A Catholic friend gave Alphonsus Ratisbonne, a Jew, a medal to wear and asked him to pray a simple prayer to Mary. He complied out of friendship, not really understanding its meaning. While at a Catholic Church arranging for a funeral, our Lady appeared to him and brought about his conversion.

He later became a priest and together with his converted priest brother, founded the institute of our Lady of Sion. They also have a sister community attached to their institute as well. After this apparition, the Pope would later inaugurate the feast of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal on November 27th each year. This painting depicts his conversion by our Lady.