Part of a Series on Vincentian Heritage Places

Rue de Versailles, Paris (now 21, rue Monge)

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Louise as a Widow with a young son – Paris, Left Bank, Parish of Saint Nicolas du Chardonnet

“Although it is difficult to locate them precisely, two homes of Louise de Marillac stood near the church of Saint Nicolas du Chardonnet. Probably after her husband’s death she moved to Rue Saint Victor, now at 43, rue du Cardinal Lemoine, and then to Rue de Versailles. It was from these residences that Vincent sent out Louise to visit the Confraternities of Charity.” (Source: In the Footsteps of Vincent de Paul: A Guide to Vincentian France by John E. Rybolt C.M.

It was in the parish of St. Nicolas du Chardonnet, in 1633, together with the approval of Monsieur Vincent, who had become her spiritual director, that Louise founded the Daughters of Charity. (Source: Website of the parish of St. Nicolas des Champs)

Louise brought together four or five young village girls on 29 November 1633. They came together to live in community, in order to serve poor persons in need. Thus the Daughters of Charity were founded.

Louise taught them how to read and write, the catechism and Gospel values as well as skills needed for their service. Initially Vincent did not want to be their superior but Louise feared having the local bishop take over the community. After some pressure, Vincent consented.

Church of St. Nicolas-du-Chardonnet,
Parish of St. Louise from 1626 to 1636.

Saint Nicolas du Chardonnet and the little seminary. Painting by Herminie Waternau, 1862

Map showing the location of St Nicolas du Chardonnet with rue St Victor and rue de Versaille. 1676 map of Bullet and Blondel

Above: the location of Louise’s house as it looks today.

All Vincentian Places in this Series

Red = Vincent de Paul, Blue = Frederic Ozanam, Teal = Elizabeth Seton, Yellow = Louise de Marillac

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