On December 28, the Feast of the Holy Innocents, a daughter was born to the Duke of Savoy and the sister of King Louis XI of France. The child, named Louise, was to distinguish herself by her innocence and holiness rather than by any worldly status.As a youngster she was deeply devoted to prayer and solitude. While still a young girl she fasted on bread and water on the vigils of the Blessed Mother's feast days. Although she wore the costly garments and jewelry that went with one of her rank, she quietly insisted on wearing a haircloth underneath as a reminder that it was her soul that she truly needed to tend to.
Her uncle arranged for her to marry the Prince of Chalon, a virtuous young man who appreciated his young wife's devotion to simplicity. Excessiveness and opulence were absent from their court. The couple persuaded both the ladies and men of the court to follow a more Christian life.
At age 27 Louise lost her husband and thereafter retired to a more simple life that allowed her to devote herself to works of charity and penance. Childless, she chose to enter a convent of Poor Clares at Orbe. Though she proved to be a model of humility and obedience, Louise was felled by a serious illness at age 42. God took her home on July 24.
Pope Gregory XVI beatified her in 1839.