The Catholic Company Book Review - St. Catherine Laboure and Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal

Saint Catherine Laboure and Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal by Marianne Lorraine Trouve, FSP is the second book in the Encounter the Saints Series by Pauline Books and Media. (I previously reviewed St. Gianna Beretta Molla: The Gift of Life.) This 119 page book includes 20 chapters, a prayer to St. Catherine, & a glossary of terms used throughout.

This book details the life of a young, French farm girl who joined the Daughters of Charity, encountered the Blessed Virgin Mary, & introduced the Miraculous Medal to the world. I found this to be a delightful, informative book that would make a great read aloud for younger children & an easy to understand chapter book for preteens.

Like many saints, Catherine's life was not always pleasant. She lost her mother when she was nine & had to take on more responsibilities around the family farm. After seeing a statue of Mary in her mother's room, she decided from that moment on, Mary would be her mother. 

Shortly after she entered the Daughters of Charity, she had several encounters w/ Mary, who asked Catherine to have a medal made w/ the image we now know to be The Miraculous Medal. Throughout the rest of her life, Catherine never revealed (except to her spiritual director) that she was the one to whom Mary appeared. It was only after her death that her story was known to the world, Catholics & non-Catholics alike. In fact, our family's previous mechanic (not a Catholic) once commented on the Miraculous Medal on my key chain. He said that he carried one during his years of military service & truly believed it kept him safe.

This review was written as part of the Catholic book reviewer program from The Catholic Company. Visit The Catholic Company to find more information on Saint Catherine Labouré . The Catholic Company is a great resource for tools to help you participate in the Year of Faith, including Year of Faith bible studies and exclusive Year of Faith personalized gifts. The Catholic Company also has all your Advent needs in stock, such as Advent calendars and Advent wreaths.