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| History of the Name - Louise Place |
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Louise Place was named after Louise de Marillac who lived between 1591 and 1660. Louise was the daughter of a single parent; she was a mother; was widowed at 37, and then as a sole parent raised her child.
Louise de Marillac:
- was skilled in natural and herbal medicine
- was an artist and painter
- studied theology and spirituality
She worked closely with many of the groups who, in her day, were oppressed. She motivated and organised others to commit themselves to likewise working for social justice. In collaboration with Vincent de Paul, she established a group of lay women to be involved with this work. The group (known as the Ladies of Charity) continues today the world over. Louise and Vincent were also the co-founders of the Daughters of Charity who were involved with Louise Place.
| Louise de Marillac:
- Is acknowledged, along with Vincent de Paul, as having established the first organised social services in France. She was named the patron saint of Social Workers.
- Set up, throughout France, a sophisticated system of foster care for abandoned babies. A mammoth task given the limitations of transport and other facilities in France at that time.
- Created a radical form of religious life in the church: women living amongst the most marginalised. This lifestyle allows greater availability, flexibility and mobility.
- Travelled great distances in difficult conditions to visit services to give support and training.
- Advocated and lobbied the French Court to obtain services for the disadvantaged.
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