Catholic Saint
St. Zélie Martin
“Mother of St. Thérèse of Lisieux and a successful businesswoman who raised a family of extraordinary holiness.”
- Feast Day:
- July 12
- Patron Saint of:
- mothers, businesswomen, parents
- Lived:
- 1831-1877 — France
Biography
St. Zélie Martin (née Guérin) was a French lace-maker and mother of nine children, five of whom became nuns, including St. Thérèse of Lisieux. She ran a successful Alençon lace business while raising her family with deep Catholic devotion. She died of breast cancer at age 45 and was canonized alongside her husband in 2015.
Quotes from St. Zélie Martin
“I want to become a saint, and for that I must suffer much.”
“God gave me many children, and I wish to give them all back to Him.”
“When I sew, I am working for God.”
Prayer to St. Zélie Martin
I want to become a saint, and for that I must suffer much.
Did You Know?
She and her husband Louis are the first married couple to be canonized together in the history of the Catholic Church.
Saints with Similar Spiritual Gifts
St. Adam
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St. Afra
“She is known for her steadfast faith and martyrdom during the early Christian persecutions.”
St. Gregory Palamas
“Archbishop of Thessaloniki and defender of Hesychasm (the practice of silent prayer).”
St. Head of the Holy Innocents
“Known for being a martyr among the Holy Innocents massacred by King Herod.”