In recent years Pope John Paul 11 has often said he hopes to canonize a couple who exemplify the sanctity of Christian marriage. Still, the Martins–who developed a sort of cult following when Therese wrote about them in her posthumously published autobio, “Life of a Soul”–are an odd pick for emulation. Azelie wanted to be a nun herself, and Louis was rejected for the priesthood. They abstained from sex for the first 10 months of their marriage. If the panel of theologians studying the Martins this summer decide they are worthy, two miracles attributed to their help must be proven before the pope can name them saints.
