Louise was born in Paris in 1591, was widowed at thirty-four, and under the spiritual direction of Vincent de Paul turned her considerable administrative talent toward organizing charitable works across France. She recruited, trained, and personally visited groups of women serving the poor and sick, gradually shaping them into a coherent community.
In 1633, she and Vincent de Paul formally founded the Daughters of Charity, a groundbreaking religious community whose members took vows but lived and worked in the world rather than behind convent walls — an arrangement Louise described as having a convent that was "the streets of the city." She continued directing the growing congregation until her death in 1660, the same year as Vincent de Paul.
Saint Louise de Marillac
Co-Founder of the Daughters of Charity
A French widow who, with Vincent de Paul, founded the Daughters of Charity and organized women religious to serve the poor directly in their homes.
- Born
- 1591
- Died
- 1660
- Birthplace
- Paris, France
- Died in
- Paris, France
- Country
- France
- Canonised
- 1934-03-11
- Century
- 17th century
Why People Pray to Saint Louise de Marillac
Saint Louise de Marillac is invoked by social workers, widows, and those organizing charitable service for the poor and sick.
