Saint Who?
Saints Who Were Teachers
Saint Louise de Marillac
Widow and foundress († 1660) Feast: March 15
Louise was a grieving widow when she met Bishop Francis de Sales of Geneva. She had been raised in a pious French home and had married a court official, Anthony Le Gras. Their happy marriage had been blessed by a son. But now Louise was tormented by the temptation to blame herself and her personal failings for her husband’s premature death. Francis helped her recognize these thoughts as mere temptations to doubt God’s love for her.
Louise also met another famous and holy French priest: Saint Vincent de Paul. Under Father Vincent’s guidance, Louise decided to set aside her past way of life among aristocrats to live a prayerful, simple life among peasants. Louise’s zeal, perseverance, and common sense attracted other women, leading to the formation of the Vincentian Sisters of Charity.
So many people needed help that the sisters’ works of mercy multiplied rapidly. They took over the operation of a neglected hospital. They cared for the sick during an epidemic. When Louise realized that many of the women who came to her as potential religious sisters were illiterate, she established schools to teach poor children. Her final words to her sisters were an encouragement to “love the poor, honor them, my children, as you would honor Christ himself.”
Heavenly Father, help us remember your great love for us during times of loss.
