IN TODAY’S LIVES OF THE SAINTS AND MARTYRS, A SAINTLY COUPLE WITH SAINTLY CHILDREN

Winchester, VA – Louis and Zelie Martin were born in 1823 and 1831 respectively in France. Both set their hearts on a religious vocation, but such a vocation was not to be for either of them. Louis became a watchmaker and Zelie a crafter of the delicate Alencon lace. While walking on a bridge one day, Zelie recalled that passing a distinguished looking gentleman, she heard an interior voice she identified as the Blessed Mother saying to her, “He is the one I have prepared for you.” They were married 3 months later. Nine children issued from their union, four of whom died in childhood. Of the five who survived, all became religious sisters, and one, Marie Therese, was canonized, better known as Saint Therese of Lisieux. Zelie died at 45 of breast cancer and Louis at 70 after a myriad of physical and psychiatric illnesses. Saints Louis and Zelie, pray for us!