I devoted myself to her to be her slave forever

Margaret Mary Alacoque (1647-1690), born in Verosvres (Burgundy, France) was a Visitation nun in Paray-le-Monial (professed in 1672). On December 27, 1673, feast of Saint John the Evangelist, Sister Margaret Mary was praying before the Blessed Sacrament, when she heard Jesus say to her:

"My Divine Heart is so consumed with love for mankind, and for you in particular, that, being unable to contain in itself the flames of its ardent charity, it must spread them by your means, and manifest itself to people, to enrich them with its precious treasures which I reveal to you, and which contain the sanctifying and salutary graces necessary to withdraw them from the abyss of perdition; and I have chosen you as an abyss of unworthiness and ignorance for the fulfillment of this great purpose, that all things may be done by me."

During her childhood, Margaret had been healed of a serious illness by the intercession of Mary. In gratitude, on the day of her confirmation, she added the name "Mary" to "Margaret":

"I was going to her with so much confidence that I felt I had nothing to fear under her maternal protection. I devoted myself to her to be her slave forever, begging her not to refuse me in this capacity... If I entered the Visitation, it was because I was attracted to the very lovable name of Mary. I felt that was what I was looking for."

In the convent, Margaret fell ill, and again the Virgin Mary healed her, saying: "Take courage, my dear daughter, in the health that I give you, because you still have a long and painful way to go... but do not be afraid, I promise you my protection."

The Marie de Nazareth Team