|
Parish History
Our parish was formed in July, 1955 to serve the people living in the northern
part of Brookfield and the eastern part of LaGrange Park. The cornerstone of our
main school building was laid in 1956 (with two later additions to the building
in 1960 and 1962) and the cornerstone of our church was laid in 1957. In the
summer of 2003, construction began on the latest addition to St. Louise, a 7,800
square foot Parish Center that was completed in May of 2004.
Our founding pastor, Father Cletus Lynch served
from 1955 until 1976. Our second pastor was Father Edward Borisewicz serving the
people of the St. Louise from 1976 until 1985. Our third pastor, Father John
Hergenrother served from 1985 until 1997. Our fourth and current pastor, Father
Fred Tomzik has served the people of St. Louise de Marillac since September of
1997.
We, as a parish, feel that we have been blessed
these years with many generous and involved parishioners, associate pastors,
deacons, religious women, lay teachers and catechists, lay ministers, and
dedicated support staff. All have worked together to form a spirit of community
and family. We pray and hope to continue to support one another on our journey
of faith in Jesus Christ and to celebrate who we are as His people in the
Catholic Church.
Our Patroness
Louise de Marillac was born in Paris, France in 1591. She was orphaned at the
age of twelve years. At the age of twenty-two, she married Antony Le Gras and
together they had one son. Louise was widowed in 1625 at the age of thirty-four.
Louise had a great friend and spiritual
director in Vincent de Paul. He encouraged her to help the poor. Eventually, a
group of village women gathered around Louise to help her serve the poor. Louise
formed a new religious order and these women became the Daughters of Charity in
1638.
Louise’s mission to the poor and sick is
embodied in the words from her holy rules: “You will have no veil, save only
that of modesty; no cloister, but the streets of the city, the hovels of the
poor, the classroom, or the wards of hospitals; your only cell will be a hired
room, and your grill, holy obedience.”
Louise remained their Mother Superior until her
death on March 15, 1660 (her feast day). Louise’s dying words to her sisters
still apply to us today: “Take great care to serve the poor.”
Louise was beatified in 1920 and canonized a
saint in 1934.
|
