Simplicity with Sts. Louis & Zelie Martin
Posted by Erinn Dimond
July 9, 2025
A thirty-five-year-old watchmaker and a twenty-seven-year-old lacemaker met on a bridge outside of town, and within three months they were married and deeply in love. Blessed with nine children between the years 1860 and 1873, five of whom would survive past infancy, these two future saints valued their family second only to God.
Saints Louis & Zelie Martin are known as the father and mother of St. Therese of Lisieux, The Little Flower, but they're great saints in their own right. They were wholeheartedly dedicated to the faith formation and education of their children. Zelie wrote, "I love children madly. I was born to have them...."
After Zelie's death from cancer in 1877, Louis carried the torch of familial vocation forward with care and affection. He was a true "girl dad," and readily supported his five daughters in their desire to become nuns. One daughter is a saint, one is a Servant of God, and the two parents themselves were canonized in 2015.
On their feast day—and wedding anniversary!—this Saturday, July 12th, we invite you to prayerfully reflect on your own family, whether chosen or biological. How can you pour out God's love for them this week? How can you help them in their journey toward Heaven?
Our own children may not become nuns or priests, but all of them can become saints! The blessing of parenthood is getting to play a direct role in their journey to holiness. Don't overcomplicate things: Greg and Lisa Popcak advocate for families to create rituals to work, play, talk, and pray together. Provide for their needs, show them great affection, teach them the Gospel, and pray for and with them.
Sts. Louis & Zelie Martin, pray for us!