Louise was born on August 15, 1591. Her husband died thirteen years after their marriage, leaving Louise with a son. Vincent De Paul was her confessor.
Vincent organized groups of men and women to help the poor and the sick in each parish, and from them, with the help of Louise dr Marillac, sprang the establishment of the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul, dedicated to the bodily and spiritual servie of the poor. Louise drew up a rule of life for the growing community.
Vincent found in Louise a woman of clear mind, great courage, and marvelous self-sacrifice in spite of her feeble health. She was most willing to humble herself in doing works of charity. Louise was always motherly in dealing with the Sisters as well as the poor and the sick.
"O God, the Author and the Reward of charity, You raised up in Your Church a new family, of which St. Louise is the mother. Grant that by practicing works of charity on earth, we may be worthy of the promised reward in heaven."