Louise de Marillac, born close to Meux, France, faced the loss of her mother as a child and her father at 15. Her early aspirations to join a convent were discouraged, leading her into an arranged marriage, which bore a son. She endured the prolonged illness and eventual death of her husband. Guidance came from St. Francis de Sales and the Bishop of Belley, though their presence in her life was sporadic. A profound personal revelation hinted at a significant undertaking ahead, guided by someone yet unknown to her – this would be the esteemed priest, later Saint, Vincent de Paul.
Vincent, initially hesitant due to his commitments with the “Confraternities of Charity,” needed help. His initiatives, supported by aristocratic women, aimed at assisting the poor and the abandoned children were hampered by the limited availability of these women. Vincent sought helpers from among the peasants, who could better connect with the poor.
As Vincent and Louise’s paths intertwined, he recognized in her the answer to his needs. Louise, marked by her intelligence, humility, and surprising physical resilience despite her frail health, became instrumental in Vincent’s mission. She attracted four young women to join her, turning her Parisian residence into a training hub for those dedicated to serving the sick and the poor. This rapid expansion necessitated a formal rule of life, crafted by Louise under Vincent’s guidance, for the Sisters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul.
Vincent’s cautious approach with Louise and the nascent group underscored his reluctance to start a new community; he saw it as God’s work. He envisioned their convent as the homes of the sick, their cloister the city streets or hospital wards, adopting the attire of peasant women. The formalization of their vows and the official recognition by Rome came only later, under Vincent’s directive.
Despite challenges, including the initial resistance to take in neglected children and Louise’s own health struggles, she tirelessly worked to expand the community across France. By her death on March 15, 1660, the congregation boasted over 40 houses. Vincent de Paul passed away six months later.
Canonized in 1934 and named patroness of social workers in 1960, Louise de Marillac’s legacy endures as a testament to compassion and resilience.
Editorial credit: Zvonimir Atletic / Shutterstock.com
 was the co-founder, with St. Vincent de Paul, of the Daughters of Charity.){kind=link}
Thank you for your article.Thanks Again. Awesome.
Sagarika’s family could not be contacted.
St. Louise de Marillac | uCatholic
St. Louise de Marillac | uCatholic
He said: just got on with it. It is a tough job but it all about the knack, when you loading wagons people try to use brute strength, but it also the technique. McDermott soon started up his own round, taking over from a local retired merchant. So, after dorking around this morning I made some cloth baggies. These were so easy and fun I made a little tutorial for them. There no velcro on these-super easy.
I am sorry to say here the image which is updated as St. Louise de Marillac is not her image but it’s St.Jeanne Antide Thouret, France who is the founder of Sisters of Charity of St.Jeanne Antide Thouret. It would be better the one who updated the image to find out the proper one. Thank you!
Happy Feast to all …….
God Bless!
st louise de marillac intercede for my family esppecially niece and grandson that God may deliver and heal them from any illness and mental disease they may be suffering and direct their path to love and accept Jesus as their lord and savior. thanks in advance for answered prayers. mama mary continue to plead with your son on behalf of this family, amen amen and amen.
I too suffered from that and I will help you pray, Amen..
St. Louise de Marillac, pray for us.
Saint Louise de Marillac, pray for us!
St. Louise de Marillac, do pray for us.
O Gracious God, Saint Louise devoted her life to helping Saint Vincent de Paul serve the needs of the poor. She often taught: “Be diligent in serving the poor. Love the poor, honor them, as you would honor Christ Himself.” I lift up to You the programs in my church and community that help the needy, and the people who do the work. Multiply the donations. Teach me how to think generously. Give me a heart that desires to care for the poor as if I were serving Jesus directly, and help me to see Jesus in each person that begs on the street corner or church door. Saint Louise, pray for us. Amen.
Patroness of social workers, St. Louise de Marillac, we pray.