The first tombstone of St. Zelie Martin, from her first tomb in the cemetery of the basilica of Notre Dame in Alencon. Photo credit: Susan Ehlert
Saint Zelie Martin died 140 years ago, on August 28, 1877, at 12:30 a.m. This article "Death of a mama: August 28, 1877," translated for us from Therese de Lisieux, the magazine of the Pilgrimage Office at Lisieux, .gives details of her last hours, her death, and her funeral. It includes the testimony of Louise Marais, the maid who looked after Zelie in her last illness.
May Saint Zelie, who accepted her illness, its pain, and her early death with extraordinary courage, and who confided her husband and the five minor children she was obliged to leave to God's care, intercede for all mothers who die young and all children who lose their mothers early.