(1591-1660) Louise was born to a father of a prominent French family, but because her father was not married to her mother, Louise was never accepted into society. She was educated at the Poissy monastery and tried to join the Capuchins but was not admitted. At 22, she entered an arranged marriage and had one son. She became acquainted with Saint Frances de Sales in Paris and her husband suffered a long illness. When her husband died after 14 years of marriage, Louise found a spiritual director in Saint Vincent de Paul. Louise and Vincent founded the Daughters of Charity, which serves the poorest and most abandoned in society. Louise became the superior of the order and led it until her death at 68 years old.
Once again we find saints giving support and inspiration to one another. Fellowship is powerful and we are stronger together. How do you experience the “communion of saints”—those living, those being purified, and those in heaven—in your recovery fellowship?
“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” (Saint Louise de Marillac).
Reflection by Brad Farmer