speak to him of receiving

the Sacraments, and, although the patient expected to leave the

hospital soon, it was very evident to all else that the fever

was daily sapping his strength and rapidly conducting him to

the tomb. Much grieved at his condition, and especially his

impenitence, the Sisters determined to make one last effort

to save this soul. And what was it? They wrote the Blessed

Virgin a note, as follows: "Grant that, by some means, most

holy Mother, he may accept your medal, prepare him yourself to

receive the Sacraments, and assist him at the hour of death.

O Mary! conceived without sin, pardon our temerity, we attach

this note to your statue, and leave it there till you deign to

hear our prayers."

The chief physician of the hospital said, one day, to the

Sister on leaving this patient's room: "The captain will die

without the Sacraments, he seems inflexible." "Oh! as to that,"

she replied, "the Blessed Virgin will not fail to overcome his

obstinacy." Three or four days elapsed; one morning the sick

man requested the Sister to put the medal around his neck,

which she did most joyfully. In the afternoon, he called her

again: "Sister," said he, "I beg you to send for the chaplain

of my regiment to hear my confession, so that to-morrow I may

receive the Holy Eucharist and Extreme Unction." The worthy

priest was happy to answer the summons; he remained a long time

with the sick man, and next morning, after celebrating Mass at

the altar of the Immaculate Conception, he administered to him

the Holy Viaticum and Extreme Unction. We were all edified at

the dying man's piety. He cherished his medal with religious

fidelity, often asking for it and kissing it tenderly. A few

days after receiving the Last Sacraments, he rendered his

soul to God, saved, as we have every reason to hope, by the

intercession of Mary conceived without sin.

CONVERSION OF A HARDENED SINNER.

A letter from the Superioress of the Daughters of Charity at Issoudun,

1862:

In the month of August, 1862, a young man aged twenty-nine, and

who had been married several years, was dying of consumption.

Vainly did his friends endeavor to turn his thoughts to

eternity; every idea of religion seemed extinguished in his

heart, and he positively refused to see the priest. A pious

acquaintance informed the Sisters of his deplorable state;

one of them went immediately to see him. She met with a cool

reception, but was not the least disconcerted, and spoke to him

very kindly, proposing to send him a physician, and adding,

that she would supply all necessary medicines and nourishment.

"I need neither doctors nor medicines," was the reply, "I am

going to die, and I ask only that you will let me die in

peace." His poor wife, who was present, holding their little

child in her arms, said to him with tears: "Accept Sister's

offer, and perhaps you will recover," but he made no answer;

and the Sister now turning to his wife, endeavored to console

her, by promising to send the doctor and return soon herself.

The doctor came and met with no better reception. In a few days

the Sister presented herself again, and was received as before,

all her advances eliciting no response save a frigid silence;

but naught discouraged, she returned day after day, though her

reception was always the same. As the young man grew worse,

the Sister's prayers increased, and she felt inspired to offer

him a medal of the Immaculate Conception, still hoping that

the good God would lead back to the fold, this poor strayed

sheep. "I accept a medal!" he exclaimed vehemently, "and what

do you wish me to do with it? It would suit my wife or child

well enough, but as for myself, I want no medals!" The Sister

withdrew from the contest for the time, but not discouraged,

she returned to the charge next morning. "Ah," said she

pleasantly, "you are going to take the medal to-day?" "You know

what I told you yesterday," he answered, "besides, Sister,

I am afraid of becoming imbued with your sentiments should

I accept it, for I perceive that you are much more unhappy

than I care about being." A ray of happiness illumined the

Sister's countenance, for she knew that he who fears is already

conquered. After plying her with questions about religion, he

concluded thus: "After all, death will be a great relief to

me; I have twice made an unsuccessful attempt at committing

suicide. I suffer so much that I desire nothing but to die as

soon possible." Next day, the Sister asked her Superioress to

visit him and offer him the medal. She did so, and he not only

accepted it, but at last consented to see the priest. When our

Sister next saw him he was completely changed, and expressed

his joy at the priest's visit, and his desire of seeing him

soon again. "Sister," said he, "I am too miserable, I wish to

be like you." The priest did not delay his second coming, and

the poor, suffering creature, having made his confession, asked

for Holy Communion, which he had not received for many years,

but this favor was denied him, his throat being so inflamed

that he could swallow only a few drops of liquid. His last days

were sanctified by the most admirable resignation; no one ever

heard him utter a complaint, he asked for one thing only, the

visits of the priest and Sister, which alone seemed to afford

him any consolation. And on the Feast of All Saints, evincing

every mark of a sincere conversion, he breathed his last.

CONVERSION OF A MALEFACTOR.

