“In May 1629, Vincent de Paul made a request of Louise de Marillac. Would she accept going to Montmirail to visit the Confraternities of Charity established in that town and the neighboring villages?” writes Sr. Elisabeth Charpy, D.C. at the beginning of her article “Louise de Marillac: Animator of the Confraternities of Charity” (Vincentiana).

Learn more about St. Louise’s visits to the Confraternities, including: preparation for the visit, the challenges of travel in the 17th century, problems she handled within the Confraternities, her specific guidance as to the manner of serving the poor and the sick, looking at the spiritual life of the group, and some of Louise’s qualities as an animator.