The First Apparition

During the night of July 18-19, 1830, the Most Holy Virgin appeared for the first time to Saint Catherine Laboure, who had been awakened and led from the dormitory to the chapel by her guardian angel.

In the sanctuary, Saint Catherine later wrote:

"I heard something like the rustling of a silk dress, coming from the side of the tribune, close to Saint Joseph's picture. She alighted on the steps of the altar on the Gospel side, in an arm chair like Saint Anne's... As I looked up at Our Lady I flung myself close to her, falling on my knees on the altar steps, my hands resting in her knees. That was the sweetest moment of my life."

Let us pray: O Most Holy Virgin, O my Mother, look on my soul with mercy, obtain for me a spirit of prayer that leads me always to have recourse to thee. Obtain for me the graces that I implore of thee and, above all, inspire me to pray for the graces that thou most wants to grant me.

Say 1: Our Father...

Say 1: Hail Mary...

Say 1: Glory Be...

O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee! Amen