St.s Louis & Zélie Martin

Wholesome Couple 1831-1877 | 1823-1894

Patronage Couples, Sacrifice, Family Trials & Healthy Marriage

Feast Day July 12

Louis and Zélie began their marriage with a vow of celibacy for ten months. Their priest advised them to have children, so they gave it a shot. Five of their nine children survived beyond early childhood. Despite the loss, the couple exuded faith. They sacrificed in love every day. Louis even gave up his clockwork business so Zélie could pursue her lacemaking career.

Small Snippet

Saints Louis and Zélie, intercede to the Holy Ghost that in my pursuit of love, I may remember the root of it. That the love I share may pulsate directly from love itself.

Prayer

Artistic Process

Photos & Inspiration

Original photos of the couple.

These posed couples inspired me to get the right position of my illustration.

References

Several of the Martins’ daughters became Carmelite nuns. This seal represents the Carmelite congregation.

Carmelite Seal

The couple who commissioned this piece requested the Immaculate Heart of Mary and the Chaste Heart of St. Joseph were present to represent Louis and Zélie’s devotion to Mary and St. Joseph.

Hearts

Zélie was a lacemaker and this particular vintage style of Alencon lace was placed on her lap in my illustration. Louis gave up his trade so that she could pursue her business in lacemaking.

Alencon Lace

Since Louis made clocks and watches, I included this watch on his wrist. The fishing rod was requested because he took his daughters fishing frequently on the weekends.

Louis’ Stuff

Not only do yellow roses represent trust, but they also were the colored flowers that appeared on Our Lady of Lourdes’ feet when she appeared in France. These flowers represent the trust in the couples’ relationship and their Marian devotion.