Married at 22
St Louise de Marillac, the patron saint of social workers, was born in France in 1591, the daughter of a wealthy nobleman. She received a loving upbringing and a good education from several Religious, including her great aunt, a Dominican sister.
Louise decided she was called to the religious life. But her spiritual director said God had other plans, and at 22 she put aside her longing for the cloister and got married.
Distress and recovery
Her husband, Antoine le Gras, was working for the French queen, so Louise found herself in the higher echelons of French society. Fortunately, she was able to throw herself into the work of the Ladies of Charity, a group of well-to-do women who helped the poor and sick.
Louise gave birth to a son in 1613, and devoted herself to bringing him up. But she was haunted by the idea that she had rejected a calling to the religious life. Anxiety brought on doubts: could she really believe in the immortality of the soul? In the existence of God?
Louise increased her prayer and fasting, but for four years she was wracked by depression. Then, one Pentecost, she had a mystical experience. “My mind was instantly freed of all doubt,” she wrote, in a record of the experience which she then folded up tight and carried with her everywhere.
A renewed vocation
She vowed that if her husband died she would not remarry but would dedicate herself to the service of the poor. Not long after, Antoine did indeed die.
Louise had already been seeing St Vincent de Paul for spiritual direction. When he met her, he saw a melancholy and withdrawn woman, still suffering mental torment. But Vincent was able to help her, and as a widow she now gave her life to the corporal works of mercy.
With Vincent’s advice, Louise drew up a rule of life for what became a new congregation, the Daughters of Charity. They worked with the sick, the elderly and galley slaves, and supported themselves through manual labour.
By the time St Louise died, aged 68, the congregation had more than 40 houses in France. Pope Pius XI canonised Louise in 1934.
Areas of Catholic Herald business are still recovering post-pandemic.
However, we are reaching out to the Catholic community and readership, that has been so loyal to the Catholic Herald. Please join us on our 135 year mission by supporting us.
We are raising £250,000 to safeguard the Herald as a world-leading voice in Catholic journalism and teaching.
We have been a bold and influential voice in the church since 1888, standing up for traditional Catholic culture and values. Please consider donating.