There's a small chapel in the center of Paris which I visit without fail every time I find myself back in the city. The trip happens, no matter if it's for crucial work or a laid-back holiday, regardless of the changing seasons and the length of stay. It is but imperative I drop by as a thanksgiving pilgrimage for safely bringing me back to one of my favorite destinations.

Situated in the historical less-than-a-kilometer-long street named Rue du Bac, it seems to have an enigmatic yet magnetic force that pulls me to a right turn to face the welcoming arch, where I once again lay my eyes on the Chapel of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal. With the famed address of #140, it used to be a part of the Hotel de Châtillon, the once-upon-a-time home of French nobility and aristocracy.

Formally called The Chapel of Graces of the Miraculous Virgin, it was dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and served as the Motherhouse of the Order of the Daughters of Charity of Saint Vincent de Paul.

Colored with a storied past, the most popular association with the house of prayer is Catherine Labouré, a simple farmer's daughter. She was just nine years old when her mother passed on. It is said that she, whenever she passed by a favorite statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary, kissed it while uttering the words, "Now you will be my mother."