Hidden label . From overcoming oppression, to breaking rules, to reimagining the world or waging a rebellion, these women of history have a story to tell. She was named patroness of Christian Social Workers in 1960. Saint Louise de Marillac (1591-1660) shared the spirituality and vision that inspired Saint Vincent, and her collaboration was crucial in implementing it. Deeply concerned with the poverty and suffering surrounding them, they brought together a group of young women who shared their dedication of helping the poor and the sick. They had the funds to aid poor people, but they did not have the time or temperament to live a life of service among the poor. St. Elizabeth Ann Seton. At the age of 22, she married Antoine Le Gras, Secretary to the Queen Regent, Marie de Medicis. She never knew her mother. Louise de Marillac was born out of wedlock on August 12, 1591 near Le Meux, now in the department of Oise, in Picardy.She never knew her mother. Being a woman of energy, intelligence, determination and devotion, Louise wrote her own "Rule of Life in the World" that detailed a structure for her day. Updates? Thus Louise grew up amid the affluent society of Paris, but without a stable home life. Her intuition led her to understand that it was time to intensify her ministry with poor and needy persons. "Ven. [6] The Daughters of Charity were unlike other established religious communities, whose religious women were behind cloister walls in a monastery and performed a ministry of contemplative prayer. St. Louise de Marillac and St. Vincent de Paul are one such famous pair. New York: Robert Appleton Company, 1908. Her uncle, Michel de Marillac, was a major figure in the court of Queen Marie de' Medici and, though Louise was not a member of the Queen's court, she lived and worked among the French aristocracy. Co-Foundress with Saint Vincent de Paul of the Daughters of Charity, 1591-1660. Ring in the new year with a Britannica Membership, This article was most recently revised and updated by, https://www.britannica.com/biography/Saint-Louise-de-Marillac, The Catholic Encyclopedia - Biography of Louise de Marillac Le Gras, Sisters of Providence - Biography of Louise de Marillac, Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul, Daughters of Charity of Saint Vincent de Paul. Their work became well-known, and the Daughters were invited to Angers to take over management of the nursing services of the hospital there. The women took meals, distributed clothing and gave care and comfort. St. Louise de Marillac; St. Louise de Marillac. Because they were neither enclosed nor called nuns, their concept pioneered in bringing women into religious service outside the cloister. Antoine was an ambitious young man who seemed destined for great accomplishments. Over the next four years, Vincent and Louise often met and communicated by letters. [2] She also believed that she had received the insight that she would be guided to a new spiritual director whose face she was shown. Louise de Marillac was born out of wedlock on August 12, 1591[1] near Le Meux, now in the department of Oise, in Picardy. St. Louise de Marillac (1591-1660) a contemporary of St. Vincent de Paul was inspired and directed by Vincent’s spiritual leadership. It is not clear if her refusal was for her continual poor health or other reasons, but her spiritual director assured her that God had "other plans" for her. Her desire to become a nun was discouraged by her confessor, and a marriage was arranged. Nurse, educator, and social worker was St. Louise de Marillac, to whom the world owes the innovation which she and her co-laborer, St. Vincent de Paul, brought into being – a religious community bound by rules and vows, but uncloistered, so that they might be at liberty to serve the poor in their homes, while serving God in a life consecrated to Him. In 1636, as the number of sisters was increasing, the little community moved to La Chapelle north of Paris. Act I: Louise’s Early Years. At that time he could not have imagined the place that she would occupy in his life. Louise found true happiness in her work. This short work will be an attempt to condense a life which, for the frail and delicate woman she was, abounded amazingly in good works. On August 12th, 1591, Louise de Marillac was born just outside of Paris. From her Christian imagination and faith, she spoke with confidence of a belief that even in moments of loss and hardship, there is always the possibility of new life and resurrected hope. Please contact the school at (412) 835-0600 for more information. Her remains are enshrined in the chapel of the motherhouse of the Daughters of Charity at 140 rue du Bac, Paris. At her death on March 15, 1660, the congregation had more than 40 houses in France. Indeed, the congregation was the first noncloistered religious institute of women devoted to active charitable works. One was publicly executed, and the other died in