Married Saints

The parents of St. Thérèse became the second married couple ever beatified in the history of the Catholic Church. Louis & Marie Martin were beatified today in Lisieux, France. The Pope noted the beatification fell on the same date as World Mission Sunday, which is fitting because St. Thérèse is the "patroness of the missions." The Pontiff said the couple "proclaimed the Gospel of Christ through their exemplary married life. They lived their faith ardently and transmitted it to their family and all around them." What a beautiful example to married couples in today's culture. "I would like to recall another intention that is close to my heart: the family, whose role is fundamental in nurturing in their children a universal spirit, open and responsive to the world and its problems, and in forming vocations to missionary life," Pope Benedict said.