Louise de Marillac (1591–1660) was a French wife and mother who, after being widowed, placed herself under the spiritual direction of Saint Vincent de Paul. Together they founded the Daughters of Charity in 1633, a community of women devoted to serving the poor, the sick, orphans, and the abandoned. She died in Paris on March 15, 1660, was canonized in 1934, and was later named patroness of Christian social workers.
Louise knew sorrow firsthand — the loss of her husband, worry for her child, and long seasons of doubt — yet she let that suffering open her heart to others instead of closing it. She teaches us that grief can become a wellspring of tenderness, and that caring for the vulnerable is a way of loving God with our hands.
Saint Louise de Marillac, who turned sorrow into loving service, pray for us and for all who grieve, that our wounded hearts may become gentle hands for others. Amen.Enter today’s Mass → All saints →