The Miraculous Medal: Its Origin, History, Circulation, ResultsAladel, Jean-Marie
Religion
The Miraculous Medal: Its Origin, History, Circulation, Results
Aladel, Jean-Marie
Labouré, Catherine, Saint, 1806-1876; Mary, Blessed Virgin, Saint; Miraculous Medal
"The first relates to a sick soldier in our house. Though we
had already witnessed the efficacy of the medal, in effecting
the conversion of several soldiers most obstinate in resisting
grace, no conversion was so striking as this. M. Frederick de
Castillon, aged thirty-five, Captain in the 21st Light Guards,
entered the hospital, April 29th, in the last stage of consumption,
and attacked by paralysis of the left side. We nursed him a long
time, his condition grew alarmingly worse, but how could we
mention religion to a young soldier who boasted of having none?
I kept myself always informed of his state, and contented myself
(apparently) with watching the progress of the disease. Several
times I attempted to make him realize his danger, but in vain. One
day, when he was much worse, and I had an opportunity of seeing
him alone, I ventured to inquire if he were a Catholic. 'Yes,
Sister,' he replied, looking steadily at me. I then asked him to
accept a medal, to wear it, and frequently invoke the Immaculate
Mary, telling him at the same time that, if he did so with faith,
this good Mother would obtain for him all the graces he needed, for
bearing his sufferings patiently and meritoriously. He received it
gratefully, but did not put it on.
"But our confidence in the Blessed Virgin's influence over him
was not diminished, especially when we saw him place the medal
on the side of his bed. The Sister in charge of that hall had
already slipped one in his pillow-case. Several days passed, his
strength was gradually ebbing away, and after many ineffectual
efforts to obtain his consent to see a priest, I asked a clergyman
to visit him notwithstanding, and I introduced him into the sick
man's presence just as some one came to tell me he could not live
through that night (October 15th). We found him extremely ill,
but still inflexible. After a few moments, I withdrew, and left
him alone with the charitable priest, who could get nothing from
him but these despairing words: 'Leave me in peace, to-morrow I
shall be dead, and all will be over!' Of course, there was nothing
else to be done but comply with his request, and you can imagine
how painful it was. We redoubled our petitions to the Immaculate
Virgin, and this good Mother soon wrought a change in the
unfortunate man's heart.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account