prison. — Louise de Marillac I beg you, my dear Sister, to help me by your prayers, as I will help you by mine, so that we may obtain from God the grace to walk simply and confidently along the path of His holy love, without too much introspection, least we resemble those persons who, instead of growing rich, become bankrupt while striving to find the philosopher’s stone. In October, the couple had their only child, Michel. Omissions? She was fortunate to have a wise and sympathetic counsellor, Francis de Sales, then in Paris,[2] and then his friend, the bishop of Belley. "Sisters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul." Popular Searches on Catholic Online. The Ladies of Charity, founded by Vincent years earlier, provided some care and monetary resources, but it was far from enough. Many women joined the order, and Louise was elected the Superior. One of her earliest tasks was to supervise the parish-based confraternities. She had a leading role in the Ladies of Charity, an organization of wealthy women dedicated to assisting those suffering from poverty and disease. Be on the lookout for your Britannica newsletter to get trusted stories delivered right to your inbox. His work needed many more helpers, especially ones who were peasants themselves and so would be closer to the poor. Although Saint Louise de Marillac was canonized in 1934, there are but few people in Australia who know anything about her. In light of this, her biographer, Nicholas Gobillon, removed any traces of mysticism from Louise's writings and rewrote her meditations. [8], Aided by her directors, the young Louise had entered into profound prayer in the tradition of the Rhenish-Flemish spiritualists, and had been introduced to the French school of spirituality of Cardinal Pierre de Bérulle. St. Louise was born in France on August 12, 1591. Louise nursed and cared for him and their child. That is, until I came to work at DePaul University and started to learn about the Daughters, a congregation founded by St. Vincent de Paul and his companion in ministry St. Louise de Marillac in Paris, France, on Nov. 29, 1633. She later made application to the Capuchin nuns in Paris but was refused admission. Consequently, she invited four country girls to live in her home in the Rue des Fosses‐Saint‐Victor and began training them to care for those in need. Louise de Marillac was canonized in 1934 and declared patroness of social workers in 1960. Louise was a member of the powerful de Marillac family and was well educated. Connect with St. Louise de Marillac Parish, Church in La Grange Park, Illinois. She was educated by the Dominican nuns at Poissy. New City Press, 1996, pp. Antoine died in 1625. In 17th-century France, the charitable care of the poor was completely unorganized. Three years after this experience, Antoine died. Six months later Vincent de Paul followed her in death. At first, the Company served the needs of the sick and poor in their homes. Louise de Marillac Le Gras." Louise was canonized in 1934 and is today the patron saint of social workers. “Love the poor, honor them, as you would honor Christ.” Why we like her: She was a valiant and inspired leader of the Daughters of Charity, the first community of non-cloistered sisters that numbered more than 50,000 around the world at the time of her death (1934). Betanzos, CM, Benito Martinez, "Saint Louise de Marillac, a mystic", "St. Louise de Marillac", Catholic Social Worker's National Association, The Vincentian Center for Church and Society, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Louise_de_Marillac&oldid=1004850943, Daughters and Sisters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul, Founders of Catholic religious communities, Christian female saints of the Early Modern era, Articles with unsourced statements from May 2018, Wikipedia articles with BIBSYS identifiers, Wikipedia articles with CANTIC identifiers, Wikipedia articles with PLWABN identifiers, Wikipedia articles with SNAC-ID identifiers, Wikipedia articles with SUDOC identifiers, Wikipedia articles with Trove identifiers, Wikipedia articles with WORLDCATID identifiers, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, St. Louise de Marillac Parish and School are in, St. Louise de Marillac Primary School is in, The Church of St Vincent de Paul and St Louise of Marillac served, This page was last edited on 4 February 2021, at 18:33. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. [9], Mobility was a major innovation. Hello and welcome to our Saint Louise de Mass whether you are joining us from inside your vehicle or from home, we are blessed to have you with us today before we begin mass, We invite you to join us in a short prayer lord our God. It was the integration of contemplation and activity that made Louise's work so successful. St. Louise de Marillac. [9] She was 68, and the Daughters of Charity had more than 40 houses in France. Widowed in 1625, she had already chosen Vincent de Paul as her spiritual guide, and he encouraged her to undertake charitable works. [9] As it was the first ministry outside Paris for the fledgling community, Louise made the arduous journey there in the company of three nuns. He also needed someone who could teach and organize them.