One of the most noteworthy conversions brought about by means of the
medal was that of Alphonse Ratisbonne a staunch believer in Judaism
and much opposed to the Catholic church. On his way to the East he
visited Rome, where he became acquainted with Baron deBussiere,
himself a convert to the faith. The latter used every argument to
bring Ratisbonne to the true faith, but his efforts were in vain.
He succeeded however in getting Ratisbonne to wear a medal, which the
latter accepted reluctantly enough. A few days later they happened to
enter the church of S. Andrea delle Frate, and while deBussiere paid
a short visit to the nearby monastery Ratisbonne was left alone to
look about the church. Suddenly he was seized with an indescribable
emotion, and raising his eyes to the chapel of St. Michael where the
light seemed to be concentrated, there in the midst of the light the
Blessed Virgin appeared full of majesty and sweetness--just as she is
represented on the medal. At the same time an irresistible force drew
him towards her. She made a sign with her hand that he should kneel,
and seemed to say to him, "All is well." In that instant he
understood all, and rose a changed man. He had entered the church a
devotee of Judaism he left it an humble follower of Him who came to
save the lost sheep of the house of Israel. This apparition took
place on January 20, 1842. Several years later Ratisbonne became a
priest and devoted his life to the conversion of his former
compatriots in Palestine.