A Letter from the Superioress of the Daughters of Charity, at the

Hospital of Beuthen (Prussian Poland)--1865:

There was brought to our hospital, a young man of notoriously

bad character. He entered our doors blaspheming, and as the

physician had told the Sister that he had but a few days to

live, she essayed a few words of piety and consolation, to turn

his attention to the state of his soul; but he answered her by

maledictions. At last, one day she said to him, "My friend,

since you will not listen to me, I will ask my Superioress

herself to come." "Let her come," was his reply, "if she were

to tell me to hang myself, I would obey her, but as for

confession, she may talk about that as much as she pleases,

I shall never yield." These words were followed by so many

blasphemies, that it was with a very heavy heart the poor

Sister sought her Superioress. "Have you given him a medal?"

said the latter. "A medal!" was the reply, "he would throw it

away." "Ah, well, we must put one under his pillow and trust to

prayer, for it is useless to talk to him; tell him only that I

say he is not worthy of going to confession, and I forbid his

doing so."

As soon as the Sister who was nursing him left the presence

of her Superioress, the latter threw herself upon her knees

and began to repeat that beautiful prayer, the _Remember_. In

a very few minutes the Sister returned, this time shedding

tears of joy. "Ah, Sister," said she, "he wishes to confess;

as soon as I had put the medal under his pillow and recited

the _Remember_ for him, I delivered your message." "Indeed!"

said he, rising from his seat, "Well, I would just like to see

the person that could prevent it; tell your Superioress that

to-morrow morning at eight o'clock, I am going to pay the curé

a visit."

The Sisters felt a little troubled concerning a confession

apparently dictated by the spirit of contradiction, but their

fears were dissipated when the penitent returned bathed in

tears. He had just been to Holy Communion; asking the Sisters'

pardon for his past misconduct, he begged them to implore the

Blessed Virgin to let him live eight days longer, that he might

weep for his sins. This favor was granted him, and daily did he

bedew his pillow with tears. At the end of the eight days he

died, blessing God, and pressing the medal to his lips.

CONVERSION OF AN ACTRESS.

A letter from the Superioress of the Daughters of Charity, at the

Hospital of Beuthen (Prussian Poland), 1865:

Some years ago, a young Protestant woman, belonging to a troupe

of comedians, arrived in Beuthen with her company. The good God

permitted that she should find lodgings in a Catholic family,

with whom she soon essayed a controversy. "Mademoiselle," said

the master of the house, "it would be better for you to go see

the Sisters about these things; the Blessed Virgin has wrought

wonders in their establishments, I am sure you would return

fully enlightened on the subject you have been discussing."

The young girl laughed at such a proposition; but a few days

after, impelled by curiosity, she repaired to the hospital

and asked for the Sister-Servant. "Invite her in," said the

latter, who had already heard of the young actress; "no doubt,

the Blessed Virgin has something in store for her here." After

a few formalities of etiquette, our visitor introduced the

subject of religion, and attempted to enter into a controversy

with the Sister. "Alas! Mademoiselle," replied the latter, "the

poor Daughters of Charity have neither the time nor learning

necessary for a discussion of these subtle questions, but they

have other arms with which to vanquish you;" and, smiling, she

presented her disputant a little medal of the Blessed Virgin.

"Promise me to wear this slight souvenir, it will be a constant

reminder that we are praying for you." She allowed the Sister

to put the medal on her neck, and retired rather pleased with

her visit.

From this day, the Sisters at the hospital began to recommend

the young actress to Mary conceived without sin. Not many

weeks after, the curé said to the Sister-Servant: "Do you

know, Sister, that Mademoiselle M., who spent the most of

her time promenading with gentlemen and smoking cigars, now

comes to me for religious instruction? In a little while she

will make her abjuration." And, indeed, it was not very long

before she repaired to the hospital. "Sister," said she to the

Sister-Servant, "I am going to confession to-day, and to-morrow

I make my First Communion. On my first visit here, I was

enraged at you. I could have fought you, and cast to the winds

this medal that I now kiss. From the very moment you put it on

my neck, an unaccountable change was wrought in me." Next day,

the church was filled with Protestants and Jews, all anxious

to witness a ceremony which had excited so much comment. After

her reception into the Church, the young convert, on the eve of

her departure, paid another visit to the Sister Servant, and

the latter saw by her very countenance what great changes grace

had wrought in this soul. "Well," said the Sister, just to try

her, "here is a silver medal to replace yours which has become

very black." "Oh, no," was the earnest, prompt reply, as she

tenderly pressed her own medal, "I would not exchange this for

any other in the world, for it is since I began to wear it my

soul has awaked to a new life."

Some years later, the Sister received a letter dated from

Rome, it was from the young convert, who wrote to her as

follows: "Sister, Providence has led me to Rome, and it is no

longer Mlle. M. you must address, but Sister St.---- of the B.

convent. Your desires are accomplished; I now belong entirely

to God, as I once did to the world; the Blessed Virgin

vanquishes souls with other arms than those of controversy."

We must add, to the praise of the young actress, that her moral

character was always irreproachable.

