Zoe Labouré took the name Catherine when she joined the Daughters of Charity in Paris, France. As a young novice in 1830, Catherine was awakened in the middle of the night and led into the chapel. Mary, Our Lady of Grace, took a seat in the director's chair on the altar. Catherine knelt at her feet and rested her hands on Mary's lap. Mary told her God was giving her a mission. Next, she appeared with arms outstretched, rays streaming from her hands symbolizing graces given to her by God to bestow on those who ask for them.