Today, March 15, we celebrate the feast day of St. Louise de Marillac, one of our beloved Vincentian founders and role models.
St. Louise de Marillac was born on August 12, 1591. At a very young age, she was placed in a convent to be educated. In 1631, she married Antoine de Gras and had a son name Michael. Her husband died years later after being ill for a long time.
On December 12, 1625, Louise was invited by Vincent de Paul to visit the sick and the poor. Louise loved her work so much, she founded the Company of the Daughters of Charity. She then organized the new community and formed the first sisters
On March 25, 1633, she consecrated herself totally to God by vows of poverty, obedience and service to the poor.
Louise loved all children, especially those who were abandoned. She worked hard to make sure they were fed, clothed, led in prayers and – most importantly – educated.
Louise died in Paris on March 15, 1660, where she always lived. Before she died, she asked the Sisters to always “take great care to serve the poor, live happily together, be united in harmony and pray to the Virgin Mary.”
To read more about the life of this great saint, please click here.
