Ritty Tomichen | Reporter
Born: August 12th 1591
Died: March 15th 1660
Canonised: March 11th 1934
St Louise of Marillac is a true inspiration for us all throughout this Lenten Period . Her desire to be with God, by becoming a nun began at a very tender age, was faltered when she got married. She had one child and then her husband had died due to serious illness. Little did she know the great wonders she was going to achieve by meeting a holy priest who later became St Vincent de Paul.
The occasion came about when St Louise needed a counsellor and a confessor, her previous ones were a bit busy. She was introduced to St Vincent, who at the time was reluctant to accept her as he was busy himself. He worked with the “Confraternities of Charity” who helped the sick, the poor and the neglected. He knew he needed someone to help bring together more of the workers, who were mainly poor women, and to keep them organised.
St Louise was the answer to his prayers and God gave her all the essential skills in order to accomplish the task of leading them. The group of ‘The Daughters Of Charity of St Vincent de Paul’ began circulating and before you know it numbers were evermore rising, with people happily taking on this life of service for others. In Mark 10:45 it says “ For the Son Of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many”. This group began to live the Gospel in their everyday lives and a while later St Vincent de Paul allowed four of the women to take the vows of Poverty, Chastity and Obedience. The congregation was officially approved by the Vincentian Priests in Rome.
Their works included all the forms of charity deeds and they went on to also be called ‘Angels of the battlefield’. They became the largest congregation for women in the 20th century and their works nowadays are truly inspirational.
Throughout our Lenten Journey, we can follow the footsteps of St Louise in order to guide us as she committed her life into the service of others . It can be from raising money through a sponsored run or saving some pennies for the SCIAF box. Even directly going and helping an old age home can truly put a smile on ones face and you will earn your place in heaven.
So with that, look out for next weeks Saint of the Week Catch.
