St. Louis Martin and St. Zélie Guérin – Parents of St. Thérèse of Lisieux

ST. LOUIS MARTIN AND ZELIE GUERIN

St. Louis Martin and St. Zélie Guérin were a devoted Catholic couple from France, best known as the parents of St. Thérèse of Lisieux. Both deeply faithful, they raised their children in a loving, virtuous home centered on prayer and service. Zélie was a skilled lace maker, while Louis was a watchmaker. Despite personal hardships, including Zélie’s early death, they remained steadfast in their faith. In 2015, they became the first married couple to be canonized together, recognized as models of holiness in family life.

St. Louis Martin and St. Zélie Guérin were a devout French couple who lived in the 19th century and are best known as the parents of St. Thérèse of Lisieux. Their lives were marked by deep faith, hard work, and an unwavering commitment to raising their children in a home filled with love and Christian values.

Louis Martin was born on August 22, 1823, in Bordeaux, France. He initially aspired to become a monk but was unable to join a monastery due to his difficulties with Latin. Instead, he became a watchmaker, a profession that required precision and patience—qualities he embodied throughout his life. He was known for his contemplative nature, his love for solitude and prayer, and his gentle demeanor.

Zélie Guérin was born on December 23, 1831, in Gandelain, France. Like Louis, she initially desired religious life, but after being turned away, she pursued a career in lace-making. She became highly skilled in her craft, eventually establishing a successful business in Alençon, France. She was a strong-willed and deeply pious woman who saw her work as a means of glorifying God.

Louis and Zélie met in 1858 and, recognizing their shared faith and commitment to holiness, married just three months later on July 13. Initially, they intended to live a celibate marriage, but their spiritual advisor encouraged them to embrace family life. They went on to have nine children, though four died at a young age. Their five surviving daughters, including St. Thérèse, all entered religious life.

Their marriage was characterized by mutual respect, deep love, and a shared commitment to living out their faith. Zélie continued managing her lace-making business while Louis supported her and took care of their home. Their family life was centered on daily Mass, prayer, acts of charity, and devotion to the Virgin Mary.

Despite their strong faith, they endured great suffering. Several of their children died in infancy, and Zélie was diagnosed with breast cancer, passing away in 1877 at the age of 45. Louis, devastated by her death, moved to Lisieux with his daughters to ensure they received a good upbringing. He later suffered from mental and physical illness, spending his final years in a hospital before passing away in 1894.

Their cause for sainthood was championed due to their example of holiness in family life. On October 18, 2015, Pope Francis canonized them together, making them the first married couple to be declared saints together. Their legacy continues to inspire Catholic families worldwide, showing that sainthood can be achieved through love, sacrifice, and devotion in everyday family life.

Feast Day

12-7-

Birth Date

22-8-1823

Died Date

29-7-1894

Canonised Date

18-10-2015

Basilica of St. Thérèse, Lisieux, France

Dear Saint Louis Martin and Saint Zelie Guerin, who lovingly raised your children in the faith, pray for us. Help us to follow your example of devotion, patience, and love, that we may nurture our families with holiness. Guide us in our struggles, and intercede for us before God, that we may grow in virtue and faithfulness. Through your intercession, may we receive the graces we need to live our lives according to God’s will. Amen.
ST. LOUIS MARTIN AND ZELIE GUERIN

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ST. LOUIS MARTIN AND ZELIE GUERIN

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