Louise – Offering a Gospel spirituality

In part four of  “Louise de Marillac, Formator of the Laity”  by Sister Maria Angeles Infante Barrera, DC the focus is on her on offering a Gosspel spirituality

Louise de Marillac was a spiritual woman who lived a profound interior life that enabled her to experience God in the midst of her surroundings, a habit that she cultivated throughout her life. We see this revealed in her Rule of life in the world as well as in her reports and her entries in her spiritual diary. She spoke of her mystical experience that she had during her visit of the Confraternity in Asniѐres: Throughout my trip, I seemed to be acting without any contribution on my part; and I was greatly consoled by the thought that God wished that, despite my unworthiness, I should help my neighbor to know Him (SWLM:704-705 [A.50]). At the same time she referred to the experience of mystical espousal (SWLM:704-705 [A.50]. Teresa of Avila spoke of this experience in the sixth mansion of her Interior Castle. This extraordinary union with God was the center of Louise’s piety and had a great influence on the way she carried out her mission.

The members of the Association

What did Louise do with the Confraternities and what did she say to the members of the Association that filled them with the strength of the Spirit and led them to engage in charitable activities? We do not have direct knowledge of this but we can get a sense of this from her spiritual diary. Some notes from 1632 have been preserved and in one of her entries entitled “Conformity to the divine will” we read: I hereby renounce self-love with all my heart and choose your holy will as the directing force in my life … O Holy Will of my God! How reasonable it is that you should be completely fulfilled! You were the meat of the Son of God upon earth. Therefore, you are the nourishment which will sustain within my soul the life received from God … I shall recognize your will by reflecting upon the life which your Son led upon earth, to which I shall strive to conform my own (SWLM:713 [A.15]).

During her retreat of 1632 Louise renewed her resolutions and her motivations: I have resolved to follow [Jesus] wholeheartedly, without any reservation … I felt interiorly moved freely to place myself in a disposition of total availability in order to receive the call of God and to carry out his most holy will(SWLM:715 [A,5]).

It is clear that Louise lived and presented the service of charity as a call from God and a way of being faithful to the will of God (just as Jesus was faithful to the will of his Father). To live like Jesus Christ, to follow him and conform one’s life to him is a direct result of being faithful to one’s baptismal commitment. To imitate Jesus Christ, to live like him and to serve the poor as he did is to fulfill the will of God. This spirituality guided and enlightened Louise’s life and she proposed this manner of living to others. The Rule of the Confraternity that she wrote under Vincent’s supervision was an expression of this spirituality: It shall be instituted in the parish church, in the Blessed Sacrament chapel, which is a symbol of union. Its end is to honor Our Lord Jesus Christ, as it patron, and his holy Mother; to assis the sick poor of the parish where it is established(SWLM:717 [A.46]).

The patron whom they must imitate in the practice of charity and the model whom they ought to contemplate is Jesus Christ. He is the fountain and the source of charity. This should be the center then of the spirituality of the women (married, single or widowed) who are members of the Confraternity. Therefore the Rule demanded the members to engage in the practice of prayer, the reception of the sacraments and charitable works … the Rule demanded this because this was the way Jesus lived his life with the disciples. Vincent counseled the women to cultivate this spiritual disposition: Read the book concerning the love of God, in particular the one that deals with God’s will and indifference (CCD:I:80).

Louise expressed this same vision in her writings, conferences and reflections. Vincent had complete trust in her and during her second visit to the Confraternity at Montmirail Vincent wrote to her on October 22nd, 1630: You want to know whether you are to speak to the assembly members of the Charity. I would indeed like that very much, they would profit from it, but I do not know whether it is opportune to advisable. Speak to Mademoiselle Champlin about it and do what Our Lord inspires you to do (CCD:I:89).