[4]. Six months later St. Vincent de Paul followed her in death. Click on the the WeShare Online Giving icon and signing up will take just a few minutes. I was advised that I should remain with my husband and that the time would come when I would be in the position to make vows of poverty, chastity and obedience and that I would be in a small community where others would do the same...I felt that it was God who was teaching me these things and that, believing there is a God; I should not doubt the rest. St. Louise de Marillac Mission Statement Page 2SPIRITUALITY AND ENRICHMENT It was so successful that it spread from the rural districts to Paris, where noble ladies often found it hard to give personal care to the needs of the poor. Nearing her death, she wrote to her nuns: "Take good care of the service of the poor. She is mistakenly referred to as an incorrupt saint; the body enshrined in the chapel is actually a wax effigy, containing her bones. 9. Still, Louise managed to find time to maintain her household, entertain guests and nurture Michel, her 13-year-old son, with special needs. Saint Louise de Marillac, born near Meux, France, lost her mother when she was still a child, her beloved father when she was but 15. Jean-Louis de Marillac, comte de Beaumont-le-Roger (1572 – 10 May 1632) was an important French noble and military leader during the reign of Louis XIII. She was the daughter of Louis de Marillac and born out of wedlock. The congregation was the first noncloistered religious institute of women devoted to active charitable works. Unlike St. Vincent, who was of humble origin, St. Louise de Marillac was born in 1598 and grew up in an illustrious French family. These young girls formed the nucleus of the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul. Act I: Louise’s Early Years. Six months later St. Vincent de Paul followed her in death. In working with her sisters, Louise emphasized a balanced life, as Vincent de Paul had taught her. Find St. Louise de Marillac Parish reviews and more. Poor health prevented her from joining the strict order of Poor Clares, and in 1613 she married Antoine Le Gras (secretary to Queen Marie de Médicis of France), by whom she had a son, Michel. In 1629, Vincent invited Louise to become involved in his work with the Confraternities of Charity. Vincent lived near her new dwelling. At her death on March 15, 1660, the congregation had more than 40 houses in France. [11], Louise de Marillac was beatified by Pope Benedict XV in 1920 and, on March 11, 1934, she was canonized by Pope Pius XI. Louis de Marillac, Lord of Ferrires (1556-1604),[2] claimed her as his natural daughter yet not his legal heir. Louise and Antoine were wed in the fashionable Church of St. Gervaise on February 5, 1613. Source: Louise de Marillac, A Light in the Darkness by Kathryn B. LaFleur, S.P. While the aristocratic ladies were better suited to the work of raising money and dealing with correspondence, the practical work of nursing the poor in their own homes, and caring for neglected children was best accomplished by women of a similar social status to those served.[8]. Frederic Ozanam we thank you that you have come to this earth. Saint Louise de Marillac (August 12, 1591 - March 15, 1660) was the co-founder, with St. Vincent de Paul, of the Daughters of Charity. Corrections? As true disciples of Jesus Christ, we are called to renew His love and spirit by sharing our time, talent and treasure. However, being a good manager as well as an inspiring leader, she also wanted those women to report to her on what they encountered in their home visits. Vincent guided Louise to a greater balance in a life of moderation, peace and calm. At that time he could not have imagined the place that she would occupy in his life. 3. Her husband was secretary to the Queen of France, Marie de Medici. Louise never knew her mother—a circumstance that made her illegitimate by societal standards and marked her with a metaphorical scarlet letter of sorts. While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. When her father married his new wife, Antoinette Le Camus, she refused to accept Louise as part of their family. When she was 22, her family convinced her that marriage was the best alternative. At the age of 12 Louise is an orphan. Then, in 1632, Louise made a spiritual retreat. That is, until I came to work at DePaul University and started to learn about the Daughters, a congregation founded by St. Vincent de Paul and his companion in ministry St. Louise de Marillac in Paris, France, on Nov. 29, 1633. Today, we humbly ask you to defend Catholic Online's