[maryz]

when Alphonse Ratisbonne, an agnostic Jew from France, was converted instantly to the Catholic faith, after he wore the Miraculous Medal and said the Memorare twice a day for nine days straight.

Am I missing something here? Did they leave something out? Why exactly would an "agnostic Jew" wear a Miraculous Medal and say the Memorare at all -- on a bet? on a dare?

[Bigg Red]

Am I missing something here? Did they leave something out? Why exactly would an "agnostic Jew" wear a Miraculous Medal and say the Memorare at all -- on a bet? on a dare?

&&

Yes, it does seem rather outlandish. There is an explanation at the link provided.

[AnAmericanMother]

It was a dare from a Catholic friend because Ratisbonne was constantly scoffing and bad-mouthing the Catholic faith.

(of course, usually when somebody's that vociferous, there's some kind of conflict going on already.)