Four days later Vincent received news about the good that Louise was doing. He was told that Louise’s words had had a profound effect on the members of the Confraternity and that the women wanted her to remain there for a longer period of time so that they might be better formed. Vincent again wrote to Louise on October 29th and stated: Since you are cured please continue until you have results somewhat similar to those you have had elsewhere (CCD:I:90).

Where did this spiritual fruit come from, this fruit that was shared wherever she went? … Certainly it came from her interior strength that nourished her life, that strength that renewed and enlivened her spirit and her mission … a gift of the Holy Spirit as she herself stated in her report and the notes on her visit to the Confraternities in Asniѐres and Saint Cloud: Throughout my trip, I seemed to be acting without any contribution on my part; and I was greatly consoled by the thought that God wished that, despite my unworthiness, I should help my neighbor to know Him (SWLM:704-705 [A.50]).

Here we are dealing with a spirituality that was incarnated in her life and that led her to serve those persons who were most poor, that led her to encourage, animate and temper the behavior of the members of the confraternities, that led her to keep account of the funds of the association, to rectify errors and to put in order those things that were not functioning well. This interior strength of her spiritual life led her to accept with calmness the misunderstandings and difficulties that she encountered in her mission. Thus in Villepreux the pastor was upset because the women of the confraternity and some other young women gathered and met together without his consent. The pastor wrote to Vincent and complained about Louise (CCD:I:75, 76-77). She accepted this criticism and did what her director counseled and continued her mission, finding much satisfaction in her work on behalf of the salvation of souls. During this visit Louise’s fundamental task was to revitalize the spiritual life of the members: their prayer and sacramental life. This Charity had been functioning for twelve years and was one of the first Confraternities that Vincent established … with the passing of time their fervor had grown weak. Thus Louise’s visit was an opportunity to renew the confraternity and put things in order (CCD:I-80-82).

Vincent valued and encouraged Louise in her mission while at the same time he tried to purify her spirituality and mission by pointing out those things that were incompatible with the gospel spirit that ought to animate her service on behalf of the poor. Therefore Vincent shared with her some of Jesus’ words that she should be faithful in following: God is love and wants us to go to him through love (CCD:I:81). This spirituality is presented in Saint John’s gospel, the gospel that Louise read most often and frequently reflected on. Vincent knew and understood this and was able to encourage her to focus on the very essence of the gospel: charity.

To form the Ladies for the service of charity was a constant in Louise’s life. On Saturday, April 8, 1665, the day before Palm Sunday, knowing that a General Assembly would be held the following day and that Vincent would preside over the Assembly, Louise wrote Vincent: I have been told that the general assembly of the Ladies is today. Would you not think it advisable, Most Honored Father, to explain the spiritual good that could be done by visiting the poor galley slaves at the time our Sisters bring them dinner? They serve them at ten o’clock (CCD:V:589).

In personal encounters and meetings

In September 1639 Louise’s fame as a spiritual guide began to spread throughout Paris and some noble women requested her to be their spiritual director. Such was the case with Geneviѐve de Attichy, the wife of Scipion d’Acquaviva, the Duc d’Atri in the Diocese of Soissons, not far from Beauvais where Louise visited the confraternity that was established there. This woman, a cousin of Louise, first had recourse to Vincent and requested to meet with Louise. She was in the midst of a difficult situation and needed to be listened to and encouraged. Vincent encouraged Louise to accept this new mission of formation: It is not without good reason that you are going to visit a person of such high rank as the one who is asking for you and who perhaps needs your advice to make a decision on something very important. Go then, Mademoiselle, in the name of Our Lord and with His blessing. If the opportunity arises to do something for the children of that place, do it with prudence; a great deal of it is necessary in that diocese (CCD:I:85-86).

