Saint Marieazélie Guérin Martin

Biography

Saint Marieazélie Guérin Martin was a lifelong lay woman who lived in 19th century France. She was born on 23 December 1831 in Saint-Denis-sur-Sarthon, Orne, France. Marieazélie was a skilled lace maker, known for her craftsmanship and attention to detail. On 12 July 1858, Marieazélie married Louis Martin, who would later be recognized as a saint himself. Together, they embarked on a unique journey, striving to live their married life as a path to holiness. They supported each other in their faith and dedicated their lives to God and their family. Throughout their marriage, Marieazélie and Louis had nine children. Unfortunately, not all of their children survived infancy, but five of their daughters did grow up to become nuns. Their youngest daughter, Therese, would later be known as Saint Therese of Lisieux, one of the most beloved saints in Catholicism. Marieazélie's life revolved around her family and her faith. She embraced the role of a mother wholeheartedly, nurturing and guiding her children in the ways of God. Her deep love for her family and her unwavering trust in God's providence were evident in her daily life. Tragedy struck Marieazélie when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Despite the pain and suffering caused by the illness, she remained steadfast in her faith, offering her suffering as a sacrifice to God. Marieazélie's illness progressed rapidly, and she passed away on 28 August 1877 in Alençon, Orne, France. Marieazélie's exemplary virtue and holiness were recognized by the Catholic Church. On 26 March 1994, Pope John Paul II issued a decree acknowledging her heroic virtues, declaring her venerable. Her beatification took place on Mission Sunday, 19 October 2008, by Pope Benedict XVI. The beatification ceremony was celebrated at the cathedral in Lisieux, France. On 3 July 2008, Pope Benedict XVI acknowledged a miracle attributed to the intercession of Marieazélie and Louis Martin. The miracle involved the miraculous healing of a congenital lung condition suffered by an infant named Pietro Schiliro from Monza, Italy. Pietro's mother had prayed a novena requesting the intercession of the blessed couple, and Pietro was miraculously cured after the novena. Finally, on 18 October 2015, Marieazélie Guérin Martin was canonized as a saint by Pope Francis. The canonization ceremony took place during the Synod on the Family in Rome, Italy, emphasizing the importance of the Martin family's witness to the sanctity of marriage and family life. Saint Marieazélie Guérin Martin's life serves as an inspiration for lay people and families. Her unwavering faith, devotion to her family, and courage in the face of illness are a testament to the power of God's grace and the potential for holiness within ordinary, everyday life. She is a shining example of a woman who lived her vocation to marriage and motherhood with great love and deep faith.