On April 21, 1830, she entered the Seminary of the Daughters of Charity. During her novitiate she received many supernatural favors-- the most remarkable of which was the Manifestation of the Miraculous Medal. In the month of January, 1831, Sister Catherine received the holy habit of a Daughter of Charity; and she was then sent to the hospital of Enghien in the faubourg Saint Antoine of Paris. For forty-six years she labored there in the most humble duties, ever faithful to the rules and leading a life hidden with Christ in God. She always manifested a great love for the poor and a wonderful devotion to our Blessed Mother. On December 31, 1876, the final summons came, and she passed from the shadows of earth to the eternal realities and joys of her Heavenly Home. Sister Catherine was declared Venerable by Pius X on December 11, 1907. [Note to the electronic edition: Sister Catherine was declared a Saint by Pius XII on July 27, 1947.] THE MANIFESTATION OF THE MIRACULOUS MEDAL _The First Apparition_ Sister Catherine in the simplicity of her heart had an ardent desire to see the Blessed Virgin, and she prayed earnestly that she might obtain this favor. The first apparition was vouchsafed her in the chapel of the Mother House of the Sisters in Paris on July 18, 1830. Our Blessed Mother appeared to her coming from the right side of the altar and seating herself on the left side of the sanctuary in the place usually occupied by the Director of the Sisters. Our Lady told Sister Catherine that she would be charged with a mission, that she would have many trials in fulfilling it, but that the thought of God's glory would enable her to overcome all difficulties. The Blessed Virgin foretold the evil events that would come on France, and that the whole world would be in sorrow. "But come," said our Holy Mother, "to the foot of this altar. There graces will be showered on you and on all those who shall ask for them, rich or poor." [Illustration: The First Apparition] First Apparition of Mary Immaculate to Sister Catherine Laboure July 18, 1830. Eve of the Feast of St. Vincent de Paul. _The Second Apparition._ The second apparition of our Immaculate Mother to Sister Catherine took place towards the end of November in the same year. We give the narration in her own words: