Louis de Montfort
Life and witness
Missionary preacher whose Christ-centred Marian spirituality shaped modern Catholic devotion.
Biographical overview
Louis-Marie Grignion de Montfort, SMM (French pronunciation: [lwi maʁi ɡʁiɲɔ̃ də mɔ̃fɔʁ]; 31 January 1673 – 28 April 1716) was a French Catholic priest known for his influence on Catholic Mariology. He wrote a number of books that went on to become classic Catholic titles, including Secret of the Rosary and True Devotion to Mary, and influenced several popes. He also founded several religious communities, including the Company of Mary. Pope Pius XII canonised him on 20 July 1947. A "founder's statue" created by Giacomo Parisini is located in an upper niche of the south nave of St. Peter's Basilica.