Thus we find Louise being sent forth on a new mission: spiritual director. Vincent sent her forth on this mission with the same words he spoke to her when she began to visit the Confraternities: Go forth, Mademoiselle, in the name of Our Lord Jesus Christ. At the same time Vincent requested that she also engage in another service: to do what she could for the children of Geneviѐve de Attichy. This was a delicate situation. The daughter of Geneviѐve, Mademoiselle d’Atri, to the great displeasure of her family, had created a scene in Paris over her alleged diabolical possession [16]. Louise accepted Vincent’s proposal and undertook this new mission, trusting in the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

This mission as a personal counselor to the women of the Confraternities was actually begun in 1630. Louise was in Beauvais visiting the eighteen Confraternities in that Diocese … more than three hundred women were members of these confraternities. Louise took on the role of formator, as well as the role of supervisor and counselor. On December 7, 1630, Vincent wrote a lengthy letter to Louise in order to respond to various matters. In this letter he recognized and affirmed her mission as a spiritual director: Would to God that good Madame de la Croix could follow your advice! It would be worth as much to her as a good religious order would be (CCD:I:93).

Louise’s reputation as a spiritual woman and as a woman filled with the Spirit of God became known by more people. In the beginning of 1631 Mademoiselle Tranchot traveled to Paris where Vincent was in the midst of organizing the Confraternity of Charity at Saint-Benoit. He wrote the following words to Louise: We have just set up the Charity at Saint-Benoit … You will be talked about at the Saint-Benoit meeting. Mademoiselle Tranchot is relating wonders about you. Do you think it would be a good idea for you to take the trouble to visit the good woman in order to stabil[ize] her spirit so that she can strengthen the others? If you have visited her before, you could easily do so under any pretext you might find, for she will not fail to talk to you about it, nor shall I fail to be … (CCD:I:95-96).

Louise was able to calm those persons who received and accepted her guidance. In light of this reality Vincent, in June 1632, asked her to undertake a mission and visit the Confraternity at Villeuve-Saint-Georges which was passing through a very critical situation: there were only nine members. Vincent sent Louise on this mission because he realized that with her convictions and counsel she would be able to restructure and give new life to this group of women. She was accompanied by Madame Goussault and Mademoiselle Pollalion. From Paris Vincent encouraged Louise: I certainly had no doubt at all that you would find it very difficult to reestablish the Charity and more so than you tell me. But blessed be God that there is some reason to hope you will set it up again! As for the difficulties you reported to me, I think it wise for you to act as you have written to me (CCD:I:162-163).

As a result of her ability to offer counsel and to listen, as well as her prudence and her ability to relate to the women, Louise, together with those who accompanied her, was able to reorganize the Charity in a brief period of time (in less than a month). On July 10, 1632 Vincent wrote to her: Blessed be God, Mademoiselle, that in the midst of so much work you are well and that He has blessed your efforts! (CCD:I:163).

During her retreat of 1632, a retreat that took place prior to the celebration of Pentecost, Louise referred to the secret of her tactfulness, her prudence and her ability to offer advice when she said: The principal reason for the recollection of the Apostles was their love for their Master. This same love must also be the sole reason for my dependence in which, with the help of his grace, I shall persevere all my life (SWLM:717 [A.5]).

This dependence on the Holy Spirit made Louise aware of her gifts and blessings as well as her weaknesses and limitations. As a result of this understanding Louise felt that she was able to counsel and encourage and inspire others. It was the spirit of God who acted in her and through her. As 1633 dawned all of Louise’s attention became focused on the Daughters of Charity and therefore her ministry with the members of the Confraternities was of secondary importance … at least this appears to have been the situation as recounted in her correspondence.

In retreats and spiritual direction

An aspect of Louise’s formation became very visible in her ministry as a retreat director for some of the Ladies of Charity. Her correspondence makes us aware of the fact that this ministry began in August 1641:The Pastor of Saint-Germain-I’Auxerrois sent me a message asking if a lady could come here to make her retreat. I do not know if perhaps her husband is not planning to make his with you. From what I have heard, they are people who have suffered a great deal, but I do not know their name. I told him that I would send him a reply tomorrow after I have had the opportunity of discussing the matter with you (SWLM:58 [L.67]).

