Popular devotion November 28Virgin

Saint Catherine Labouré

The humble Daughter of Charity to whom the Virgin Mary revealed the Miraculous Medal.

Photograph, c. 1876 (public domain)

Who was Saint Catherine Labouré?

Catherine Labouré (1806–1876) was a farmer's daughter from Burgundy who joined the Daughters of Charity in Paris. In 1830 the Virgin Mary appeared to her and asked her to have the Miraculous Medal made. Catherine kept her secret for 46 years while caring for elderly men at a hospice outside Paris. She was canonized in 1947.

Feast day and traditions

The Vincentian family celebrates her on November 28; the Roman Martyrology lists December 31, the day she died. Her body, said to be incorrupt, rests in the chapel on the Rue du Bac.

Prayer

St. Catherine Labouré, you served in silence and humility. Teach me to love Mary and trust in her help. Amen.

Novena

To pray a novena that ends on the eve of the feast, begin on November 19 and finish on November 27.

Mass readings

Read the Mass readings for November 28 from the US bishops (USCCB).

Open readings →

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Visit or call an elderly relative or neighbor.

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