The Life and Lessons of St. Zelie Martin

by Patrice Fagnant-MacArthur

Although she lived a hundred and fifty years ago, St. Zélie Martin (1831-1877) was a modern woman. She was a working mother who cared deeply about both her family and her career. She struggled to balance all her responsibilities. She often worried. But she always put God first and strove for holiness in everything she did.

She and her husband, Louis, were canonized together on October 18, 2015. They are best known as the parents of five daughters who entered religious life. Their most famous child is St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus, one of the Church’s most loved saints and a Doctor of the Church.

Together, Saints Louis and Zélie are role models for a holy marriage and Catholic parenting. St. Zélie is a spiritual friend whom today’s women can turn to in their times of need. Discover this holy woman and the important lessons she can teach us.

83 pages, Paperback

Published July 6, 2023

Reviews

[Alicia McCallum · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a super short (almost could be a pamphlet) synopsis of St. Zelie’s life with a few opinions of the author thrown in. It was clear and concise and didn’t assume you had prior knowledge about her.

I think there are better (and much more inspiring) books about her! I also felt like the author added a slightly odd spin on things.

The Extraordinary Parents of St. Therese is an amazing one, and super thorough (and older) one that’s also really good is A Family of Saints. If you want a synopsis of St. Zelie’s life, I think an article online would be better, to be honest!

[Leslea Wahl · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful book about an amazing woman. I've been wanting to know more about St. Zelie, and this book was perfect.

[Evelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very nice narrative of this fine woman. Too bad the author didn't mention that Zellie and Louis were both Secular Franciscans.