Alphonse Ratisbonne (1814–1884) was a French lawyer and banker of Jewish heritage whose life underwent a profound transformation following his conversion to Catholicism. He later became a priest and dedicated himself to religious service.

Early Life and Family Background

Alphonse Ratisbonne

Born in Strasbourg on May 1, 1814, Alphonse was the youngest of thirteen children in the Ratisbonne family, a prominent lineage of Jewish bankers. His father, Auguste Ratisbonne, served as the president of the Provincial Council of Alsace. The family was well-integrated into French secular society and upheld strong values of social justice. Alphonse’s mother passed away when he was four years old, leading his extended family to take an active role in his upbringing. In 1827, his older brother, Théodore, converted to Christianity and was ordained as a Catholic priest in 1830, a decision that initially caused familial tensions.

Education and Professional Career

Alphonse pursued legal studies in Paris and subsequently joined the family banking enterprise. He became engaged to his 16-year-old niece, with plans to marry once she reached an appropriate age. Despite his professional success, Alphonse harbored critical views toward Catholicism, particularly after his brother’s conversion.

Travels and Sojourn in Rome

With his marriage postponed due to his fiancée’s age, Alphonse embarked on a journey to the Middle East, intending to visit Jerusalem. During his travels, he stopped in various European cities, including Naples and Malta, eventually arriving in Rome in January 1842.

Encounter with the Baron de Bussières

While in Rome, Alphonse reconnected with an old acquaintance, Baron Théodore de Bussières, a Catholic convert from Protestantism. Aware of Alphonse’s skepticism, the baron introduced him to the Miraculous Medal and encouraged him to wear it and recite the “Memorare” prayer daily. Although initially reluctant, Alphonse agreed, more out of politeness than conviction.

Vision at Sant’Andrea delle Fratte

On January 20, 1842, while accompanying Baron de Bussières during funeral preparations at the Church of Sant’Andrea delle Fratte, Alphonse experienced a vision of the Virgin Mary. He described seeing the Virgin enveloped in radiant light, leading to an immediate and profound internal transformation and an intuitive understanding of Catholic mysteries.

“We stopped for a few minutes at the church of Santa Andrea delle Fratte. He [Baron Théodore de Bussières, a fervent convert to Catholicism] proposed to wait in the carriage, but I preferred to get off to see the church. Funeral arrangements were being made and I inquired the name of the deceased. Theodore replied: ‘He was one of my friends, Count Laferronays; his unexpected death is the reason for the sadness you have noticed in me these days.’”

“Suddenly I was seized by a certain disturbance and I saw a veil before me; it seemed to me that the church was all dark, except for one chapel, almost as if all the light of the church itself was concentrated in that chapel… In the presence of the Virgin, although she did not say a word to me, I understood the horror of the state in which I was, the deformity of sin, the beauty of the Catholic religion, in a word: I understood everything”.

Letters of Alphonse Ratisbonne

Conversion and Baptism

When the vision ended, Alphonse emerged profoundly changed. Alphonse sought instruction in the Catholic faith and was baptized on January 31, 1842, adopting the name Marie-Alphonse to honor the Virgin Mary’s influence in his life. His swift and deep conversion was widely regarded as miraculous. Witnesses, including the Baron, were astonished by his transformation, which was as complete as it was sudden. Alphonse later attributed his conversion to the intercession of the Virgin Mary and the grace associated with the Miraculous Medal.

This dramatic event not only solidified devotion to the Miraculous Medal but also became a rallying point for Catholic evangelization.

Théodore Ratisbonne (1802-1884)

Priestly Vocation and Founding of the Congregation of Our Lady of Sion

Inspired by his conversion, Alphonse decided to devote his life to God’s service. He entered the Society of Jesus and was ordained a priest in 1847. Together with his brother Théodore, he founded the Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Sion in 1847, a religious order dedicated to promoting understanding and reconciliation between Jews and Christians.

Mission in the Holy Land

In 1855, Alphonse relocated to the Holy Land, where he established several religious and educational institutions, including convents, schools, and orphanages in Jerusalem and Ein Karem. His work focused on education and fostering interfaith dialogue, aiming to build bridges between Jewish and Christian communities.

Later Years and Legacy

Alphonse Ratisbonne passed away on May 6, 1884, in Ein Karem, near Jerusalem. His life and work left a significant impact on Jewish-Christian relations, and his conversion remains a notable testament to faith and spiritual transformation. The Congregation of Our Lady of Sion continues its mission worldwide, promoting dialogue and reconciliation among diverse religious communities.

Photo of Fr. Alphonse Ratisbonne, in 1865, of unknown origin, digitally restored.