St. Louise de Marillac
Saint Louise de Marillac
When and Where She Lived
St. Louise de Marillac lived from August 12, 1591, to March 15, 1660. She primarily resided in Paris, France, engaging with the social and religious context of the time.
Notable World Events During Her Time
- Thirty Years’ War (1618-1648): A devastating conflict that reshaped Europe.
- Scientific Revolution: Advancements in science and philosophy, challenging prevailing notions.
- English Civil War (1642-1651): Internal conflict leading to political transformation.
- Treaty of Westphalia (1648): Crucial development in modern international relations.
- Great Fire of London (1666): Catastrophic fire reshaping the city.
Her Patronage
St. Louise de Marillac is the patron saint of social workers, widows, orphans, and those who have lost parents. Her life’s work and dedication to caring for the marginalized and vulnerable continue to inspire individuals involved in charitable and social services.
St. Louise de Marillac’s life story intersects with a period of historical turmoil and transformation. While events like the Thirty Years’ War and the Scientific Revolution were shaping the world on a grand scale, her tireless efforts to alleviate the suffering of the less fortunate, her collaboration with St. Vincent de Paul in founding the Daughters of Charity, and her commitment to social service continue to resonate as a testament to the power of compassion and empathy in times of change. In the midst of larger geopolitical shifts, her legacy reminds us of the importance of addressing human needs and social injustices.
Early Life
Saint Louise was a French girl born on the 12th of August, 1591, around Le Meux, now Oise, Picardy. Her father was Louis de Marillac, Lord of Ferrires. She was born out of wedlock and had no idea who her mother was.
Louis de Marillac had accepted her as his daughter but had refused to make her his heir.
Saint Louise’s Uncle worked in Marie de’ Mexico’s court. This influence enabled her to work among the French aristocrats.
Saint Louise was cared for like any child but was estranged by her father’s new wife, Antoinette Le Camus. Nevertheless, she was sent to receive education in the royal convent of Poissy, where her aunt was anun.
Louise was a religious child who was convinced that God had bigger plans for her. At the age of 12, her father died, and she was taken to live with a Christian Spinster.
There, she was taught basic management skills and herbal medicine. At the age of 15, her application to join the Capuchin nuns was rejected.
At the age of 21 or 22, Saint Louise’s family arranged her marriage to Antoine Le Gras. Louise did not think marriage was her next path, but she agreed to please her family.
On the 5th of February, Saint Louise got married to Antoine. After some time, she assumed an official role in the local parish she attended.
Antoine and Louise had a son named Michel.
Dedication and Devotion
Tragedy struck in 1621 when Antoine fell ill with a debilitating sickness. Antoine became bedridden, leaving Louise to cater for all three of them. Through it all, Louise was counseled by Francis de Sales, who would later become a Saint and Bishop of Belley.
When Antoine died in 1625, Louise made a pledge to remain single for the rest of her life. She was continually plagued by a vision showing a spiritual guide that would order her path.
This guide turned out to be Saint Vincent de Paul.
After Antoine’s death, Saint Louise moved due to financial reasons. In her new residence, She met Saint Vincent.
Vincent, at that time, was working on a project that involved noble ladies caring for the poor. He was about to end Louise’s friendship when he realized she was the answer to his prayer.
Although suffering from slight health implications, Saint Louise was an energetic and religious young woman. When she wasn’t caring for her son, she was praying, preaching, meditating, or practicing penance. This impressed Saint Vincent so much that he chose to be her spiritual guide.
Legacy
In 1629, Saint Vincent asked Louise to join his charity work. She agreed, and together they ministered to the needy.
With Saint Louise, Vincent de Paul set up an association with the women in his church in Châtillon-les-Dombes.
The project was so successful that they proceeded to help the poor in the slums of Paris, where the noblemen couldn’t reach them. This encourages other women from the less fortunate side of life to take part in the project.
In 1633, a group called the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul They respected Saint Louise and made her head of all operations in the group.
Saint Louise invested most of her time and energy into teaching the ladies and helping the poor. The group of ladies was one of the pioneers of uncloistered religious women who went around to minister.
Sometime in the 17th century, Saint Louis traveled to Angers to work at a hospital. There, they nursed the sick.
Death and Canonization
Saint Louise continued to lead the women until her death. She died on the 15th of March, 1660, at the age of 68.
Saint Louise de Marillac was canonized on March 11, 1934, by Pope Pius XI. She is buried at the cathedral in the motherhouse of the Daughter of Charity. She is celebrated by the Roman Catholic Church on the 9th of May and the Episcopal Church on the 15th of March.
5 Interesting Facts About Saint Louise de Marillac
- Did you know that it was her priest who arranged for Saint Louise to
get married to Antoine? - Did you know that Saint Louise de Marillac is the patron saint of
sick people, widows, and orphans? - Did you know that Saint Louise was named the Patroness of Social
Workers in 1960? - Did you know that the Roman Catholic Church used to celebrate Saint
Louise on the 15th of March? - Do you know there are over 25,000 daughters of charity today?
Prayers to Saint Louise de Marillac
O Gracious God, Saint Louise devoted her life to helping Saint Vincent de Paul serve the needs of the poor. She often taught, Be diligent in serving the poor. Love the poor; honor them as you would honor Christ Himself.” I lift up to You the programs in my church and community that help the needy and the people who do the work. Multiply the donations. Teach me how to think generously. Give me a heart that desires to care for the poor as if I were serving Jesus directly, and help me to see Jesus in each person that begs on the street corner or church door. Saint Louise, pray for us. Amen.
Source:[https://www.catholicdoors.com/prayers/novenas/p04005.htm]{.ul}
