Marie-Madeleine de Chauvigny de la Peltrie

Marie-Madeleine de Chauvigny de la Peltrie, born on March 25, 1603, in Alençon, France, was a remarkable figure in the religious landscape of New France. As the daughter of Guillaume de Chauvigny, a lord, and Jeanne Du Bouchet, she was destined for a life of privilege. However, her path took a significant turn when she was compelled to marry the Chevalier de Gruel, Lord of La Peltrie. This union, which lasted only five years and resulted in the loss of their infant daughter, led her to a profound commitment to virtue and spirituality.

After becoming a widow at the young age of twenty-two, Madame de La Peltrie felt a calling to serve the Amerindian population. Inspired by the Jesuit Relation of 1635 and the appeal from Father Paul Le Jeune, she envisioned establishing a convent of teaching nuns in Quebec. Despite facing a serious illness that nearly claimed her life, she made a vow to Saint Joseph, promising to dedicate her health and fortune to this noble cause. Miraculously recovering, she devised a clever plan to evade her father's attempts to remarry her by entering into a fictitious marriage.

With her father's death, Madame de La Peltrie's financial affairs became complicated, but she successfully appealed to the Parliament of Rouen to manage her own patrimony. Encouraged to pursue her mission, she consulted with prominent figures in Paris, including Monsieur Vincent and Father de Condren. Eventually, she partnered with Marie de l'Incarnation to establish the Ursulines of Quebec, signing a deed that secured a bequest for their foundation.

On August 1, 1639, she arrived in Quebec, ready to fulfill her mission. Despite her delicate health, she immersed herself in the community, caring for the Amerindian girls with a maternal love that endeared her to them. Her dedication was unwavering, even as she faced challenges, including a significant absence from her community. After returning, she sought to join the Ursulines formally but ultimately chose to maintain her secular lifestyle while continuing her monastic observances.

Marie de l'Incarnation often praised Madame de La Peltrie, recognizing her as a saintly figure. Sadly, she succumbed to pleurisy on November 12, 1671, just days after falling ill. Following her death, she was laid to rest in a lead coffin within the Ursuline chapel, with her heart given to the Jesuits, symbolizing her enduring respect and affection for their mission.