At that time it was well-known in the parishes of Paris that Louise was a holy woman who directed the retreats of her Sisters, as noted in the post-script of the above referenced letter. Vincent responded to this letter on the same day and on the same piece of paper that Louise had written her message: I do not think there is any objection to your receiving that lady, after she has told you her name and titles. I know nothing about her husband (CCD:II:206)

Thus, as we have just stated, Louise began this new ministry in August 1641. In May 1642 Madame Humiѐres requested and was given permission to make a retreat at the Motherhouse of the Daughters of Charity. This retreat was done under the direction of Saint Louise (SWLM:79 [L.64b]). At the end of the retreat Louise requested that Vincent (or some other priest whom he would designate) would hear the confession of two women whom Louise had guided during their days of spiritual recollection (SWLM:209 [L.188]). In June 1656 Madame Guergret, a member of the Confraternity of Saint-Sauveur, made a directed retreat with Mademoiselle Le Gras (SWLM:511 [.482]), and in March 1659 Madame Baroness de Mirepou also made a retreat. At the conclusion of this retreat she expressed her decision to participate in the General Assembly of the Ladies of Charity of Paris.

With regard to the fruit of these retreats we have a letter that Louise wrote to a woman who had made a retreat with her. We do not know the exact date of the letter but her words reveal the depths to which she wanted to lead this individual: Enclosed are the spiritual exercises that I mentioned. According to the insights which, in your goodness, you gave me into your dear soul, they seem to me to be exceptionally well-suited to you. Put them into practice, my dear Lady, living entirely for God by this loving and serene union of your will with His in everything. In my opinion, this practice, in its holy simplicity, contains the means for acquiring the solid perfection God asks of you. Always have great esteem, my dear Lady, for humility and gentle cordiality. While reflecting on the divine gentleness during your periods of meditation, speak to Our Lord with great simplicity and innocent familiarity. Do not be concerned whether or not you experience any consolation; God wants only our hearts. He placed within our power only the capacity to make a simple act of the will. He considers this alone and the deeds resulting from it. Make as few reflections as possible and live in holy joy in the service of our Sovereign Lord and Master. In all simplicity, I present these suggestions to you, Madame, as Our Lord has given them to me since, in your humility, you requested them from my poverty. I beg Him, in His infinite goodness, to raise your dear soul to the heights of holiness that, in His love, He desires you to attain. Commend me to His divine mercy I implore you, Madame, and be assured that I have already done what you asked of me and that I shall never forget you in my poor prayers nor will I fail to remember your husband and all those dear people who are so precious to you. May God be blessed!(SWLM:679-680 [L.40]).

The previous text reveals Louise as an insightful director of conscience. She counseled, accompanied and guided this woman in her relationship with God. She did not initiate this relationship but was requested to do this. At the same time she spoke about her own spiritual experience and prayed to the Holy Spirit for enlightenment and the wisdom to know what to say: In all simplicity, I present these suggestions to you, Madame, as Our Lord has given them to me since, in your humility, you requested them from my poverty(SWLM:679 [L.40]). Louise did not limit herself, however, to communicating her own spiritual experience. She proposed lofty goals that would enable the woman she was directing to attain the heights of charity: I beg Him, in His infinite goodness, to raise your dear soul to the heights of holiness that, in His love, He desires you to attain (SWLM:679-680 [L.40]). Then she concluded by asking for the assistance of prayer:Commend me to His divine mercy I implore you, Madame, and be assured that I have already done what you asked of me and that I shall never forget you in my poor prayers (SWLM:679-680 [L.40]).

Had this woman been guided by Louise in her retreat? Yes, most probably … the content of the letter seems to suggest this. It would be very normal that in the context of a retreat an individual would ask for further accompaniment. Louise was experienced in these matters both with the Sisters and also with the women from the various Confraternities. Therefore, it is very clear that Louise, guided by the Holy Spirit, encouraged, guided and directed other lay persons on the path of Christian holiness.