Back to Marian Apparitions
1842Holy See Approved
Our Lady of Zion
Rome, Italy
Visionaries: Alphonse Ratisbonne, a French Jewish banker
Image: Wikimedia Commons
Overview
The Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to Alphonse Ratisbonne, a young French Jewish banker and avowed atheist, in the Church of Sant'Andrea delle Fratte in Rome. The apparition was sudden and overwhelming — Ratisbonne saw the Virgin Mary exactly as she appears on the Miraculous Medal, surrounded by brilliant light. He was instantly converted from Judaism and atheism to Catholicism, describing the experience as being struck by a blinding truth.
History
Alphonse Ratisbonne was a wealthy French Jew who harbored deep hostility toward Catholicism. While visiting Rome in January 1842, he was challenged by a Catholic friend, Baron Théodore de Bussières, to wear the Miraculous Medal and recite the Memorare prayer. On January 20, 1842, while waiting in the Church of Sant'Andrea delle Fratte, Ratisbonne suddenly saw the Blessed Virgin Mary in a vision of overwhelming beauty and light. He fell to his knees, weeping, and emerged a completely transformed man. He was baptized within days, entered religious life, and together with his brother Théodore (also a convert from Judaism), founded the Congregation of Our Lady of Sion, dedicated to Jewish-Christian dialogue.
Pilgrim ExperienceVisited December 2025
My visit to Our Lady of Zion
The apparition site of Our Lady of Zion in Rome has an atmosphere unlike anywhere else I have visited. You can feel the prayers of millions of pilgrims who have come before you. I attended Mass at the shrine and it was one of the most powerful experiences of my life.
August 10, 2025