The Superioress of the hospital at Beuthen, in narrating these facts,

adds: "I could mention, for the greater glory of God and honor of the

Immaculate Mary, numberless incidents of this kind, but lack of time

and my weak eyes prevent my giving the details. I will say, however,

and that without the slightest exaggeration, that not a week passes

but the Blessed Virgin bestows upon our patients at the hospital some

new proof of her maternal bounty. The medal, so dear to us, is really

miraculous, and the instrument by which we snatch from destruction

souls that have cost Our Lord so much. Ah! how numberless, in this

unhappy land, the snares of the enemy of our salvation to entrap souls;

but to vanquish him, I everywhere circulate the Miraculous Medal (you

know what numbers we get), and my confidence in Mary is never deceived."

CONVERSION OF A PROMINENT FREE MASON.

_New Orleans (United States), 1865._

Among the patients at the great Charity hospital, New Orleans,

was a very prominent Free Mason. His hatred of religion was

displayed in a thousand ways; not only did he interdict the

Sister who nursed him any allusion to his salvation, but

he even habitually repaid by harsh and injurious words her

kindness and attention to his physical sufferings. If others

ventured to mention the subject of religion to him, they were

received with jeers and banters. Several times was he at

the point of death, and yet, sad to relate, his dispositions

remained the same. At last, when the Sister saw that he had but

a few hours to live, she stealthily slipped a Miraculous Medal

under his bolster, and said interiorly to the Blessed Virgin:

"My dear Mother, you know I have spared no effort to touch this

poor man's heart, but in vain; now I abandon him to you, it

is you who must save him; I leave him entirely in your hands,

and shall try to divest myself of all anxiety concerning him."

That evening, in making her rounds, she glances at him and

learns from the infirmarian that ever since her (the Sister's)

last visit, he had been very calm and apparently absorbed in

thought. On inquiring of the patient himself how he felt, she

was astonished at his polite answer, but remembering that she

had entrusted him entirely to the Blessed Virgin's care, she

did not venture a word about his soul, and bidding him good

night, she left the room.

About nine o'clock, he called the infirmarian, and asked for a

priest; knowing his former bitterness, the infirmarian thought

it a joke and treated it accordingly; the patient repeated his

request, but with no better success. Then he began to weep

and cry aloud for a priest; all the other patients were mute

with astonishment, and the infirmarian unable to resist such

entreaties went for the chaplain and the Sister. The dying

man requested Baptism, which was administered immediately, as

well as Extreme Unction, and before morning he had rendered

his account to the Sovereign Judge. His body was interred with

Masonic rites, but his soul, thanks to the powerful protection

of Mary Immaculate, had been carried by angels to the bosom of

its God.

CONVERSION OF A SICK PROTESTANT.

_New Orleans (United States)._

At the same hospital in New Orleans, a Sister for a long time

had vainly endeavored to convince a Protestant of the most

essential truths of religion, that he might receive Baptism,

but he was deaf to all her persuasions. One day she showed him

a Miraculous Medal, and related its origin. He appeared to

listen somewhat attentively, but when she offered it to him,

"Take it away," said he, in a tone of great contempt, "this

Virgin is no more than any other woman." "I am going to leave

it on your table," was the Sister's reply, "I am sure you will

reflect on my words." He said nothing, but to put it out of

sight, placed his bible over it. Every day, under the pretext

of arranging and dusting his room, the Sister assured herself

that the medal was still there. Several days elapsed, during

which the patient grew worse; one night, whilst lying awake

racked with suffering, he perceived a brilliant light around

his bed, though the rest of the room was enveloped in darkness.

Greatly astonished, he succeeded, in spite of his weakness, in

rising and turning up the gas, to discover if possible, the

cause of this mysterious light. Finding none, he returned to

bed, and a few minutes after, he perceived that the luminous

rays escaped from the medal. He then took it in his hands,

and kept it there the remainder of the night. As soon as the

Sisters' rising bell rang (which was four o'clock), he called

the infirmarian, and begged him to tell the Sister he desired

Baptism. The chaplain was immediately informed. "Impossible!"

he exclaimed, for having had frequent conversations with the

sick man, he was well aware of his sentiments, and could

scarcely believe him in earnest. Nevertheless, he obeyed the

summons, and finding the patient really disposed to profit by

his ministry, he administered the Last Sacraments, and shortly

after receiving which the poor man died, blessing God and the

Blessed Virgin for the graces bestowed upon him.

CONVERSION OF A PROTESTANT GIRL.