independence. Above all, live together in great union and cordiality, loving one another in imitation of the union and life of our Lord. St. Louise de Marillac’s feast day is this Sunday, March 15. Find St. Louise de Marillac School reviews and more on The Catholic Directory. Louise de Marillac was born at Ferrieres-en-Brie near Meux, France, on August 12, 1591. Search for: Statue of St. Louise de Marillac (Lisa Johnston/The St. Louis Review) Louise’s main intent was to have the sisters serve the poor and sick. In 1623, when illness was wasting Antoine, depression was overcoming Louise[3] In addition, she suffered for years with internal doubt and guilt for having not pursued the religious calling she had felt as a young woman. St. Vincent de Paul & St. Louise de Marillac In 1633, the Daughters of Charity were founded in Paris, France, by St. Vincent de Paul and St. Louise de Marillac. Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. [4], On the feast of Pentecost during Holy Mass or while I was praying in the church, my mind was completely freed of all doubt. Please consider mailing in your donations or by using our online giving option. She began working with a group of them and saw a need for common life and formation. In 1625 Vincent de Paul responded positively to the request of Madame Le Gras, Louise de Marillac, to become her spiritual director. [6] It soon became clear that many of the ladies were unfitted to cope with the actual conditions. With St. Louise de Marillac he cofounded the Daughters of Charity (Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul) in 1633. The name “St. She trained girls in the spiritual life and taught them to assist in visiting, feeding, and nursing the needy. "[citation needed], After increasingly ill health, Louise de Marillac died six months before the death of her dear friend and mentor, Vincent de Paul. [10] "Love the poor and honor them as you would honor Christ Himself," Louise explained. Louise’s mother died when Louise was a … By signing up for this email, you are agreeing to news, offers, and information from Encyclopaedia Britannica. Search. The Ladies of Charity, founded by Vincent years earlier, provided some care and monetary resources, but it was far from enough. She never knew her mother. She traveled throughout France, establishing her community members in hospitals, orphanages and other institutions. One son was born of this union. Time was set aside for reciting the Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary, attending Mass, receiving Holy Communion, meditation, spiritual reading, fasting, penance, reciting the rosary and special prayers. Members were aristocratic ladies of charity, who were helping him nurse the poor and look after neglected children, a real need of the day, but the ladies were busy with many of their own concerns and duties. Bl. To achieve a goal, God sometimes uses a pair of saints—two people who are good friends and support each other as they go about doing God’s work. As quoted above from a letter to Vincent de Paul, Louise de Marillac found a source for such resilient joy in the ongoing presence of her God. [5], She vowed not to remarry if her husband died before her. The Church proclaimed her a saint in 1934. 36, 39; Picture is free domain, author unknown, Wikimedia. Search St. Louise de Marillac. Their distinctive habit, a grey wool tunic with a large headdress or cornette of white linen, was the usual dress of Breton peasant women of the 17th century and later.[8]. Louis was a member of the prominent de Marillac family and was a widower at the time of Louise's birth. She then stayed with a devout spinster, from whom she learned household management skills as well as the secrets of herbal medicine. He held the office of Marshal of France, as well as lieutenant-general of Trois-Évêchés and governor of Metz. Vol. The nuns have always been held in high repute and have made foundations in all parts of the world. In 1633 Vincent de Paul founded the Daughters of Charity with Louise as their superior. Louise de Marillac was born probably at Ferrieres-en-Brie near Meux, France, on August 12, 1591. She is venerated as a saint by the Roman Catholic Church. Louis was a member of the prominent de Marillac family and was a widower at the time of Louise's birth. She desired to become a nun but on the advice of her confessor, she married Antony LeGras, an official in the Queen's service, in 1613. She desired to become a nun but on the advice of her confessor, she married Antony LeGras, an official in the Queen's service, in 1613. Louise, now forty-two years old, communicated this objective to Monsieur Vincent. Early life. St. Louise de Marillac, (born August 12, 1591, Paris/Ferrières, France—died March 15, 1660, Paris; canonized March 11, 1934; feast day March 15), cofounder with St. Vincent de Paul of the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul, a congregation of laywomen dedicated