Marie-Louise-Élisabeth de Lamoignon
Marie-Louise-Élisabeth de Lamoignon (1763-1825), in religion Mother Saint-Louis, is the foundress of the Congregation of the Sisters of Charity of Saint-Louis.
Contemporaries
Figures and markers around the normalized period for this entry.
Guided reading
5 reading sections
Biography
Youth of Marie-Louise-Élisabeth de Lamoignon, her marriage to Édouard François Mathieu Molé, her family trials, and the upheavals of the French Revolution.
Marie-Louise-Élisabeth de Lamoignon was born in Paris on October 3, 1763, into an illustrious family of the noblesse de robe. Her father, Chrétien-François de Lamoignon de Basville, was a prominent magistrate, and her mother was Marie-Élisabeth Berryer. She grew up in a deeply Christian environment, influenced by her maternal grandmother Catherine Madeleine de Jort de Fribois and by the Jesuit preacher Louis Bourdaloue. In February 1779, she married Édouard François Mathieu Molé, a counselor at the Parlement of Paris, becoming Countess Molé de Champlâtreux. The couple had five children, three of whom died in infancy. Only Louis-Mathieu and Félicité survived. Under the spiritual direction of Abbé Antoine Xavier Mayneaud de Pancemont, she became actively involved with the poor, becoming the 'angel of the attics.' The French Revolution upended her life: after a short exile, she was arrested during the Terror along with her husband. The latter was guillotined on April 20, 1794. Ruined, she endured this trial with an unwavering faith.
Life and Work
Foundation of the Congregation of the Sisters of Charity of Saint Louis in Vannes and expansion of the work of educating poor young girls.
Once her children were established, Marie-Louise-Élisabeth wished to dedicate herself to God. In 1802, Abbé de Pancemont, appointed Bishop of Vannes, called her to Brittany to assist the abandoned young girls of the port of La Rabine. She accepted this call and settled in Vannes.
On May 25, 1803, she founded the Congregation of the Sisters of Charity of Saint Louis under the name Mother Saint-Louis. The institute was dedicated to the reception, education, and vocational training of poor young girls. Despite the difficulties, the work grew and new houses opened in Auray (1807), Pléchâtel (1816), and Saint-Gildas-de-Rhuys (1824). The institute received diocesan approval on April 24, 1816. Mother Saint-Louis led the congregation until her death on March 4, 1825, in Vannes.
Path to Holiness
Introduction of the cause for beatification of Mother Saint-Louis and recognition of the heroic nature of her virtues.
The reputation for holiness of Mother Saint-Louis endured well after her death, carried by her heroic charity and her resilience in the face of trials. The diocesan process for her beatification opened in the Diocese of Vannes in 1959 and closed in 1962, at which time the file was transmitted to Rome. On January 16, 1986, Pope John Paul II signed the decree recognizing the heroic nature of her theological and cardinal virtues, thus conferring upon her the title of Venerable.
Beatification and canonization
Recognition of the miracle of healing and celebration of the beatification of Marie-Louise-Élisabeth de Lamoignon in Vannes in 2012.
The beatification was made possible by the recognition of a miracle attributed to her intercession: the sudden and total healing of a young Quebecer suffering from chronic osteomyelitis of the left humerus, thus avoiding an amputation scheduled for May 22, 1962. After validation by medical and theological authorities, Pope Benedict XVI promulgated the decree of beatification on December 19, 2011. The beatification ceremony was celebrated on May 27, 2012, on the esplanade of the port of Vannes. Presided over in the name of the Pope by Cardinal Angelo Amato, in the presence of Bishop Raymond Centène and Cardinal Paul Poupard, it constituted the very first beatification celebrated on Breton soil.
Spirituality and legacy
Spirituality centered on the Cross and the global development of the Congregation of the Sisters of Charity of Saint Louis.
The spirituality of Marie-Louise-Élisabeth de Lamoignon is deeply marked by the mystery of the Cross, confident abandonment to Providence, and a devotion to Our Lady of the Seven Sorrows. For her, contemplation and charitable action toward the poorest were inseparable.
Her legacy continues through the Congregation of the Sisters of Charity of Saint Louis, which received definitive pontifical approval on December 4, 1840, by Pope Gregory XVI. The institute subsequently developed internationally, establishing itself in Canada (notably in Quebec), the United States, England, Latin America (Peru), Africa (Mali, Madagascar), and the West Indies, continuing its mission of education and service to the most destitute.
Frequently asked questions about Marie-Louise-Élisabeth de Lamoignon
Who was Marie-Louise-Élisabeth de Lamoignon?
Marie-Louise-Élisabeth de Lamoignon (1763-1825), in religion Mother Saint-Louis, is the foundress of the Congregation of the Sisters of Charity of Saint-Louis.
Which saints were contemporaries of Marie-Louise-Élisabeth de Lamoignon?
Contemporaries include: Jesús María Echavarría Aguirre, Pauline of the Agonizing Heart of Jesus, Narcisa de Jesús and Juan de Jesús López y González.
When did Marie-Louise-Élisabeth de Lamoignon die?
Marie-Louise-Élisabeth de Lamoignon died around 1825.
What are the other names of Marie-Louise-Élisabeth de Lamoignon?
Other forms of the name: Mère Saint-Louis and Comtesse Molé de Champlâtreux.
Who are the relatives of Marie-Louise-Élisabeth de Lamoignon?
Relatives of Marie-Louise-Élisabeth de Lamoignon: Chrétien-François de Lamoignon de Basville (father), Marie-Élisabeth Berryer (mother), Catherine Madeleine de Jort de Fribois (maternal grandmother), Édouard François Mathieu Molé (spouse), Louis-Mathieu Molé (son) and Félicité (daughter).
Annexes & related entities
Structured data for exploration: events, miracles, quotes, places, attributes, patronages, and important entities cited in the text.
Key Events
- Era / death: 1825
- Beatification in 2012 by Benedict XVI