_New Orleans, (United States)._

A poor young Protestant girl, brought to our hospital to be

treated for a grave malady, had so great a horror of our holy

religion, that at the very sight of a Catholic near her,

she acted like one possessed. The presence of a Sister was

especially irritating, and one day she even went so far as to

spit in the Sister's face, but the latter, nothing dismayed,

and ever hoping that the God of all mercy would change this

wolf into a lamb, continued her kind attentions, the more

disrespectful her patient, the more gentle and considerate

the Sister. The latter was at last inspired with the thought

of slipping a Miraculous Medal between the two mattresses;

she acted upon the inspiration, and the following night the

Immaculate Mary's image became an instrument of salvation and

happiness to a guilty soul. Pitching and tossing upon her bed

by reason of a high fever, the patient, in some unaccountable

manner, found the medal, and the Sister's astonishment next

morning at seeing her clasping it in her hands, and covering

it with kisses, was second only to that she experienced on

perceiving the wonderful transformation grace had wrought in

this poor creature's soul. A supernatural light had revealed

to her the sad state of her conscience; her criminal life

filled her with horror, and, penetrated with regret for the

past, she sighed only for holy Baptism. After the necessary

instruction, she was baptized; and, during the remainder of her

sickness, which was long and tedious, her patience and fervor

never faltered. She persevered in these edifying sentiments,

until a happy death placed the seal upon the graces she had

received through the intercession of Mary Immaculate.

CONVERSION OF A PROTESTANT.

_New Orleans (United States)._

A Protestant gentleman had spent four years at the hospital,

sometimes in one hall, sometimes another. As his malady had

not been very serious, no one had considered it necessary to

speak to him concerning his soul. However, when his condition

became more aggravated, the Sister, after invoking the Blessed

Virgin's assistance, told him the physician considered his case

dangerous, and she thought he ought to receive Baptism, without

which no one could be saved. He listened attentively, then

turning to her, said: "Sister, if I were to ask you to become

a Protestant, would you comply with my request?" "No," was

the decided answer. "Well, then," he continued, "rest assured

that it is just as useless for you to attempt persuading me to

become a Catholic."

In spite of this positive refusal, she let no occasion pass

without enlightening him, were it ever so little, upon some

of the truths of religion. One day, showing him a Miraculous

Medal, she told him he would confer a great favor on her by

reciting the little invocation: "O Mary! conceived without

sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee!" "What, Sister! a

Catholic prayer! that is impossible, I cannot!" She said no

more, but slipped the medal under his pillow, and there it

remained untouched for several days, during which time she

redoubled her attentions to the physical necessities of the

poor patient, who gradually grew weaker. At last, one evening

she said to him: "Well, Henry, are you not going to do what I

asked you?" "Yes, Sister, I most earnestly desire to become a

Catholic." The chaplain was called immediately; he had barely

time to administer Baptism and Extreme Unction, ere the dying

man's regenerated soul was carried by angels to the abode of

the blessed.

CONVERSION OF A YOUNG METHODIST.

_St. Louis (United States), 1865._

A young man, a Methodist, arrived at the hospital in an

extremely weak condition. The physician at once pronounced

his case hopeless, and said he had but a few days to live.

Consequently, the Sister's first care was for his soul.

Questioning him, she soon learned that he believed neither in

the efficacy nor necessity of Baptism, and all her efforts

to induce him to receive this Sacrament were unavailing. He

had no desire for any conversation on the subject, and his

invariable reply to all her arguments was: "I believe in Jesus,

that suffices; I am sure of being saved." The Sister redoubled

her prayers, for in them lay her only hope, and time was

precious. A good priest visited him every day; once, after a

much longer visit than usual, he told the Sister on leaving the

room it was impossible to do anything with that man, unless

God wrought a miracle in his favor, and they must entreat Him

to do so. The poor man persisted, indeed, in refusing all

spiritual succor, though receiving gratefully the attentions

bestowed upon his body. His strength diminished day by day,

and he calmly awaited death; one thought alone disquieted

him, that of never seeing his mother and dying afar from her.

Perceiving himself on the brink of the grave, he called one of

his companions whom he begged to be with him at that fearful

moment, and write the particulars of it to his mother. Whilst

he made this request, the Sister slipped a Miraculous Medal

under his pillow, confidently believing that Mary would not let

this soul entrusted to her perish; yet he was already in his

agony. Two Sisters watched beside his bed till midnight, when

obliged to retire, they left him in charge of an infirmarian

and the young man who had promised to be with him at the hour

of death. Apparently he had not more than half an hour to

live, so next morning when the infirmarian came to meet the

Sister, she was prepared for news of the patient's death, but

to her astonishment the infirmarian exclaimed: "Come Sister,

come see him, he is restored to life!" He then told her that

the patient, to all appearances, had been dead an hour; that

the friend and himself had rendered all the last duties to the

body, having washed and dressed and prepared it for the grave;

