Why Laboure?

St. Catherine Laboure lived from 1806-1876 in France. She was a Daughter of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul. Much like the children in our program, Catherine was continually "challenged" throughout her life. Because her mother died when she was a young child, Catherine had to take on the responsibilities of running the household. She was the only member of her family who did not attend school and therefore could not learn to read or write.

After being turned away three times from the convent, she was finally accepted at the age of twenty-four. Shortly after, Catherine became the special sister who began receiving the visions of the blessed Mother. Based in her visions, the Miraculous Medal was struck and is now worn by millions of Catholics around the world and provides them with spiritual peace and faith.

Although she could have alerted the world to her visions she decided to continue to live a very humble life of serving God.  She was canonized in 1947.