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Spouses — Optional Memorial

Louis Martin was born in Bordeaux on 22 August 1823. A clockmaker in Alençon, he met Marie-Azélie (Zélie) Guérin, a lacemaker, born in Gandelain on 23 December 1831. Their marriage, celebrated on 13 July 1858, gave birth to nine children, including the future Saint Therese of the Child Jesus, but four died in infancy. Exemplary spouses, exemplary parents, entrepreneurs, caring for the poor, driven by a missionary spirit, the Martin couple drew their strength from frequenting the Eucharist and a deep Marian devotion. After a long illness, Zélie died in Alençon on 28 August 1877. Louis moved to Lisieux to ensure a better life for his five daughters, four of whom entered the Carmelite Order and one the Visitation Order. After offering all his daughters to God, this loving father experienced suffering and illness. He died near Évreux on 29 July 1894.