to teaching and hospital work. With St. Louise de Marillac he cofounded the Daughters of Charity (Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul) in 1633. From the time of her baptism (August 12, 1591), Louise’s father recognized her as his child. Louise de Marillac was canonized in 1934 and declared patroness of social workers in 1960. Her uncle arranged for her to marry Antoine Le Gras, secretary to Queen Marie. In the midst of the difficulties of her life she progressively opened her heart to the light of God. In 17th-century France, the charitable care of the poor was completely unorganized. Nurse, educator, and social worker was St. Louise de Marillac, to whom the world owes the innovation which she and her co-laborer, St. Vincent de Paul, brought into being – a religious community bound by rules and vows, but uncloistered, so that they might be at liberty to serve the poor in their homes, while serving God in a life consecrated to Him. Her life speaks to us today in the daily concerns of our life. The Catholic Encyclopedia. Louise found the help she needed in young, humble country women, who had the energy and the proper attitude to deal with people weighed down by destitution and suffering. Hello and welcome to our Saint Louis Mass. St Louise de Marillac Co-foundress of the Daughters of Charity (1591-1660) The Holiness Factor: A partner with St. Vincent de Paul to provide loving service to the poor. Saint Louise de Marillac, cofounder with St. Vincent de Paul of the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul, a congregation of laywomen dedicated to teaching and hospital work. Louise grew to love Antoine and was an attentive mother to their son. A partner with St. Vincent de Paul to provide loving service to the poor. The need of organization in work for the poor suggested to de Paul the forming of a confraternity among the women of his parish in Châtillon-les-Dombes. First, the parish was established in 1960, the 300 th anniversary of the death of St. Louise de Marillac, foundress of the Daughters of the Charity of St. Vincent de Paul and universal patron of social workers. Besides, the families of the ladies often opposed the works. At her death on March 15, 1660, the congregation had more than 40 houses in France. St. Louise de Marillac is a Roman Catholic community called together as family to worship, to minister, and to evangelize. The Daughters of Charity opened their archives, including private ones, for him to do his research. Widowed and lacking financial means, she had to move. “Love the poor, honor them,… [3], During civil unrest, her two uncles who held high rank within the government were imprisoned. In the 17th century in France, there was discussion about the condemnation of Quietism so from the time of her death, mysticism was viewed with suspicion. She was a member of the Marillac family, one of the more influential noble families of seventeenth century France. She wrote near the end of her life, "Certainly it is the great secret of the spiritual life to abandon to God all that we love by abandoning ourselves to all that He wills. Louise de Marillac engaged in a tireless search for God. St. Louise De Marillac 14 Karat Gold Filled Pendant @ $131.99. They had the funds to aid poor people, but they did not have the time or temperament to live a life of service among the poor. Introduction: Saint Louise, a leader who teaches us with her example In 1625 Vincent de Paul responded positively to the request of Madame Le Gras, Louise de Marillac, to become her spiritual director. Four years later, the house was too small. She considered a cloistered life, but upon the advice of her confessor, she married Antoine LeGras on February 5, 1613. St. Louise de Marillac School is proud to be fully accredited with the Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh as well as the Middle States Accreditation organization. St. Louise de Marillac depends on your financial support to continue our parish mission. Louise de Marillac was born in the 16 th century. By the time Louise died in 1660, 40 convents of the Sisters of Charity had been established. St. Vincent about St. Louise: "In fact I have not met anyone who has demonstrated a greater prudence that her. She was educated by the Dominican nuns at Poissy. Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree.... Meet extraordinary women who dared to bring gender equality and other issues to the forefront. Nevertheless, she was cared for and received an excellent education at the royal monastery of Poissy near Paris, where her aunt was a Dominican nun. When she happened to meet Vincent de Paul, she recognized him as the priest from her vision.