then the young man went to bed, and he alone remained with

the corpse. After watching near it some time, he approached

to bandage the jaws, but what was his fright whilst thus

engaged, to see the dead man open his eyes! The Sister heard

no more, but eagerly hastened to the spot, and found the man

still breathing. With a great effort he said: "Oh! what a

blessing that you have come!" In reply, she exhorted him to

receive Baptism, and told him that he was indebted to the

Blessed Virgin for this prolongation of his life. "I wish to

be baptized," said he, and when the Sister replied that the

priest would come, "Oh! that will be too late!" was his pitiful

answer. The other patients now joined their entreaties to his,

and the Sister, after reciting aloud the acts of faith, hope,

charity and contrition, which the dying man endeavored to

repeat, with hands clasped and eyes raised to Heaven, baptized

him. Whilst the regenerating waters flowed upon his soul,

transports of love and thanksgiving escaped his lips. Half

an hour later, he closed his eyes, never to open them here

below. All that the infirmarian related of his first death, was

confirmed in the most positive manner, by the Protestant friend

who had assisted in preparing him for the grave.

CONVERSION OF M. F----

_St. Louis, (United States)._

A Protestant named F---- was brought to our hospital in an

advanced stage of consumption. He detested the Catholic

religion most heartily, and received the Sisters' services

with extreme repugnance. His physical strength diminished

perceptibly, but his mind retained its energy and clearness.

By degrees, the odor escaping from his decayed lungs, became

so intolerable that all abandoned him. M. Burke, a missionary

priest and the Sisters, being the only persons who had the

courage to go near him, and pay any attention to his comfort.

Yet neither priest nor Sister dare mention religion. They

contented themselves with putting a Miraculous Medal under

his pillow, and invoking her, who so often deigns to display

her power in favor of those who deny it. She did not delay in

granting their petition. A few days later, as the Protestant

minister left the ward, after making his usual distribution of

tracts, the sick man said to the Sister, "Sister, it is done;

I am converted." "Ah," said the latter interiorly, "our good

Mother has accomplished her work." And it was indeed true; for

the patient requested a priest, was instructed, and in a few

days received the Sacraments of Baptism, the Holy Viaticum and

Extreme Unction, with inexpressible fervor. The very expression

of his countenance was changed; the happiness that inundated

his heart beaming from every feature. "Ah!" said he, "my

sufferings are great, but I feel that I am going to Heaven;

the truth has made me free." In these happy dispositions, he

expired, promising that in heaven he would pray for all who had

been instruments of his conversion.

CONVERSION OF AN UNBAPTIZED PATIENT.

_St. Louis, (United States)._

A patient brought to the hospital in a hopeless condition,

openly manifested his hatred of Catholicity. Yet, as he was in

imminent danger of death, the Sister, profiting by a moment in

which he seemed a little better disposed than usual, ventured

to ask him if he would be baptized; he answered roughly, "No,

that he scarcely believed in baptism, and not at all in

Catholic baptism, that in case of his recovery, perhaps he

would receive baptism by immersion, and become a member of some

church, but that would never be the Catholic Church." "At any

rate," added he, "I am not going to torment myself now about

such things." The poor Sister having no other resource than the

Blessed Virgin, and seeing that the young man approached his

end, stealthily slipped a medal under his pillow. Next morning

it was picked up by the infirmarian, who, thinking the Sister

had dropped it accidentally, was about to return it, but the

patient opposed him; the little image pleased his fancy, and he

wanted to keep it himself. To quiet him, the infirmarian was

obliged to ask Sister if the patient might have it. The request

was granted. Towards evening some one came to the Sister with a

message from the patient, he wished to see her. "Sister," said

he as soon as she approached, "you have told me I could not be

saved without Baptism; let me be baptized, for I wish to be

saved." Filled with joy at this news, she began to instruct and

prepare him for the ceremony. It took place next morning, and

during the course of the day, this soul, now the child of God,

went to repose in the bosom of its celestial Father, to bless

and thank Him for all eternity for His mercies.

CONVERSION OF A YOUNG GIRL.

_Buffalo (United States)._

A young Protestant girl about twenty years of age came to the

hospital, covered from head to foot with a disgusting itch,

which the physician pronounced incurable. The Sister who

dressed her sores, told her that the Blessed Virgin could

obtain her recovery, and would do so, if she wore the medal and

relied upon the Blessed Virgin's intercession. The poor girl

knowing her case was deemed hopeless by the physician, answered

bluntly: "I do not believe in your Blessed Virgin, and I want

no medal." "Very well," replied the Sister, "then you may keep

your sores." A few days after she asked for a medal herself,

put it on her neck, received instruction and was baptized, and

in a short time she left the hospital perfectly cured, greatly

to the astonishment of the physicians, who had all pronounced

her malady incurable.

CONVERSION OF A SINNER.

_Hospital of Gratz (Austria)._

An artist whose life had been far from edifying, was an

inmate of our hospital. One morning the Sister was greatly

surprised at his expressing a desire to confess. Perceiving

her astonishment, he said: "This morning, Sister, the chapel

door was slightly open, and from my bed I could see the Blessed

Virgin's statue." (It was that of the Immaculate Conception.)

