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Feast Day: June 27
Birth: May 14, 1820
Death: June 27, 1885
Blessed Louisethérèse De Montaignac De Chauvance, also known as Louise, was a devout Catholic who dedicated her life to promoting the devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and serving the poor. Born on 14 May 1820 in Le Havre-de-Grâce, Seine Maritime, France, she came from a noble background as the fifth child of Raimondo Amato and Anna de Raffin.
Louise received her education at the Faithful Companions of Jesus College and later studied at the Paris des Oiseaux, which was conducted by the Canonesses of Saint Augustine of the Congregation of Our Lady. During her teenage years, she developed a strong spiritual inclination and began immersing herself in the Bible and the writings of Saint Teresa of Avila. Her devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus became well known during this time.
In her early twenties, Louise was struck with a debilitating bone disease that caused her immense pain and occasionally left her bedridden. Despite her physical affliction, she remained resolute in her faith and, on 8 September 1843, made a private vow of devotion to the Sacred Heart. This event marked the beginning of her mission to spread this devotion throughout France.
In 1848, Louise founded a catechetical center and an orphanage, dedicating herself to the care and education of children. She also established the Society of Tabernacles, which aimed to encourage devotion to the Eucharist. In 1854, she founded the Opera Adoration of Reparation, emphasizing the importance of Eucharistic Adoration in the spiritual life of believers.
One of Louise's significant achievements came in March 1874 when she founded the Oblates of the Heart of Jesus. This religious congregation set out to aid poor parishes, provide support for orphans, and foster priestly vocations. In recognition of her dedicated service, Louise was appointed as the Superior of the Order on 17 May 1880. The papal approval from Pope Leo XIII was granted to the Oblates of the Heart of Jesus on 4 October 1881, affirming the legitimacy and importance of their mission.
In December 1875, Louise assumed the position of Secretary-General of the Apostolate of Prayer, a role that allowed her to extend her influence and promote devotion to the Sacred Heart on a broader scale. Despite her worsening condition, which rendered her bedridden in her later years, Louise continued her work for the Oblates of the Heart of Jesus until her passing.
Blessed Louisethérèse De Montaignac De Chauvance died on 27 June 1885 in Moulins, Allier, France, succumbing to natural causes. Her exemplary life of holiness and tireless efforts towards the upliftment of the weak and needy earned her veneration. Pope John Paul II recognized her heroic virtues on 28 March 1988. And finally, on 4 November 1990, Pope John Paul II beatified Louise during a solemn ceremony at Saint Peter's Square in Vatican City, Rome, Italy.
Blessed Louisethérèse De Montaignac De Chauvance continues to inspire countless individuals with her dedicated service to the Sacred Heart and her unwavering commitment to the welfare of others. Her legacy reminds us of the power of faith and compassion in transforming lives and communities.