[3]. The tension, between the ideal of service and social constraints, was real. Under her guidance, they expanded their scope of service to include orphanages, institutions for the elderly and mentally ill, prisons and the battlefield. After completing negotiations with the city officials and the hospital managers, Louise instituted collaboration among the doctors, nurses and others to form a comprehensive team. She established hospitals, schools, and orphanages all over France. She is venerated as a saint by the Roman Catholic Church. She was the daughter of Louis de Marillac and born out of wedlock. [citation needed] That was the foundation of the Company of the Daughters of Charity, which received official approbation in 1655. Like St. Vincent, however, she was to attain to sainthood through trials, difficulties, and suffering. [6] At first, he was reluctant to be her confessor, as he was busy with his Confraternities of Charity. She was canonized in 1934. When the Daughters of Charity were founded, Louise de Marillac opened her own home in the parish of St. Nicolas du Chardonnet to the five or six young women who desired to join her. Louise” was chosen by the Seattle Archdiocese for this new parish for two reasons. Her feast day is May 9 (changed from March 15 in 2016). "[citation needed], Louise led the Company of Daughters until her death. Pray earnestly to the Blessed Virgin, that she might be your only Mother. Learn about St. Louise de Marillac School, School/University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Via Sapientiae, DePaul University, Randolph, Bartholomew. Louis de Marillac, Lord of Ferrires (1556-1604), claimed her as his natural daughter yet not his legal heir. 9 Jan. 2013. St. Louise de Marillac died on March 15, 1660, and St. Vincent followed her to heaven only six months later. Louise de Marillac D.C., also Louise Le Gras, (August 12, 1591 – March 15, 1660) was the co-founder, with Vincent de Paul, of the Daughters of Charity. Vincent and Louise realized that direct service of the poor was not easy for the nobility or the bourgeoisie because of social class. On August 12th, 1591, Louise de Marillac was born just outside of Paris. New York: Robert Appleton Company, 1910. Devastated by this refusal, Louise was at a loss as to her next step. Welcome to St. Louise de Marillac Primary School. Louise never knew her mother—a circumstance that made her illegitimate by societal standards and marked her with a metaphorical scarlet letter of sorts. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Her uncle, Michele, became her guardian but the de Marillac family wanted nothing to do with this child who, as an illegitimate child, had no legal claims on the family. The wealth of these women, many of noble family, aided him in establishing the foundling and other hospitals. The majority sent their servants to minister to those in need, but often, the work was considered unimportant. Along with being devoted to her family, Louise was also active in ministry in her parish. Louise, like Duns Scotus, viewed the Incarnation as the moment in which men and women were saved. The wealth of these women, many of noble family, aided him in establishing the foundling and other hospitals. She traveled throughout France, establishing her community members in hospitals, orphanages and other institutions. Vincent de Paul remedied it by referring young women who inquired about serving persons in need to go to Paris and devote themselves to the ministry under the direction of the Ladies of Charity. This group of laypeople, which is still very active today, bears the name of Vincent de Paul, as he was perceived as a model of charity. Louise's work with these young women developed into a system of pastoral care at the Hôtel-Dieu, the oldest and largest hospital in Paris. They visited the slums dressed in beautiful dresses next to people considered to be peasants. 9 Jan. 2013, "Louise de Marillac", Vincentian Online Library, Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul international website, "Life and Works of Louise de Marillac". She was declared Patroness of Christian Social Workers by Pope John XXIII, in 1960. Introduction: Saint Louise, a leader who teaches us with her example. She traveled throughout France, establishing her community members in hospitals, orphanages and other institutions. Louise remained at Poissy until her father's death, when she was twelve years old. 1 Early life 2 Louise de Marillac and Vincent de Paul 3 Veneration 4 External links Louise de Marillac was born out of wedlock on August 12, 1591. Sort by Year: 2018; 2017; 2016; 2015; 2014; 2013; To all our readers, Please don't scroll past this. The Catholic Encyclopedia. The model was highly successful and is still in use today by the Daughters of Charity. Around 1621, Antoine contracted a chronic illness and eventually became bedridden. Parish-Based Confraternities find St. Louise de Marillac School, School/University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania not remarry... Vincent de Paul. she happened to meet Vincent de Paul ) in 1633 because they were enclosed... 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