Both saints collaborated in the same providential work

Both Saint Catherine Labouré (in Paris) and Saint Bernadette Soubirous (in Lourdes) collaborated in the same providential work—the definition of the dogma of the Immaculate Conception—that is undoubtedly the greatest event in the history of the Church in the 19th century. The apparitions at the Rue du Bac in Paris paved the way for it in a singular manner, and the apparitions at Massabielle in the Lourdes Grotto brilliantly confirmed it.

The Blessed Virgin wanted her two favored young confidantes to resemble each other: both were modest and humble young girls, pure and upright souls, and both unable to invent a message they themselves did not understand. They were simply two instruments—precious but obscure—of a work that was nevertheless divine, and which was revealed to the eyes of men by the incredible spread of the Miraculous Medal, and by the marvelous propagation of the devotion to the Immaculate Conception and the Lourdes Shrine.

Adapted from: Cardinal Gerlier (1880-1965), Archbishop of Lyons, in a homily at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris on December 3,1933, in La Sainte de Reuilly, by A. Lanquetin.