The Saintly parents of St.Therese of the Child Jesus

July 12 - Saints Louis and "Zélie" (Marie-Azélie Guérin) Martin

God of eternal love, you give us Blessed Louis and Zélie Martin, the parents of St. Therese, as an example of holiness in marriage. They remained faithful to you and your commandments in all the duties and trials of life. They desired to raise their children to become saints. May their prayers and example help Christian family life to blossom in our world today. If it be your will, grant us the graces we ask you now through the intercession of Saints Louis and Zélie Martin.

Prayer to Saints Louis and Zélie Martin

Saints Louis and Zélie Martin,
after having had the desire for religious life,
you heard the Lord's call to the vocation of marriage.

You are the "parents without equal"
of whom your daughter Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus speaks;
the fortunate parents of Léonie,
the Servant of God, Sister Françoise-Thérèse;
of Marie, Pauline, and Céline,
transplanted to Mount Carmel;
and of the four children
taken from your affection in their youth:
Hélène, Joseph, Jean-Baptiste, and Mélanie-Thérèse.

You gave all glory to God
through your humble and patient work,
your commitment to the poor,
and your family life,
where reigned the happiness
of loving and being loved.

You lived your daily life concretely
through the joys and sorrows of your existence.

You love us as your own children,
with the heart of a father and the heart of a mother,
because you are the friends of God.

Listen to our prayer and our request
(state the request . . . )
and intercede for us with God the Father,
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
in the grace of the Holy Spirit.

Amen.