One year ago this month, Pope Francis canonized Saints Louis and Zelie Martin, parents of Saint Therese of Lisieux, the Little Flower, They were married in 1858. Louis designed a marriage medallion for Zelie with the Biblical pictures of Sarah and Tobias on one side with the date on the other side and the initials of their names. symbolizing the coming together of two families. Marriage Medallion of Louis and Zelie
Their marriage was one of love, as well as suffering. They are models of holiness and the beauty of the Sacrament of Marriage. As saints, they are powerful intercessors for the fidelity and faith of married love of a man and woman who were open to children and the gift of life. They had nine children, five of whom entered religious life. They lost four children at a young age. Their desire to have many children was not for themselves but for the Glory of God. Louis and Zelie did not want to be canonized. They wanted, in their daily lives, to become saints. They shared this desire with their children, friends and in their professions. The mission of their lives was to serve God. They lived modestly, helped the poor and needy and led daily prayers in their home. Zelie died of breast cancer at the age of 45 and Louis suffered greatly and had a three year stay in a psychiatric hospital. Louis and Zelie were devoted to a life of family and prayer.
How can you serve God?
Pray for life and marriage and for the protection of religious liberty.
Educate ourselves on what the Church teaches and why and about the beauty of the Sacrament of Marriage and family life.
Be prepared to speak the truth and act with love and remain firm in our beliefs.
Be merciful. During this Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy, we remember that God is love and that He sent His Beloved Son Jesus to bring Mercy to the world.
Never give up hope. We are a people of prayer and we know the power of prayer.
Let us ask the parents of Saint Therese of Lisieux to be our intercessors for marriage and families.
Saint Therese, the Little Flower, pray for us. Saints Louis and Zelie, pray for us.
October 16, 2016
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