Living in Harmony: In Church Tradition

Louis_Martin_1 — “Louis Martin 1” by unidentified photographer – http://www.devinrose.heroicvirtuecreations.com/blog/2008/07/04/blessed-louis-and-zelie-martin-and-saint-damien/. Licensed under Public Domain via Commons

Zélie_Martin_1 — “Zélie Martin 1” by unidentified photographer – http://www.ouest-france.fr/actu/actuDet_-Les-parents-de-Therese-de-Lisieux-beatifies-_3636-725020_actu.Htm. Licensed under Public Domain via Commons

Back on October 18, 2015, the Church celebrated the canonization of Sts. Louis and Zélie Martin, the parents of St. Thérèse of Lisieux. The witness of their life together has given the Church a beautiful example of marital love, devotion and unity. Both firmly believed that God had called them to the vocation of marriage and that it was through their marriage they would reach heaven. As any couple, they did not always agree. However, they valued their unity over any discord. Most importantly,

The Blessed Martin spouses are a reminder also to those of you who are married, and those who are preparing to marry, that marriage is a way of faith; they encourage you to rediscover for your married life the centrality of Jesus Christ and of growing in the Church. – Cardinal Lorenzo Baldisseri

Marriage is learning to live in harmony with another person. When two become one, unity and harmony are required. The principle can be applied to all relationships. We are called to live harmoniously with all persons, not just those we like or get along with.

Spend time learning about Sts. Louis and Zélie Martin. What is one lesson from their life that you can strive to emulate in your own?