Louis and Zelie: Episode One
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What historical context is provided for Louis and Zelie's story?
France, 1850. 27-year-old Louis Martin is studying to be a watchmaker, but secretly wants to be a monk. Meanwhile, 19-year-old Zelie Guerin dreams of becoming a religious sister. These two young people are ready to forsake the world for lifelong religious vows.
What aspirations do Louis and Zelie have for their lives?
But God just might have other vows in mind for them.
The Saints, Adventures of Faith and Courage. Louis Anzelli, Episode 1, The Bridge. Listen to all the episodes and discover new shows at thesaintspodcast.com.
La, la, la, la, la. La, la, la, la, la, la, la, la. La, la, la, la, la. What's that?
Is that the monastery of Saint Bernard? I knew it was in the Alps, but didn't expect to pass right by it. Might as well take a look while I'm here. Hello there, young man. Monsieur, do you belong to this monastery? I'm the doorkeeper. Can I help you? I'm on my way to a watchmaking apprenticeship in Strasbourg. You stopped in the right place. Come in, out of the storm. Merci. Those are beautiful dogs. This monastery was built 200 years ago, and these dogs have been here that whole time. Well... Their great-grandfathers were. Something like that. I've heard the story. Mm-hmm. Saint Bernard lived here in the Alps with his dogs to rescue travelers caught in the snow. And he built this beautiful monastery? Well, no.
He built the hospice over there. The monastery was built ten years ago. Come in, now. This wind is terrible.
Have you been inside a Benedictine monastery before? No, never. But I know your motto. Ora et labora. Yes, pray and work. You could become a saint quickly here. You could, if God allowed it. Would you like to see the chapel? Ah, oui. Follow me then. This is the most amazing accident that's ever happened to me. I had no idea my hike to Strasbourg would take me right by St. Bernard's. I've always wanted to visit. Perhaps there's a reason.
Voici le jour, oh ma très chérie Mais voici le jour, le jour du retour
Zelie?
Come in, Elise. I'm just putting away my laundry. I won't need any of these clothes when I join the Daughters of Charity. They don't bring anything of their own. I'll have my habit there, if they let me in.
Reverse hand-me-downs from my little sister. Half of your clothes are ones I gave you, and the other half wouldn't fit me. You should look at my sweaters. You think they'd fit you? Don't mind if I do. When will you hear back from the Daughters of Charity?
Soon. Soon I can consecrate myself to God and spend my life caring for the sick. If the answer is yes, I mean. I'm getting ahead of myself and assuming I'll be admitted.
How does Louis's journey lead him to the monastery?
Why on earth would they turn you away? If they don't think it would be a good fit for me or because of my health, I just have to wait and see now.
Lord, I want to join the Benedictines here. Get me through these exams. I want to be a saint. Right here, in this mountain pass. Hello? It's Louis Martin. Louis? Oh, Louis! You've come back to become a monk, haven't you? If you'll have me. If it were up to me, I'd say yes right away. Come in, my son. Come in.
Are you ready for the entrance exams? I'm a bit worried about the Latin. I'm sure you'll do fine. And if you do fail the exams, you can always come back and try again. I hope that won't be necessary.
Zelly! Oh, come sit by me. I'm reading this book about... Oh, Zelly. What's wrong?
I was rejected from the convent. Oh, sweetheart. Why? My health and they... they don't think I have a vocation.
Do you want a hug?
Yes, please. Mama will be disappointed in me.
You can't do anything about it.
And Papa. He was so proud and excited to have a nun for a daughter.
That doesn't matter, Zelie. But how to break the news to them? You can't do anything about your health. It's out of your control. And so is God's plan for you. I don't know what to do anymore. Maybe he doesn't want you to do anything yet. That's impossible, it is.
God knows I can't sit still for five minutes. Oui, oui. You're happiest when you're working. Will you pray a novena to the Immaculate Conception with me? For whatever work God has in mind for me, since he clearly doesn't want me caring for the sick with the Daughters of Charity.
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