Note: This article was written in 1910. St. Louise de Marillac
Le Gras was canonized in 1934 by Pope Pius XI. Foundress of the
Sisters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul, born at Paris, 12
August, 1591, daughter of Louis de Marillac, Lord of Ferri res,
and Marguerite Le Camus; died there, 15 March, 1660. Her mother
having died soon after the birth of Louise, the education of the
latter devolved upon her father, a man of blameless life. In her
earlier years she was confided to the care of her aunt, a
religious at Poissy. Afterwards she studied under a preceptress,
devoting much time to the cultivation of the arts. Her father's
serious disposition was reflected in the daughter's taste for
philosophy and kindred subjects. When about sixteen years old,
Louise developed a strong desire to enter the Capuchinesses
(Daughter of the Passion). Her spiritual director dissuaded her,
however, and her father having died, it became necessary to
decide her vocation. Interpreting her director's advice, she
accepted the hand of