"Do not be afraid, I will not leave you"

Margaret Mary Alacoque is the religious who received the visit and the gift of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Paray-le-Monial, France, in 1673.

During her childhood, Margaret was cured of a serious illness she had had for four years, through the intercession of Mary. In thanksgiving, on the day of her confirmation, she added the name of "Mary" to "Margaret. "I went to Her with so much confidence that I felt I had nothing to fear under her maternal protection. I offered myself to her forever, as her slave. I spoke to her like a child, with simplicity, just like a good Mother for whom I felt attracted with a tender love. I came to the Visitation Convent because I was attracted to the lovely name of Mary. I found what I was looking for."

After becoming a nun, she fell ill, and it was the Virgin Mary who cured her. She said, "My dear daughter, draw some courage in the health that I give you from my divine Son, for you still have a long and painful way to go, always on the cross, pierced with nails and thorns, and torn with whips. But fear nothing, I will not abandon you, and promise to protect you."

Mary of Nazareth