"It appealed so strongly to my heart, that I have had no

peace since. I must put my conscience in order." He did go to

confession, not once, but several times, and he often expressed

great regret for his past life. "Ah!" he would say, "what a

life I have led, and how sad the state of my soul when Mary

came to my aid." When asked what he supposed had attracted

Mary's compassion, he answered: "I was merely looking at the

statue, no thought of religion was in my mind; when suddenly,

recollections of my past life filled me with fear, and Mary

at the same time inspired me with a horror for sin." In

this instance, repentance and reparation were the immediate

consequences of the Immaculate Mary's merciful and maternal

glance.

CONVERSION OF A GREEK SCHISMATIC.

_Hospital of Gratz (Austria.)_

A Greek schismatic, attacked by a mortal malady, was brought to

the hospital. He declared his intention of remaining attached

to the errors in which he had been educated, and the Sisters,

seeing his determination, entrusted him to the Blessed Virgin,

consecrating him to her by placing under his pillow a medal,

which for him proved truly miraculous. One day, a Franciscan

Father visited the sick, and the young man asked the Sister

to bring the good Father to see him. He conversed a long time

with the latter, but manifested no intention of becoming a

Catholic. Meanwhile, he grew worse, and, one day, when taken

with a hemorrhage, he asked for this Father, "because," said

he, "I wish to embrace the Catholic religion." The Sister

was surprised, for she had said nothing to persuade him, but

the Blessed Virgin had accomplished her work without earthly

assistance. He confessed and made his abjuration; he even

requested the Reverend Father to announce, in a loud voice, to

the other patients that he entered the Church of his own free

will. His attacks of vomiting made the priest hesitate to give

him the Holy Viaticum, but he insisted so strongly, and had so

ardent a desire to receive, that the good God permitted these

spells of vomiting to become less frequent, so that he could

make his first and last Communion at the same time, which he

did with inexpressible fervor and consolation. Interrogated on

the subject of his conversion, he answered: "For a long time I

felt that everything earthly was of little value, and I sought

for the true and lasting." During the delirium of his last

moments, he spoke continually of a white robe. The grace of

Baptism had clothed his soul in spotless raiment, and to Mary's

intercession was he indebted for it.

CONVERSION OF AN APOSTATE.

_Austria, 1866._

In one of the prisons confided to the care of the Daughters of

Charity, was a young man belonging to a respectable Catholic

family, whose shame and disgrace he had become. After a short

stay, he fell sick, and his condition necessitated removal

to the infirmary; faithful to his principles of impiety, he

absolutely refused all spiritual succor, and whenever he saw

one of the chaplains pass, he either turned away his head or

concealed it under the bedclothes. All the Sisters begged the

Superioress to make one last effort for his soul. She paid him

a visit, and was received politely, but to rid himself of her

importunity, he avowed himself a Protestant, and related how

he came to forsake the Faith, after making the acquaintance

of several very bad characters, his companions in crime and

his counselors in advising him to become a Protestant. The

Sister asked him if he felt no remorse for such conduct, but

he became enraged and exclaimed aloud: "I am a Protestant, and

I wish to live and die a Protestant!" Seeing it impossible

to do anything with the miserable creature, she interiorly

recommended him to the Refuge of Sinners, and merely asked him

to accept the medal she offered, to wear it and sometimes kiss

it. He seemed quite pleased to get rid of her so easily, and

placing all her confidence in Mary, she withdrew.

The poor man passed a sleepless night, our Blessed Mother

touched his heart, and very early next morning he sent word

to the Sister that he wanted a priest to receive his solemn

profession of Faith, in reparation of his scandalous apostasy

and crimes. But his reputation was such that the prison

chaplain doubted his sincerity, and would not go to him except

upon repeated solicitations of the Superioress. He was deeply

affected at witnessing the change grace had wrought in this

soul, and the consequent compunction with which the prodigal

confessed his sins. The dying man then made a public abjuration

of his errors, and expired a few minutes after, in the grace of

God and under the protecting smile of Mary.

CONVERSION OF A SOLDIER AT THE HOSPITAL OF CAVA.

_Cava, (Italy), 1866._

A young soldier suffering from disease of the chest, was

brought to the Military Hospital of Cava. His first question

was to ask if the Sisters had charge of that hospital; on

receiving an affirmative answer, he said to himself: "They will

bother me about going to confession, so I shall call myself a

Jew to get rid of them," and Jew he was designated on the card

of admission. Perceiving the serious nature of his malady, the

Sisters to whose especial care he had been confided, visited

him as often as possible. One of them offered him a medal

of the Immaculate Conception; regarding it with a smile of

pity, he said: "I accept it, because it would not be polite

to refuse, but believe me, I consider it a mere plaything and

nothing more."

Every time the chaplain visited the hall, to speak a word of

consolation to one and another, the poor Jew covered his head.

