Leonie Martin

     Saint Therese of Lisieux had four surviving sisters. All of whom became nuns. Leonie, in particular, became a sister in the Visitation Monastery. Her chosen name became Sister Francoise -Therese. Painful trials beset the Martin family from the very beginning of their lives. From five deaths of siblings, to the deaths of her beloved parents, Zellie and Louis Martin. Then came the death of her beloved sister Therese, who is now known as a "Doctor of the Church and a powerful Saint". 

     Leonie is on her way to being declared " venerable ". That's another from the Martin family on her way to becoming a Saint. 

     On January 24th, 2015, the French press reported that Bishop Jean Claude Boulanger, the Bishop of Bayeux and Lisieux, celebrated a Mass at the Monastery of the Visitation at Caen, of the opening of diocesan process for Leonie's Sainthood. Leonie now has the title, " the servant of God". A person named "venerable" by the Church is considered to have practiced "heroic virtue". To be declared "venerable" is a big step in the cause for Sainthood. The next two steps are to be named "blessed" and then to be "canonized". 

     Leonie Martin, born on June 3rd, 1863, became a Visitation nun, Sister Francoise -Therese, at Caen, where she died on June 17th, 1941. Here is a prayer to pray to our dear Leonie, Sister Francoise -Therese.

     Dear Leonie our Sister, you have already intervened with God on our behalf, and we would like to pray to you officially, so that many more might know you. Come to the aid of parents who risk losing a child, as you nearly died at a very young age. Continue to uphold families where different generations have problems living in peace. Enlighten youth who question their future and hesitate to commit. Show to all the way of prayer, which permits you to bear your limitations and your difficulties. Give them confidence and to give ourselves to others. Lord, if such is Your Will, deign to accord us the grace that we ask of You. Through the intercession of your servant Leonie , and inscribe her among the number of the "venerable" of your Church. Through Jesus Christ Our Lord. Amen