Pope Francis has formally approved the the date for the canonization of Blesseds Louis and Zelie Martin, the parents of St. Therese of Lisieux, who will be the first couple ever to be canonized at the same time.

CNA/EWTN News is reporting that the date for the canonization is October 18, which will coincide with the Synod on the Family scheduled to take place from October 4-25 in Rome. The canonization will take place just a few weeks after the feast day of their daughter, affectionately known as “the Little Flower.”

The miracle that paved the way for the canonization involved a baby girl who was born prematurely and with multiple life-threatening complications in the Archdiocese of Valencia, Spain. The child suffered a serious brain hemorrhage which was expected to cause irreversible brain damage. However, her parents prayed to the Martins for their intercession and the girl not only survived, but is healthy and without any disabilities. The recovery was considered to be inexplicable.

Pope Francis officially recognized the miracle in March of this year.

The Martins were married in 1858 and had nine children, four of whom died in infancy. Their five surviving daughters all entered religious life.

Zelie Martin died of cancer in 1877 at the age of 45 and her husband, Louis, died in 1894 at the age of 70.

They were beatified in 2008 and are the first parents of a saint to be canonized.

Choosing to elevate the couple to sainthood during this year’s Synod on the Family, at a time when the family is under unprecedented attack in the world, will call much needed attention to the critical role married biological parents play in the spiritual and moral upbringing of future generations.

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