Louise-Thérèse de Montaignac
Louise-Thérèse de Montaignac (1820-1885) was a French religious sister, foundress of the Oblates of the Heart of Jesus, beatified in 1990.
Contemporaries
Figures and markers around the normalized period for this entry.
Guided reading
5 reading sections
Biography
Youth and formation of Louise-Thérèse de Montaignac in Le Havre, Nevers, and Paris, marked by fragile health.
Louise-Thérèse de Montaignac de Chauvance was born on May 14, 1820, in Le Havre, into a deeply Christian family of the Bourbonnais nobility. The daughter of Raymond Aimé de Montaignac de Chauvance and Anne de Raffin de La Raffinie, she manifested a great spiritual sensitivity from her childhood. After a period with the Faithful Companions of Jesus, she was entrusted to her maternal aunt, Madame de Raffin, in Nevers, who provided her with a solid education. At the age of 13, she made her first communion, a foundational mystical event. In 1837, she continued her studies in Paris with the Augustinians, where she deepened her devotion to the Sacred Heart under the direction of the Jesuit father Ronsin. It was at this time that she was struck by a painful articular tuberculosis of the hip that would accompany her throughout her life.
Life and Work
Foundation of the Pious Union of the Oblates of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and charitable works in Montluçon.
On September 8, 1843, Louise-Thérèse made a private vow of consecration to the Sacred Heart. After the death of her aunt in 1845, she inherited her project for an association and settled in Montluçon in 1848. Faced with the misery of the working class, she deployed intense activity: direction of the Children of Mary, foundation of the Work of Poor Churches, creation of an orphanage, establishment of Reparatory Adoration, and creation of the Work of the Samuels. In 1875, she became secretary general of the Apostleship of Prayer. Her major work was realized on September 21, 1874, with the foundation of the Pious Union of the Oblates of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, approved by Bishop de Dreux-Brézé and then by Pope Leo XIII in 1881. She became its superior general in 1880.
Journey toward holiness
A life of physical suffering transcended by an unwavering faith and total devotion.
The life of Louise-Thérèse is a long Way of the Cross lived in abandonment and spiritual joy. Her bone disease worsened, forcing her to use crutches, then a small carriage, before paralyzing both of her legs completely. During her final five years, she remained lying on her back, enduring terrible suffering. Despite this handicap, she continued to lead her congregation and manage her works from her room. She passed away holily in Montluçon on June 27, 1885, leaving behind an immense reputation for holiness.
Beatification and canonization
Recognition of her heroic virtues and beatification by Pope John Paul II in 1990.
The beatification process of Louise-Thérèse de Montaignac, supported by her congregation, concluded on November 4, 1990. She was solemnly beatified by Pope John Paul II in Saint Peter's Square in Rome. The Sovereign Pontiff then presented her as a 'woman of the evangelical future.' Her liturgical feast is set for June 27.
Spirituality and legacy
Reparatory spirituality centered on the Sacred Heart and the global expansion of her institute.
The spirituality of Louise-Thérèse is deeply Eucharistic and reparatory, centered on the love of the Heart of Jesus. Inspired by Saint Teresa of Avila, she defined the vocation of her daughters with the formula: 'The oblate is the Carmelite of the world'. Today, the Institute of the Oblates of the Heart of Jesus perpetuates her legacy in twelve countries, working in catechesis, education, and charitable action.
Iconography
Signs and attributes
Frequently asked questions about Louise-Thérèse de Montaignac
Who was Louise-Thérèse de Montaignac?
Louise-Thérèse de Montaignac (1820-1885) was a French religious sister, foundress of the Oblates of the Heart of Jesus, beatified in 1990.
How is Louise-Thérèse de Montaignac depicted in Christian art?
In iconography, Louise-Thérèse de Montaignac is recognizable by: crutches.
Which saints were contemporaries of Louise-Thérèse de Montaignac?
Contemporaries include: Jesús María Echavarría Aguirre, Pauline of the Agonizing Heart of Jesus, Narcisa de Jesús and Juan de Jesús López y González.
When did Louise-Thérèse de Montaignac die?
Louise-Thérèse de Montaignac died around 1885.
What are the other names of Louise-Thérèse de Montaignac?
Other forms of the name: Louise-Thérèse de Montaignac de Chauvance.
Who are the relatives of Louise-Thérèse de Montaignac?
Relatives of Louise-Thérèse de Montaignac: Raymond Aimé de Montaignac de Chauvance (father), Anne de Raffin de La Raffinie (mother) and Madame de Raffin (maternal aunt and godmother).
Annexes & related entities
Structured data for exploration: events, miracles, quotes, places, attributes, patronages, and important entities cited in the text.
Key Events
- Era / death: 1885
- Beatification in 1990 by John Paul II
Quotes
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The oblate is the Carmelite of the world
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woman of the evangelical future
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