At 140 rue du Bac it may be surprising to see St. Vincent welcoming us. But what could be more customary than to honour our predecessors, here at the Motherhouse of the Company founded in 1633 by St.Vincent and St. Louise.
Of course we know the saints are very active in heaven St. Vincent played a role in the vocation of St. Catherine by means of a mysterious dream. Yet again the solemn transferring of the relics of St. Vincent de Paul took place on April 25, 1830, just a few days after St. Catherine’s arrival to enter the novitiate in Paris. How fortunate for her to be able to accompany the priest who was instrumental in her vocation. Finally St. Vincent showed his heart to St. Catherine while she was praying in the chapel of rue du Bac. She saw his heart three days in succession, each day in a different colour making known to her that her mission was close.
The great day arrives, it is the eve of the feast of St. Vincent, July 18, 1830 and St. Catherine listens to a talk given by a Sister on the love St. Vincent had for the Immaculate Virgin. The Sister’s words arouse in St. Catherine the ardent desire to see Our Lady. Before going to sleep that night St. Catherine implores St. Vincent, whom she admires so much, to intercede for her so that her wish be granted. Following this bold prayer St. Catherine falls asleep. An angel awakens her.