St Louis Martin (1823–1894) was born the third of five children in Bordeaux, France. All of his brothers and sisters died before the age of 30.
In his youth, St Louis wanted to join the Augustinian Order but was refused because he hadn’t studied Latin. Instead, he married St Marie Guérin (1831-1877). They had nine children but four died in infancy. All five remaining daughters became nuns among them, St Theresa of Lisieux. St Louis and St Marie were deeply religious and greatly influenced their children’s futures.
They divided the day into worship, work and family time. They created a place for worship within their home and followed the Augustine rule of penance and prayer. They went on pilgrimages to Lourdes, Rome and many other shrines.
For almost five years, St Louis was confined to bed before his death. Two of his daughters cared for him during his last years.
St Louis and St Marie were the first married couple to be canonized saints. Their Feast Day is the 12th July.
St’s Louis Martin and Marie-Azélie Guérin:
Pray for families throughout the world that they will cherish family life and live by the values of the Holy Family.
Glory be to the…