Saint Louise de Marillac (1591-1660)
Image: The Journey of a Bishop
(Franciscan Media) Louise was born in France Meux and lost her mother, when she was yet a child and her beloved father when she was just 15 yrs old–Educated at the Dominican Convent at Poissy, Louise felt called to lead a religious life however after consulting her confessor, she decided not to pursue this vocation and instead was married in 1613 to Antony LeGras, a court official to the Queen.
Antony and Louise were blessed with a son in 1617 however shortly thereafter, Antony fell ill and Louise found herself caring for their son virtually alone and nursing her sick husband, after a long battle, Antony died in 1625
Following Antony’s death, Louise once again began thinking about joining a religious community and met with Fr. Vincent de Paul as her spiritual director, with his encouragement and direction, Louise formed a group of Women ‘Daughters of Charity’ dedicated to serving the sick, poor and neglected.
In 1642 Louise wrote the formal Rule for the ‘Daughters of Charity’ and in 1655 they received formal approval from the Vatican and placed under the direction of Fr. Vincent de Paul congregation of priests–Louise subsequently took her vows in the new Order and served as Superior for the rest of her life.
Sister Louise worked zealously continuing to help wherever she was needed and subsequently traveled throughout France, forming convents and instituting the ‘Daughters of Charity’ workers in hospitals, orphanages and other institutions dedicated to helping the neglected and the ill until her death on this day in 1660 in Paris.
In 1920 Sister Louise was Beatified by Pope Benedict XV and in 1934 Canonized by Pope Pius XI
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