This week had many important days in it - some famous, like St. Patrick's Day, some more obscure, like Pi Day (3.14...), and today, the Feast of St. Joseph - but one in particular was very dear to the Vincentian Family - the Feast of St. Louise de Marillac (March 15th).
St. Louise was St. Vincent's closest companion, and the two were long-time friends. Louise was Vincent's advisor on his many works with the Congregation of the Mission, and Vincent was her spiritual advisor. Together, they co-founded the Daughters of Charity. Now, this was no small feat - the Daughters of Charity were the first non-cloistered order of sisters, anywhere in the world. Their order was founded with the idea that women called to live in religious community could serve Jesus in the poor, not just in the chapel. She's a fascinating saint! If you would like to read more information on her life, I recommend starting with the Vincentian Family Website.
As the foundress of the Daughters of Charity, she is indirectly the foundress of VLM - as the Vincentian Lay Missionaries have stemmed from the Daughters of Charity. St. Louise de Marillac, pray for us!
And, speaking of websites, VLM has a wonderful new website! You can find information about the program, our ministries, online donations, and much more. Check us out!
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