Saint Louise de Marillac
| Saint Louise de Marillac | |
|---|---|
| Saint | Saint Louise de Marillac |
| Stage | Saint |
| Birthdate | August 12, 1591 |
| Birthplace | Paris, Kingdom of France |
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| Deathdate | March 15, 1660 |
| Death Place | Paris, Kingdom of France |
| Death Coordinates | |
| Cause of Death | Natural Causes |
| Notable Location 1 | Convent of the Daughters of Charity, Paris |
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| Notable Location 3 | |
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| Beatification Date | May 9, 1920 |
| Beatified by | Pope Benedict XV |
| Beatification Location | |
| Canonized | Yes |
| Canonization Date | March 11, 1934 |
| Canonized by | Pope Pius XI |
| Canonization Location | |
| Miracle 1 | Healing of a child with a severe illness |
| Miracle 2 | |
| Miracle 3 | |
| Feast Day | March 15 |
| Profession | Social Worker, Educator, Mystic |
| Religious Affiliation | Foundress of the Daughters of Charity |
| Patronage | Social workers, Christian charity workers, widows, those rejected by religious orders |
| Attributes | Habit of the Daughters of Charity, crucifix, book |
| Primary Shrine | Chapel of the Miraculous Medal, Paris, France |
| Additional Veneration | |
Saint Louise de Marillac was a pivotal figure in French Catholicism, known for her collaboration with Saint Vincent de Paul in establishing the Daughters of Charity, an order dedicated to serving the poor and sick. Born into a family of modest nobility, she faced personal hardships, including the death of her husband, which led her to a deeper commitment to religious life.
Together with Vincent de Paul, she worked tirelessly to provide aid to those in need, particularly during times of plague and poverty, founding numerous hospitals, orphanages, and schools. Her spiritual insights and practical approach to charity have left a lasting legacy in Christian social service.
Biography
Birth
Louise was born on August 12, 1591, in Paris, France.
Early Life
Raised by her aunt after her mother's death, she received an education that prepared her for a life of service.
Occupation
Before her religious vocation, she married Antoine Le Gras and managed his household, continuing to engage in charitable acts.
Vocation
After her husband's death in 1625, she devoted herself to religious life under the guidance of Vincent de Paul, leading to the founding of the Daughters of Charity.
Death
Louise de Marillac died on March 15, 1660, in Paris, following a life dedicated to charity and spiritual guidance.
Significant events
- Co-founded the Daughters of Charity with Vincent de Paul in 1633, which was unique for allowing nuns to live among the poor they served.
- Established numerous charitable institutions, including hospitals and schools for the poor.
Death
She passed away peacefully in Paris after dedicating her life to service.
Canonization
Servant of God
The process to recognize her as a Servant of God began after her death, focusing on her life's work and virtues.
Venerable
Declared Venerable in 1919 for her life of heroic virtue.
Beatification
Beatified on May 9, 1920, by Pope Benedict XV, acknowledging her contributions to charity and the Church.
Canonization
Canonized on March 11, 1934, by Pope Pius XI, following the confirmation of a miracle attributed to her intercession.
Miracles
Miracle for beatification
Not specifically documented, but her life was considered a miracle in itself by many.
Miracle for canonization
Healing of a child with a severe illness was recognized as a miracle for her canonization.
Other notable miracles
- Her spiritual insights and visions were considered miraculous by her contemporaries.
Patronage
Louise de Marillac is the patron saint of social workers, Christian charity workers, widows, and those rejected by religious orders.
Feast day
Saint Louise de Marillac's feast day is celebrated on March 15.
Veneration
She is venerated through the ongoing work of the Daughters of Charity around the world, with her relics housed in the Chapel of the Miraculous Medal in Paris. Her life continues to inspire those in social work and charity.
Books
Written about the saint
- Saint Louise de Marillac: A Saint for Our Times by Elizabeth Charpy - 1991
Written by the saint
Her spiritual writings and letters are preserved, offering insight into her life and spirituality.
External links
- Catholic Online - Saint Louise de Marillac
- Wikipedia - Louise de Marillac
- Vincentian Sisters of Charity - St. Louise de Marillac