Sts. Louis Martin and Marie Azélie Guerin, parents of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, were born in France in the early 19th century. Louis, born on August 22, 1823, in Bordeaux, was a successful watchmaker, while Marie, known as "Zélie," was born on December 23, 1831, in Guéliz, Morocco, and was a talented lace maker. They met in Alençon in 1858, drawn together by their shared faith and commitment to Christian values. They married on July 13, 1858, and led a life filled with joy and challenges.
The couple had nine children, of whom only five survived to adulthood: Marie, Pauline, Léonie, Céline, and Thérèse. They instilled values of faith, love, and perseverance in their children, with Zélie's nurturing spirit balancing Louis's reserved demeanor. Their home was a place of prayer and love, establishing a strong foundation for their daughters. Zélie taught them the morning offering and acceptance of daily difficulties, which influenced Thérèse's "Little Way."
Tragedy struck when Zélie passed away from breast cancer in 1877, leaving Louis to care for their five children, the youngest being four-and-a-half. He moved to Lisieux to be near family, where life became more austere. Louis's greatest offering was his submission to God's will, entrusting all his daughters to Him. In the last years of his life, marked by health struggles, he suffered two strokes and severe dementia. He passed away on July 29, 1894, at age 71.
In 2015, Louis and Zélie were canonized as saints by Pope Francis, becoming the first married couple to be canonized together. Their story exemplifies the significance of family, love, and the everyday holiness found in a life dedicated to God, inspiring many in the Christian community and beyond.
Sts. Louis Martin and Marie Azélie Guerin, pray for us that we may raise our children in faith and bring our families into the Light of Jesus.
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