Saint Louis Martin (1823–1894) is best known as the father of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, but his own life was marked by deep faith and devotion. He was born on August 22, 1823, in Bordeaux, France, into a military family. After an early desire to become a monk was thwarted due to health issues, he turned his attention to learning watchmaking, a trade he practiced with great success.
In 1858, Louis married Zélie Guérin, a lace-maker, and together they built a loving and devout home in Alençon, France. They had nine children, four of whom died in infancy, but their five daughters all became nuns, including the future Saint Thérèse of Lisieux. Louis and Zélie raised their children with a strong sense of faith, charity, and devotion to God's will.
Significant Events in Louis Martin's Life:
1. Marriage to Zélie Guérin (1858): This union was central to his life. Both Louis and Zélie were declared saints together in 2015. Their shared spiritual journey and dedication to family life became the foundation for their daughters' religious vocations.
2. The Death of His Wife (1877): After Zéli noe’s death from breast cancer, Louis moved with his daughters to Lisieux. Despite his grief, he remained deeply committed to their spiritual formation.
3. Therese's Entry into Carmel (1888): Louis supported Thérèse's early desire to join the Carmelite convent, despite her young age. His willingness to let go of his youngest daughter for a life of contemplation showed his trust in God’s plan.
4. Suffering and Illness (1887-1894): In his later years, Louis suffered from arteriosclerosis and spent the final years of his life incapacitated by strokes. His suffering was a source of spiritual strength for Thérèse, who wrote about how she admired her father’s courage and faith during his illness.
Louis Martin’s example of fatherhood and faith was key in shaping the sanctity of his daughter, Thérèse. He was beatified along with his wife Zélie in 2008 and canonized in 2015. Their shared feast day is celebrated on July 12.
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