- Feb 5, 2002
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When the cynical Alphonse Ratisbonne accepted a dare to wear a Miraculous Medal, he didn’t expect to meet the Blessed Mother herself.
Alphonse Ratisbonne in 1865, with the interior of Sant’Andrea delle Fratte in the background (photo: Shutterstock / Wikimedia Commons)
Many are familiar with the expression, “Hurt people hurt people,” meaning that those who have been hurt by others often perpetuate that toxic cycle.
While this truth can often explain the actions of those who have experienced injustice, it can sometimes extend to an excuse for violent or wrongful behavior. An injustice performed in one’s country can lead to violent rioting, even if those protests started out peacefully. A hurtful word can lead someone to harm others in a similar way or even harm themselves.
Have we ever considered that the opposite is also true? That saintly and holy people help make saintly, holy people? That when we respond with mercy instead of anger, we soften the hearts of our enemy? Do we remember that our own prayers and sufferings can redeem the irredeemable?
One such case for this argument is seen in the life of a French anti-Catholic. His life would be forever changed due to the prayers of three men: his brother, his friend, and a complete stranger who gave his life for him.
Continued below.
www.ncregister.com
Many are familiar with the expression, “Hurt people hurt people,” meaning that those who have been hurt by others often perpetuate that toxic cycle.
While this truth can often explain the actions of those who have experienced injustice, it can sometimes extend to an excuse for violent or wrongful behavior. An injustice performed in one’s country can lead to violent rioting, even if those protests started out peacefully. A hurtful word can lead someone to harm others in a similar way or even harm themselves.
Have we ever considered that the opposite is also true? That saintly and holy people help make saintly, holy people? That when we respond with mercy instead of anger, we soften the hearts of our enemy? Do we remember that our own prayers and sufferings can redeem the irredeemable?
One such case for this argument is seen in the life of a French anti-Catholic. His life would be forever changed due to the prayers of three men: his brother, his friend, and a complete stranger who gave his life for him.
Continued below.
The Miracle That Gave the Miraculous Medal Its Name
When the cynical Alphonse Ratisbonne accepted a dare to wear a Miraculous Medal, he didn’t expect to meet the Blessed Mother herself.
