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Feast Day: February 10
Birth: February 22, 1754
Death: February 10, 1794
Blessed Louise Poirier √âpouse Barré was a married laywoman who lived in the diocese of Angers, France during the time of the French Revolution. She was born on February 22, 1754, in Le Longeron, a small village in the region of Maine-et-Loire.
Louise grew up in a devout Catholic family and was known for her piety and dedication to her faith. She married a man named Barré and the couple settled in Avrillé, a town in Maine-et-Loire where they began their life together.
During the period of the French Revolution, the Catholic Church faced severe persecution, and many faithful individuals, including priests, religious, and laypeople, were targeted for their refusal to renounce their faith. Louise and her husband steadfastly remained committed to their Catholic beliefs despite the dangers that surrounded them.
Sadly, their faithfulness resulted in tragedy when Louise and her husband were arrested for their refusal to support the anti-Catholic measures of the Revolutionary government. They were imprisoned and subjected to harsh conditions and constant pressure to renounce their faith.
Despite the hardships, Louise and her husband remained unwavering in their devotion to God. They became sources of strength and inspiration for their fellow prisoners, offering encouragement and prayers during this difficult time.
On February 10, 1794, Louise Poirier √âpouse Barré, along with her husband, was martyred for her Catholic faith. They were executed in Avrillé, paying the ultimate price for their refusal to deny their beliefs.
Their martyrdom was recognized by the Catholic Church, and on June 9, 1983, Pope John Paul II decreed their veneration. Louise and her husband were officially beatified by Pope John Paul II on February 19, 1984, in Rome, Italy.
Blessed Louise Poirier √âpouse Barré serves as a testament to the strength and courage of lay Catholics during a time of immense religious persecution. Her martyrdom stands as a reminder of the price many faithful individuals paid for their unwavering commitment to the Catholic faith during the French Revolution.