The Sister sometimes ventured a few words to him about the good

God, but he would never reply, and her approach was the signal

for his feigning sleep. One evening when he appeared worse than

usual, two Sisters went to see him just before they retired

for the night. On hearing them approach, he exclaimed: "O

Sister, a priest!" The chaplain was immediately summoned to his

bedside, the poor dying man repeating all the while: "A priest!

a priest!" As soon as the chaplain came, the patient made his

profession of Faith in a very audible voice; he then confessed,

and just as the priest, in administering Extreme Unction, was

anointing the ears, the penitent rendered his soul to God,

leaving us the consoling hope that it had found mercy in its

Maker's sight.

CONVERSION OF A WOUNDED SOLDIER.

_Palermo (Italy), 1866._

In 1866, at the Military Hospital of Palermo, was a poor man

who had just undergone the amputation of his left arm. His

impiety was so great, that the Sister felt constrained to

remove a large crucifix that had been placed near his bed, for

he covered it with invectives. The miserable man's bodily

infirmities were as hopeless as his spiritual, yet no one could

succeed in inducing him to give any attention to his soul, or

even to listen to a word about the good God. What could be done

in such an extremity? The poor Sister was in great distress,

when one day whilst dressing his wounds she was inspired to

slip a medal of the Immaculate Conception between the bandages

around the stump of the amputated member. Next morning, on

witnessing the great change that had been wrought in her

patient's spiritual condition during the night, she was less

astonished than happy, for she had confidently relied upon the

Blessed Virgin. He asked for a priest, who came immediately;

he confessed, publicly repaired the scandals of his past life,

and received with piety the Holy Viaticum and Extreme Unction.

His few remaining days were spent in blessing that God who had

shown him such boundless mercy. "Oh! how good God is!" did

he repeat incessantly to his companions, "I have committed

manifold sins and He has pardoned me all!"

CURE OF AN AUSTRIAN OFFICER.

_Hospital of Gratz (Austria), 1867._

An officer in the garrison at Gratz, suffered from a serious

wound in the right arm. He was brought to the general hospital,

that he might be more conveniently under the especial treatment

of M. Rzehazeh, a very eminent surgeon. The latter exhausted

all his skill, but in vain, and after a few weeks he saw the

necessity of amputation to save the officer's life. Learning

the doctor's decision, the patient was deeply grieved, and

his oppressed heart sought refuge in piety. He who had never

spoken of God, who had accepted a proffered medal only from

courtesy, now appeared to experience a genuine satisfaction

when the Sisters told him they would implore the Blessed Virgin

in his behalf. During the few days immediately preceding the

operation, he felt inspired with a great confidence in his

medal, and frequently repeated the invocation engraven upon it:

"O Mary! conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse

to thee!" The danger was now imminent, and the amputation,

which must not be delayed, was to take place on the morrow. One

of the Sisters, perceiving that the young officer's confidence

expressed itself in continual prayer, suggested that evening

that he lay the medal upon his afflicted arm, and let it remain

all night, a suggestion which was joyfully received. Next

morning she hastened to ascertain her patient's condition, and

get the medal. He had spent a quiet night, his sufferings being

less severe than usual; and the Sister, whilst attributing his

improvement to the anodynes prescribed, understood full well

that the precious medal had also been instrumental in procuring

relief, and that Mary had looked compassionately upon him;

but she did not yet realize the full extent of the blessing.

The surgeon came a few hours after, and whilst awaiting his

assistants, he carefully examined the wounded arm, he touched

it, he probed it, and to his great astonishment, perceived that

amputation was not necessary. The other doctors on arriving,

confirmed his opinion of this surprising change. The officer

was mute with happiness, and not until he found himself alone

with the chief surgeon did he impart to the latter, as a

secret, his opinion as to the cause of this wonderful change.

On leaving him, the surgeon (notwithstanding the injunction

of secrecy), could not refrain from saying to the Sister: "I

believe the Sisters of Charity have engaged the good God in

this case."

The officer's arm was entirely healed; a few weeks later he

left the hospital, taking with him the precious medal as a

memento of gratitude and love for Mary Immaculate.

* * * * *

CONVERSION OF M. N---- AT LIMA.

Letter from a Daughter of Charity in Lima (Peru), 1876:

M. N---- had been suffering a long time from hypertrophy of

the heart, the physicians having vainly exhausted all the

resources of their skill, were forced to tell the family that

he was beyond the power of human aid, and should look to the

state of his soul, sad news for this father of a family, and a

man devoid of religion. In vain did his relatives and friends,

with all possible delicacy, endeavor to turn his thoughts to

religion and induce him to receive the Sacraments; he would

hear nothing on the subject; a priest, who was an intimate

friend of the family, attempted to second their efforts, but he

met with no better success; the sick man became exasperated at

all allusions to religion, he blasphemed everything relating to

it, sparing not even the Blessed Virgin.

