Louis and Zélie Martin were married in 1858. Although both wanted to enter religious life, they were rejected; Zélie for poor health and Louis for failure to know Latin. Zélie became a successful lacemaker and Louis a watchmaker. After their marriage, they prayed their children would be consecrated to God. The couple had nine children, but four of them died in infancy. The five daughters who survived — including St. Thérèse — all entered religious life. Four became Carmelite nuns and one became a Visitandine nun. The couple was beatified in 2008 and canonized together on Oct. 18, 2015, during the Synod of Bishops on the Family. They are the first spouses to be canonized as a couple in the modern Church.
In their memory:
- Renew your marriage vows
- Pray for vocations in your family
- Order a copy of The Extraordinary Parents of Thérèse: Sts. Louis and Zélie Martin and read it together