Source: Website of the International Miraculous Medal Association

On January 20, 1842, an apparition of the Blessed Virgin Mary was witnessed at this basilica by Alphonse Ratisbonne, a Jewish banker and atheist. According to his account, Our Lady appeared exactly as depicted on the Miraculous Medal, an image that had become widely known since her apparition to St. Catherine Labouré a decade earlier, on November 27, 1830.

This vision led to Ratisbonne’s sudden and profound conversion to Christianity. He later became a Catholic priest, dedicating his life to missionary work and spreading devotion to the Virgin Mary.

Since that time, Sant’Andrea delle Fratte has been a pilgrimage site where countless people come to pray, inspired by the many graces and miracles witnessed and granted to the faithful.

On this Feast of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal, may Alphonse Ratisbonne’s witness deepen our hope in the Miraculous Medal as a powerful sign of Our Mother Mary’s intercession before her Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.

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

Have a blessed feast day!