Married in 1858, just three months after meeting each other, Sts. Louis and Zélie lived in celibacy for nearly a year, but eventually went on to have nine children. Four died in infancy, while the remaining five daughters entered religious life.
Zélie died from cancer in 1877, leaving Louis to care for their five young daughters: Marie, Pauline, Leonie, Céline and Thérèse, who was only 4 at the time. Louis died in 1894, after suffering two strokes in 1889, followed by five years of serious illness.
Louis and Zélie were beatified on Oct. 19, 2008, by Benedict XVI. They were canonized by Pope Francis on Oct. 18, 2015. They were the first couple ever to be canonized at the same ceremony.