One day, after listening to an account of the conversion of

M.----, of Lima, our patient's relatives expressed a desire

of having recourse to similar means for their dear one's

conversion. "It is very simple," said the person addressed,

"you have only to ask Sister N., of St. Anne's Hospital for a

medal, she got one for M. Pierre, she will not refuse you."

One of his nephews immediately repaired to the hospital and

returned with a medal. A niece offered it to him; "Mamma,"

said she, "sends you this medal and begs that you will wear

it." "Certainly," was the reply, "I will wear it for her sake,

but I want everybody to understand that I have no notion of

confessing."

He spent a quiet night, and was quite pleased next morning to

find himself somewhat better. "Euloge," said he, to one of his

nephews, "what preparation should a person make who intends

taking a long journey?" Euloge, who thought he certainly

must be in a dream to hear his uncle speak thus, inquired

to what journey he alluded. "Ah!" was the answer, "I speak

of Eternity." The poor young man, delighted at such a happy

change, replied that the best preparation was to put one's

conscience in order by making a good confession. "I will do so,

send me a priest," said his uncle. As soon as the clergyman

arrived and heard his confession, he administered the Holy

Viaticum. All the assistants were overcome with emotion when

they saw the sick man, almost in his last agony, supported by

his children, to receive on bended knee, the God who had just

pardoned all the sins of his life. A few moments after, he

blessed his children, gave them his parting counsel, and died

in sentiments of piety rivaling his past irreligion. His family

was deeply grateful to Mary Immaculate for this token of her

favor.

CONVERSION OF AN UNBELIEVER.

Letter from a Sister of Charity in Lima, Peru, 1877:

An old lady whose youth had been pious, having lost her Faith

by reading bad books, had not frequented the Sacraments for

thirty-five years. The Sister with whom she lived was carried

to her grave, after an illness of only five days, and it was

natural to suppose that the Christian death of one so dear

would have softened her heart; on the contrary, it embittered

her the more, and she vented her grief in blasphemies. A

Sister of Charity witnessing this scandal, and not being able

to soothe the poor creature, was inspired with the thought

of giving her a medal of the Blessed Virgin; the old lady

accepted, and wore it for several days, during which she

appeared greatly pre-occupied, and somewhat less confident in

her scepticism; but having yielded to a diabolical suggestion,

that urged her to lay the medal aside, doubtless because grace

tormented her conscience with keen remorse whilst the medal

was on her person, she fell back into an habitual hardness

and melancholy that she styled peace. The Sister perceived

this, and inquired if she still wore the medal; on receiving

a negative answer, our good Sister represented the danger

to which her soul was exposed without it, and the old lady

promised to put it on again. Many prayers were offered up

for her, and at the end of fifteen days, the Sister, who was

greatly interested in this poor woman's soul, paid her another

visit; perceiving no change in her sentiments, she inquired

immediately if the medal had been resumed. The poor woman, who

was very uncouth, dared not speak, but made a sign with her

head which revealed all. "What have you done with it, and where

is it?" asked the Sister. The old lady replied that it was in

her wardrobe, and she had made several ineffectual efforts to

put it on again. The Sister understands that this miserable

soul is under some diabolical influence, holding her aloof from

aught calculated to reclaim her to God; she feels that now

is the moment for prompt action, and in a tone of severity,

says: "Very well, since you will not wear the medal, I abandon

you entirely." These words produced the desired effect; the

old lady ran to the wardrobe, and taking up the medal, put it

around her neck this time to remain. Soon experiencing the

sweet and powerful influence of Mary Immaculate, so justly

called the Gate of Heaven, in a few days she assisted at the

Holy Sacrifice and listened to the instruction, and from that

time was entirely changed; she confessed and made her Easter

Communion, and the deepest compunction and gratitude are now

the abiding sentiments of her heart. She wished to remain

at the church door, feeling herself unworthy to penetrate

further into the sacred edifice, and it was with the greatest

difficulty her friends could prevail upon her to accept a place

nearer the altar. She never ceases to thank God and Mary; and

she told the Sister that, from the moment the medal was on her

neck, she knew neither peace nor rest till she had returned to

her duties, so great are the power and love of that Virgin who

is the sovereign Terror of demons.

CONVERSION OF A SCANDALOUS SINNER.

_Moirans, 1877._

The Superioress of the Sisters of Charity at Moirans, relates as

follows a very consoling conversion, redounding to the glory of Mary

Immaculate:

"The most important manufacturer of our village, who employed

from four to five hundred men and women, has just died, and

contrary to all expectations, his death was penitent and

consoling. He had been impious and immoral, and the profligate

characters in his workshops were a curse to the surrounding

country. His rudeness was such, that everybody trembled before

him. His wife and two daughters, pious Christians, silently

bewailed his misconduct; and as for myself, I had barely

sufficient acquaintance with him to render justifiable my

calling upon him in any urgent need.