First Apparition of the Blessed Virgin to Sister Catherine Labouré, Daughter of Charity, during the night of July 18th, 1830. After a picture painted according to Sister Catherine's directions. Summoned by her Guardian Angel, under the form of a child, emitting rays of light, Sister Catherine arises, follows him to the Chapel, which she finds brilliantly illuminated; she afterwards sees the Blessed Virgin seated in the sanctuary. The picture represents Sister Catherine at the Blessed Virgin's feet, her hands on the Blessed Virgin's knees: "My child," says the Blessed Virgin, "the times are very disastrous, great troubles are about to descend upon France; the throne will be upset, the entire world will be in confusion by reason of miseries of every description." 53 Second Apparition of the Blessed Virgin to Sister Catherine Labouré, November 17th, 1830, first picture. About half-past five in the evening, whilst Sister Catharine is taking her meditation, the Blessed Virgin again appears. She stands upon a hemisphere, and holds in her hand a globe which she offers to our Lord. Suddenly her fingers are filled with most dazzling rings and precious stones. "This globe," says the Blessed Virgin, "represents the whole world and particularly France." She adds that the rays escaping from her hands "are symbols of the graces she bestows upon those who ask for them." 59 Same Apparition, second picture. "Then," relates Sister Catherine, "there formed around the Blessed Virgin a somewhat oval picture, upon which appeared in golden letters these words: 'O Mary! conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee!' and a voice said: 'Have a medal struck upon this model; those who wear it indulgenced will receive great graces, especially if they wear it on the neck; abundant graces will be bestowed upon those who have confidence.'" At that instant, the picture being turned, Sister Catherine sees on the reverse, the letter M, surmounted by a cross, and beneath this the sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary. 60 Medal struck by order of Mgr. de Quélen. 78 Apparition of the Miraculous Medal to M. Ratisbonne. 205 Representation of the Miraculous Medal, modelled in accordance with the description given by Sister Catherine Labouré. 272, 273 [Illustration] SISTER CATHERINE, _DAUGHTER OF CHARITY_. HER BIRTH--EARLY LIFE--VOCATION--ENTRANCE INTO THE COMMUNITY--APPARITION OF THE VIRGIN--THE MEDAL--SISTER CATHERINE IS PLACED AT THE HOSPITAL D'ENGHIEN--HER HUMBLE, HIDDEN LIFE--HER DEATH.