Alphonse Ratisbonne's Miraculous Conversion
Europe Stunned with Conversion to Catholicism by Immaculate Medal
Alphonse Ratisbonne was born in 1814 in Strasbourg, France. He was reportedly an agnostic Jew and a powerful anti-Catholic. When Alphonse's brother, Theodor, converted to Catholicism and became a priest it further enflamed his hatred of Catholics.
Alphonse studied law and secured a partnership at his uncle’s bank. He was engaged to marry, but first, wanted to travel and see the world. Alphonse traveled to Rome, which “was full of so many Catholics.” He once said, "I cherished a hatred against priests, churches, and convents, and especially against the Jesuits, whose very name goaded me to frenzy."
In Rome he visited a friend, Baron Theodore de Bussières, who happened to be a very fervent Catholic. The Baron, unaffected by his sarcasm and blasphemy, encouraged his visits.
The Challenge to Wear the Miraculous Medal
One afternoon when Alphonse was ridiculing the Catholic religion, the Baron challenged him to submit to “a simple test” and wear the Miraculous Medal of the Blessed Mother. The Medal was known for accomplishing great wonders and miracles. Alphonse wanted to prove the ineffectiveness of such religious superstitions, so while scoffing he agreed to wear the medal.
The Baron also insisted that Alphonse recite the Memorare Prayer daily. Alphonse again agreed, saying, “If it does me no good, at least it will do me no harm.”
The next day, January 20, 1842, the Baron was on his way to arrange a friend’s funeral in the Basilica of St. Andrea delle Fratte. He asked Alphonse to accompany him. Alphonse went to the Church and just wandered through admiring the various works of art.
The Apparition of Our Blessed Mother
As he stood before a side altar Our Lady suddenly appeared to him over the altar. Our Lady appeared wearing a crown, simple long white tunic and blue-green mantle. She looked at him lovingly and her hands were open spreading rays of graces. Alphonse Ratisbonne saw Her and understood it was an apparition of the Mother of God. He knelt down before her and was immediately converted.
He also was immediately infused with all the knowledge of the Catholic Faith. Alphonse quickly understood the Truths of Catholicism and most especially the Blessed Sacrament. He was moved to tears. Through his heartrending sobs he cried out, "How happy I am! How good God is! How unbelievers are to be pitied!"
The Baron was surprised to see him fervently praying on his knees. He helped Alphonse to his feet, and Alphonse immediately asked to go to a confessor. Eleven days later, on January 31, he received Baptism, Confirmation and his First Communion.
In His Own Words
On January 20,1842, Alphonse Ratisbonne said, "… I looked over towards this chapel whence so much light shone, and above the altar was a living figure, tall, majestic, beautiful and full of mercy. It was the most holy Virgin Mary, resembling her figure on the Miraculous Medal. At this sight I fell on my knees right where I stood. Unable to look up because of the blinding light, I fixed my glance on her hands, and in them I could read the expression of mercy and pardon. In the presence of the Most Blessed Virgin, even though she did not speak a word to me, I understood the frightful situation I was in, my sins and the beauty of the Catholic Faith."
The miracle of Ratisbonne’s apparition and immediate conversion shook up all of Europe. A man from a wealthy and influential Jewish family with absolutely no reason to favor the Catholic Church - in fact who hated and despised the Church - suddenly converted to Catholicism because he saw Our Lady. This apparition changed Alphonse forever. He then broke his engagement, became a Jesuit priest, and co-founded both the Congregation of Our Lady of Sion, a school, and an orphanage. This one event had an enormous impact throughout Europe and the whole Catholic world.
Many advise to pray the Memorare Prayer and wear the Miraculous Medal. It has been known for many miracles including Alphonse Ratisbonne’s.
References
The Conversion Story of Alphonse Ratisbonne
Alphonse Ratisbonne
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