Louis-Marie Grignion de Montfort (French pronunciation: [lwi maʁi ɡʁiɲɔ̃ də mɔ̃fɔʁ]), TOSD (31 January 1673 – 28 April 1716) was a French Catholic priest known for his preaching and his influence on Mariology. He was made a missionary apostolic by Pope Clement XI. Montfort wrote a number of books which went on to become classic Catholic titles and influenced several popes. His most notable works regarding Marian devotions are contained in Secret of the Rosary and True Devotion to Mary. Pope Pius XII canonised him on 20 July 1947. A "founders statue" created by Giacomo Parisini is located in an upper niche of the south nave of St. Peter's Basilica. Source: Wikipedia (en)