The Holy Father Leo Leo XIV recently sent a message to Bishop Bruno Feillet of Séez, France, for Oct. 18, 2025 in celebration of the tenth Anniversary of the Canonization of the parents of Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus, Sts. Louis and Zélie Martin.
"Louis and Zélie did not fulfil their desire to become saints and educate their children in holiness by withdrawing from the world. They assumed their duty in the ordinary course of everyday life; they are part of that immense crowd of saints next door, often mentioned by Pope Francis. It is not difficult for pilgrims visiting Alençon—which preserves their moving memory—to grasp the concrete and daily setting in which the Martin parents lived, committed as they were to the Norman society of their time through their parish, their professional activities, their charitable works, their circles of friends and, of course, their family life. However, we must not be mistaken: this seemingly “ordinary” life was inhabited by a presence of God that was, to say the least, “extraordinary” and was its absolute centre. “God first served” is the motto on which they built their entire existence.
This, then, is the model of a couple that the Holy Church presents to young people who wish – perhaps hesitantly – to embark on such a beautiful adventure: a model of fidelity and attention to one another, a model of fervour and perseverance in the faith, of Christian education of children, of generosity in the exercise of charity and social justice; a model also of trust in times of trial... But above all, this exemplary couple bears witness to the ineffable happiness and profound joy that God grants, both here on earth and for eternity, to those who commit themselves to this path of fidelity and fruitfulness. In these troubled and confused times, when so many counter-models of unions, often fleeting, individualistic and selfish, with bitter and disappointing fruits, are presented to young people, the family as the Creator intended it may seem outdated and dull. Louis and Zélie Martin testify that this is not the case: they were happy – deeply happy! – giving life, radiating and transmitting the faith, seeing their daughters grow and flourish under the gaze of the Lord. What joy it is to gather after Mass on Sunday around the table where Jesus is the first guest and shares in everyone's joys, sorrows, plans and hopes! What joy it is to have these moments of prayer together, these days of celebration, these family events that mark the passing of time! But also, what a comfort it is to be together in times of trial, united with the Cross of Christ when it appears; and finally, what hope there is to be reunited one day in the glory of heaven."
Vatican press has published the letter in full.
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