Vincentian places

St. Vincent put a few girls into St. Louise’s care, to be housed with her and to live a community life. She was living at that time near St. Nicholas-du-Chardonnet, and she began this little community (the Daughters of Charity) on 29th November, 1633.

St. Vincent put a few girls into St. Louise’s care, to be housed with her and to live a community life. She was living at that time near St. Nicholas-du-Chardonnet, and she began this little community (the Daughters of Charity) on 29th November, 1633.

It was in the church of Saint-Nicolas-des-Champs, on Pentecost Sunday, June 4, 1623, that Louise was freed from her doubts and received the grace that illuminated her soul. This is called her Lumière Experience.

During her married years, Louise lived in the Marais district of Paris, in the parish of Saint-Sauveur (church now demolished). Along with being devoted to her family, Louise was also active in ministry in her parish.

Louise and Antoine Le Gras were wed in the fashionable Church of St. Gervais on February 5, 1613.

Louise, at age 20, went to live with Valence d’Atticy, her aunt, to help care for her family of seven children.

When Louise was about 12 years old, she was sent to a modest pension (boarding house) that was run by a poor woman. Here Louise received a practical education, learning cooking, housekeeping, and sewing.

During her childhood, Louise was cared for and received an excellent education at the royal monastery/convent of Poissy near Paris.