St. Louise de Marillac:

15 Inspiring & Unknown Facts on her Life

St. Louise de Marillac was a remarkable woman who dedicated her life to serving the poor and the sick. Her life is a shining example of selflessness and compassion, and her legacy continues to inspire people around the world today.

St Louise de Marillac Biography

Born on August 12, 1591, in France, Louise was the illegitimate daughter of Louis de Marillac, Lord of Ferrieres, and Marguerite Le Camus, a member of a noble family. Her parents were never married, and her father abandoned her and her mother when Louise was just a year old. As a result, Louise grew up in poverty and was raised by her mother and her grandmother.

Despite her difficult upbringing, Louise was a gifted student and showed an early interest in religious life. She attended a convent school run by the Dominican Sisters in Poissy and excelled in her studies. She was informed that she could not become a nun because of her illegitimate origin when she voiced her desire to do so.

Undeterred, Louise continued to pursue her spiritual calling and eventually became the governess to the children of Antoine Le Gras, a wealthy French official. It was through her work for the Le Gras family that Louise met Vincent de Paul, a priest who would become her mentor and lifelong friend.

With Vincent’s guidance, Louise founded the Daughters of Charity, a religious order dedicated to serving the poor and the sick. The Daughters of Charity were unique in that they lived among the people they served, rather than in a convent, and were known for their humility and compassion.

Under Louise’s leadership, the Daughters of Charity expanded rapidly and became one of the most respected and influential religious orders in Europe. They cared for the sick and dying during times of war and plague, and their selfless service inspired others to follow in their footsteps. (Franciscan Media)

What is Saint Louise de Marillac known for?

Saint Louise de Marillac is known for her deep faith and her tireless dedication to serving others. She is admired for her modesty, kindness, and unrelenting dedication to the sick and the underprivileged.
Her example demonstrates the ability of love, faith, and service to change the world. (Catholic.org)

What does St Louise de Marillac symbolize?

As a symbol, St. Louise de Marillac represents the very best of humanity. She is a brilliant example of how one person can have an impact on others’ lives and personifies the values of selflessness, compassion, and commitment.
No matter how insignificant or low our actions may appear, her life serves as a reminder that we all have the potential to have a positive impact on the world.

What happened to the son of St Louise de Marillac?

Saint Louise de Marillac was a woman of great faith and dedication to serving others. Her life was marked by selflessness and compassion, and she left a lasting impact on the world through her work with the Daughters of Charity. But there are some lesser-known aspects of her life that are equally inspiring.

One of the most poignant stories about St. Louise de Marillac concerns her son. Louise’s illegitimate son, Michel, was born in 1624, when she was already in her thirties. She had met Antoine Le Gras, the father of her son, while working as a governess in his household. Michel was a constant reminder of Louise’s past and the challenges she had faced, but she loved him deeply and was committed to providing him with a good life.

Tragically, Michel fell ill with a fever when he was just six years old. Despite Louise’s best efforts to care for him, he passed away on September 19, 1632. The loss of her son was a devastating blow to Louise, but she found comfort in her faith and in her work with the Daughters of Charity.

What was the last message of St Louise to her sisters?

In her last message to her sisters, St. Louise de Marillac urged them to remain faithful to their mission of serving the poor and the sick. Although she was aware that her time on earth was drawing to a close, she wished to make sure that the Daughters of Charity’s mission would live on long after she was gone.

Her message was one of hope and encouragement, and it remains a source of inspiration for those who follow in her footsteps. She wrote, “My dear daughters, be faithful to the service of the poor, and above all, live in great union and mutual charity, loving one another as Our Lord has loved you.”

And yes, the “habits” in her organization actually looked like the picture above.

What was the age of St Louise upon the death of her father?

St. Louise de Marillac was 52 years old when her father passed away. Although they were estranged for much of her life, Louise never stopped caring for him and praying for his salvation. His passing served as a reminder of how short life is and how crucial it is to make the most of the time we have.

What were the doubts of St Louise?

St. Louise de Marillac was a woman of great faith and devotion, but like all of us, she faced doubts and struggles along the way. Despite these challenges, she remained steadfast in her commitment to serving others and living a life of love and compassion.

One of the doubts that St. Louise de Marillac faced was whether she was truly worthy of the calling that she had received. She struggled with feelings of inadequacy and wondered whether she was capable of fulfilling the mission that God had set before her.

But through prayer and reflection, she came to realize that her doubts were a natural part of the human experience. She learned to trust in God’s guidance and to have faith in her own abilities.

When was the last day of St Louise de Marillac?

On March 15, 1660, St. Louise de Marillac passed away at the age of 68. She had dedicated her life to helping others, and her legacy is still an inspiration to many today.

Despite her many accomplishments, St. Louise remained humble until the end. Her last words were reportedly, “Oh my God, I love You,” a simple yet profound expression of her faith and devotion.

Where is St Louise de Marillac buried?

After a life devoted to service, St. Louise de Marillac passed away on March 15, 1660. She was buried in the chapel of the motherhouse of the Daughters of Charity, located on Rue du Bac in Paris, France. The chapel is a beautiful tribute to her life and legacy, and visitors can pay their respects at her tomb.

