St. Louise de Marillac
St. Louise de Marillac was born near Meux, France, on August 12, 1591. St. Louise’s mother passed away when she was very young and her father passed away when she was 15 years old.
When St. Louise was growing up she attended a Dominican convent which was in Poissy, France. During her education she felt a huge desire and calling to be a nun. However, that desire that she had was terminated by her confessor. Which lead to her marrying Antony LeGras in 1613.
St. Louise had a son with Antony. However, her husband who she loved a lot contracted a strong illness which lead to St. Louise having to take care of him. However Antony passed away during 1625 and this lead to St. Louise thinking of joining the religious community. After the death of Antony she was able to meet St. Vincent de Paul, who was her spiritual advisor.
St. Louise dedicated the rest of her to serving the poor and vulnerable and working with him. St. Louise helped St. Vincent by leading the Ladies of Charity in their work of helping and taking care of the the poor, and vulnerable.
During 1633 she set up a training center, for people who wanted to help her in her work. That was the start of the Sisters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul. St. Louise took her vows during 1634, and had many people decide to start to join her mission and follow her footsteps.
In 1642, St. Louise wrote a rule for the community and St. Vincent allowed some members to make their vows. The community was later placed under St. Vincent and his Congregation of the Missions and St. Louise was the superior. St. Louise would travel all over France placing her sisters in orphanages, hospitals and other places where help was needed. When St. Louise passed away on March 15, 1660 the Congregation had over 40 houses in France, and today their are more spread all over the world. St. Louise is the patron saint of Social workers and her feast day is celebrated on March 15.
Prayer to St. Louise:
St. Louise intercede that we may be able to know the will of God and do it throughout our lives regardless of the temptations and trials we may face. St. Louise guide us to live a life like yours, help us to serve others before ourselves and be more selfless and merciful. I pray that you may place your mantel of protection over all the poor and vulnerable in our community and help us to win more souls for God through our love and service.
We ask this through Christ Our Lord and Mary Our Mother in Heaven.
Amen
May we continue to strengthen our journey to sainthood and keep others in our prayers.
Works cited:
Information (read from, not taken):
Catholic Online. “St. Louise de Marillac.” Saints and Angels. 2021. St. Louise de Marillac - Saints & Angels - Catholic Online. Accessed 15 March 2021.
Images:
About St. Louise. March 16, 2021.
Saint Louise de Marillac. March 16, 2021.
Commentaires