St. Louise de Marillac

St. Louise de Marillac, born in 1591 in France, co-founded the Daughters of Charity with St. Vincent de Paul. She dedicated her life to serving the poor, sick, and marginalized. Canonized in 1934, she is the patron saint of social workers and is remembered for her compassion, humility, and pioneering role in community-based charity.

Louise de Marillac was born on August 12, 1591, in Le Meux, near Compiègne in France, into a noble yet illegitimate lineage. Her mother died shortly after her birth, and although she was of noble blood, Louise faced early challenges of identity and acceptance. She was educated in a Dominican convent and later in a boarding school where she developed a strong spiritual inclination. She initially desired to become a nun but was advised against it due to her fragile health. Instead, she entered into marriage with Antoine Le Gras, a secretary to the Queen of France. The couple had one son, Michel, but Antoine’s death in 1625 would be a pivotal moment in Louise’s spiritual transformation.

After her husband’s death, Louise sought spiritual guidance and came under the mentorship of St. Vincent de Paul. Their spiritual partnership led to a powerful collaboration in caring for the poor, sick, and abandoned. Recognizing the growing need for active service among the destitute, and the limitations of cloistered religious life, Louise and Vincent founded the Daughters of Charity in 1633. Unlike traditional religious orders that lived in seclusion, these women lived and worked directly among the people they served—hospitals, orphanages, schools, and homes.

Louise played a foundational role in shaping the mission and training of the sisters. Her leadership was both practical and spiritual, emphasizing humility, simplicity, and zeal for service. She was a prolific letter writer, offering guidance, consolation, and spiritual insight to the growing community. Despite suffering from chronic illness, she traveled extensively across France to organize and support the Sisters of Charity.

The Daughters of Charity rapidly expanded under her leadership, revolutionizing the concept of religious life and social service. At a time when the poor were often neglected or marginalized, Louise brought dignity and compassion to those most in need. Her impact extended to the development of modern nursing, social work, and women’s roles in active ministry.

Louise de Marillac died on March 15, 1660, just months before her spiritual mentor, St. Vincent de Paul. She was beatified in 1920 by Pope Benedict XV and canonized in 1934 by Pope Pius XI. Her remains are enshrined in the chapel of the Daughters of Charity in Paris.

Today, St. Louise is honored as the patron saint of social workers, and her legacy continues in the work of the Daughters of Charity, who serve in more than 90 countries worldwide. Her life of humility, resilience, and practical charity offers a timeless model of faith in action.

Feast Day

15-3-1660

Birth Date

12-8-1591

Died Date

15-3-1660

Canonised Date

11-3-1934

Chapel of the Daughters of Charity, Paris, France

St. Louise de Marillac, Founder of the Daughters of Charity, Pray for us to serve others with humility, compassion, and love. Help us to dedicate our lives to God’s work, And to care for those in need with the same deep devotion you demonstrated. May we live with charity and faith, following your example of selfless service. Amen.
ST. LOUISE DE MARILLAC

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ST. LOUISE DE MARILLAC

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