The chapel itself is a stunning piece of architecture, with intricate stained glass windows and a peaceful atmosphere. As you stand in the presence of St. Louise de Marillac’s tomb, you can’t help but feel the weight of her impact on the world. Her spirit lives on through the work of the Daughters of Charity and through the countless individuals who continue to be inspired by her life.

How can I make a pilgrimage to see St. Louise d Marillac?

If you are interested in making a pilgrimage to see St. Louise de Marillac, there are several places you can visit. The chapel of the Daughters of Charity in Paris,  is a popular destination for pilgrims. You can see the Shrine of St. Louise de Marillac in St. Louis, Missouri, or the Basilica of St. Vincent de Paul in Paris, which contains a chapel dedicated to St. Louise.

I love traveling and traveling to see the saints is so much better! It opens your eyes in a way you couldn’t imagine possible. To walk in their footsteps, to see their relics in real life, to touch and be near to the holy bodies of people who moved mountains for Jesus. It’s incredible.

I would recommend going to Paris to see the actual resting place of St. Louise de Marillac. I’ve mapped it out and it’s only an 8 minute drive or 33 minute walk from the Eiffle Tower!

Can you imagine the music, sipping on french cappuccino coffee, and a sweet pastry all while having your walking shoes on and exploring the sites?

Wouldn’t getting to see this incredible saint and making the journey a pilgrimage all while venturing through Paris make the experince so much more meaningful?

That’s why I’ve gathered a little day trip for you that you can check out HERE to see the Eiffel Tower. However, you can also explore the Louve HERE where the Mona Lisa is housed or see the Palace of Versailles HERE all in the same trip.

I’ve personally been to all of these and it’s amazing.

What are the Saint Louise de Marillac Miracles?

St. Louise de Marillac is also known for the many miracles attributed to her intercession. One of the most well-known is the healing of a woman named Marguerite Gourdan, who had suffered from paralysis for several years. After praying to St. Louise for help, Marguerite was suddenly able to walk again.

Another miracle associated with St. Louise is the healing of a young girl named Louise Laboure. Louise was predicted to die before turning two since she was born with a congenital heart condition. However, after her family prayed to St. Louise for help, she miraculously recovered and went on to live a long and healthy life.

How did St Louise become a saint?

St. Louise de Marillac was officially canonized as a saint by the Catholic Church in 1934. Her canonization was based on her exemplary life of service and her many acts of charity and compassion. She is remembered as a model of selflessness and devotion, and her legacy continues to inspire people around the world today.

St. Louise’s journey to sainthood began shortly after her death in 1660, when her reputation for holiness began to spread. In 1920, she was beatified by Pope Benedict XV, who declared her to be “blessed” and worthy of veneration. Fourteen years later, Pope Pius XI declared her to be a saint, based on her life of service and her many miracles.

What is the Feast of St Louise de Marillac?

St. Louise de Marillac is a highly revered saint in the Catholic Church, celebrated annually on her feast day, March 15th. The feast of St. Louise de Marillac is a special day when people come together to honor and celebrate her life of devotion and service.

On this day, many people attend Mass and pray for St. Louise’s intercession, asking her to help them in their own lives of service and charity. It is a day to remember St. Louise’s many acts of compassion and to be inspired by her example. (vinnies.com)

What is a Prayer to St Louise de Marillac?

If you are looking for a prayer to St. Louise de Marillac, there are many beautiful prayers that can be found online or in prayer books. Here is one example:

“O God, who filled the heart of Saint Louise de Marillac with the spirit of love and compassion for those in need, grant that through her intercession, we may be filled with the same spirit and may imitate her example of service and humility. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.”

This prayer is a simple but powerful way to connect with St. Louise and ask for her help and guidance in your own life.

One way to deepen your connection with St. Louise is to use a St. Louise de Marillac prayer card. These cards typically feature an image of St. Louise on one side and a prayer on the other. You can carry the prayer card with you throughout the day, using it as a reminder to pray for St. Louise’s intercession and to strive to live a life of service and compassion.

How to use a St Louise de Marillac prayer card?

To use a St. Louise de Marillac prayer card, simply hold it in your hands and say a prayer or intention, asking for St. Louise’s intercession in your life. You can also place the prayer card on a prayer altar or in a special place in your home where you can see it and be reminded of St. Louise’s example.

In conclusion, the life of St. Louise de Marillac is a testament to the power of faith and service to transform the world. Her persistent dedication to helping the sick and the poor continues to inspire people all around the world, and her legacy is upheld by organisations like the Daughters of Charity and other charities. As we reflect on her life and her example, may we all be inspired to follow in her footsteps and work to make the world a better place.

Are You Inspired?

Did you find inspiration in what you learned today? I honestly enjoy researching and talking about the lives of the saints.

You can wear the great blouse I made for you on the day that we celebrate St. Louise de Marillac or when you’re out and about.

These t-shirts make it simpler to discuss saints with close friends, members of your family, and total strangers you meet on the street. Now, if someone comments on your shirt or inquires about it, you can tell them about the life of St. Louise de Marillac.

You might also invite them to church and share the gospel with them there. You can discuss the notion that everyone requires a savior, that Jesus is the blood sacrifice who came to atone for our sins, and how every one of us requires Him as our Savior.

Even better, you may invite them by signing them up for the RCIA classes your parish is providing.

On this one, I’ll be praying for you!

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