Saint Louise de Marillac expresses deep concern that her own failings may be weakening the Company of the Daughters of Charity and asks to be replaced by someone who can set a better example. The reflection emphasizes that true leadership, especially within the Vincentian Family, must come from a spirit of service—not ambition—echoing ancient wisdom and Christian humility.
Saint Louise de Marillac helped organize a textile workshop to give meaningful work to the poor, combining spiritual care with practical support. Her thoughtful leadership turned charitable donations into a sustainable social enterprise, showing how deep prayer can inspire bold action for justice.
During the Fronde uprising, Louise de Marillac opposed sending young refugee women to assist the Sisters, fearing confusion and harm to both groups. The reflection highlights the gender biases of the time and calls for greater respect and support for those who embrace celibacy in service to God and the poor.
During the Fronde conflict, Louise de Marillac wrote with sorrow about fleeing while others stayed to aid the poor despite the danger. Her letter and the reflection urge us to face our indifference toward migrants and respond with empathy and action.
"Oh, what a happiness, if, without offending God, the Company could be employed only in the service of those who are destitute in all things! To this end, this Company must never depart from nor change its poor manner of life. Thus, should Divine Providence provide...
"My Most Honored Father, I cannot wait any longer to tell you of the state I was in during my little retreat. I believe God does not wish me to taste fully this sweetness for I have been distracted since yesterday by one of our sick who received Extreme Unction. She...
"I can no longer hide the sorrow of my heart at hearing that much is to be desired in you. [...] Where is the spirit of fervor which animated you when you were first established in Angers and which led you to esteem your directors so highly? [...] Where are the...
My very dear Sister, I entreat Jesus, born into this world and the sole object of our love, to be your strength and consolation at the beginning of this new year. [...] I just now received your dear letter and I am going to repeat what I have already told you...
The Procurator General "asked me if we considered ourselves regular or secular. I told him that we aspired only to the latter. He told me that such a thing was without precedent [...]. He said many good things about the Company and added that he did not disapprove of...
Students have finished the course 2016-2017 in Spain, and holidays are starting; it maybe be a good occasion to stop to thank God, the community and all, for the favors that have made us during this course. Saint Louise may serve as an example. “Your grapes are...
At 59, Saint Louise had the illusion and energy to send Daughters of Charity to the distant Hennebont, in French Brittany. She was afraid that, by living so far from Paris, the community would relax and disappear. In this letter thery are told that only if they live...
Saint Louise de Marillac wrote to St. Vincent: "If your Charity heard Our Lord say what He seems to me to have said to you, in the person of Saint Peter, I hope it was that He wanted to build this Company on your Charity" (L. 199). She encouraged the Daughters of...
