The Pope presented Sts. Louis and Zélie, canonized together in 2015 as the first married couple jointly recognized as saints, as an antidote to modern societal trends
Newsroom (20/10/2025, Gaudium Press ) In a message marking the 10th anniversary of the canonization of Sts. Louis and Zélie Martin, parents of St. Thérèse of Lisieux, Pope Leo XIV hailed the couple as a beacon for Christian families navigating today’s “confused times.” The letter, addressed to Bishop Bruno Feillet of the Diocese of Séez in France, was released on Saturday and signed on October 1, the feast day of St. Thérèse.
The Pope presented Sts. Louis and Zélie, canonized together in 2015 by Pope Francis as the first married couple jointly recognized as saints, as an antidote to modern societal trends. “In these troubled and confused times, when so many counter-models of unions—often fleeting, individualistic, and selfish, bearing bitter and disappointing fruits—are presented to the youth, the family as the Creator intended it might seem outdated and boring,” he wrote. Yet, he emphasized, the Martins’ lives prove otherwise, showcasing a union marked by “deep happiness” in their shared faith, devotion, and commitment to raising their daughters in the light of God.
The message, delivered in French, underscores the Martins’ example of fidelity, charity, and perseverance, particularly for young people hesitant to embrace marriage. “Louis and Zélie Martin testify that this is not the case: they were happy—deeply happy!—in giving their life, radiating and transmitting the faith, and in seeing their daughters grow and flourish under the gaze of the Lord,” the Pope wrote.
A Model of Everyday Holiness
Highlighting the couple’s ordinary yet profound sanctity, Pope Leo XIV noted that Sts. Louis and Zélie pursued holiness not by retreating from the world but through the rhythms of daily life. Quoting Pope Francis, he described them as part of the “immense crowd of saints next door,” whose faith permeated their roles as parents, professionals, and active members of their parish and community in Alençon, France.
The Pope pointed to the Martins’ family life—marked by Sunday gatherings after Mass, shared prayers, and mutual support in times of trial—as a testament to their trust in God. “Their seemingly ‘ordinary’ life was filled with a truly ‘extraordinary’ presence of God,” he wrote, noting that their motto, “God first,” anchored their existence. This commitment, he added, underscores marriage as “one of the most noble and exalted” vocations.
A Call to Center Faith in Family Life
Pope Leo urged couples to draw inspiration from the Martins’ example, encouraging them to “persevere courageously” on the often challenging path of marriage. “Above all, place Jesus at the center of your families, your activities, and your decisions,” he advised, emphasizing the role of parents in fostering faith in their children. Reflecting on St. Thérèse’s spiritual legacy, he asked, “How could Thérèse have loved Jesus and Mary so deeply—and then passed on to us such a beautiful teaching—if she had not learned it from her saintly parents from the earliest age?”
The Pope expressed hope that the anniversary celebrations in Alençon would highlight the Martins’ enduring relevance, offering families “the support and graces necessary to continue on their journey.” He invited pilgrims to witness the “concrete, everyday setting” of the Martins’ lives, where their faith shaped their professional endeavors, charitable works, and family bonds.
A Timeless Lesson for a Modern World
The Pope’s message casts Sts. Louis and Zélie Martin as a powerful counter-narrative to contemporary challenges facing families. Their story, he wrote, is a “great lesson” for both the Church and society, demonstrating that fidelity, generosity, and trust in God can yield “ineffable happiness and deep joy.” As the faithful commemorate the couple’s canonization, Pope Leo XIV’s words serve as a reminder of the transformative potential of marriage lived in faith, urging couples to embrace the Martins’ legacy in building families rooted in Christ.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from Vatican News
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