Early Life and Noble Lineage

Born in 1604 at the Château de Glénay in Poitou, France, Marie-Madeleine de Vignerot was the daughter of René de Vignerot, Seigneur de Pontcourlay, and Françoise du Plessis, sister to Armand-Jean du Plessis, later known as Cardinal Richelieu. This connection placed her within the upper echelons of French nobility, providing her with opportunities for influence and service.

Her early education, guided by her devout mother and later by her grandmother Suzanne de la Porte, emphasized religious devotion, charity, and family loyalty. These formative years instilled in her a lifelong commitment to serving the poor and supporting the Church.

Marriage, Widowhood, and Religious Inclination

In 1620, Marie-Madeleine married Antoine de Beauvoir du Roure, Marquis de Combalet. Tragically, he died in 1622 during the religious wars, leaving her a widow at 18. Choosing not to remarry, she entered the Carmelite convent in Paris, seeking a contemplative life. Her uncle Richelieu, however, recognizing her potential for broader service, persuaded her to leave the convent and serve as a lady-in-waiting to Queen Marie de Medici. In 1638, she was granted the title of Duchess of Aiguillon in her own right.

Portrait of Marie Madeleine de Vignerod, by Philippe De Champaigne (1602-1674). 17th century, Oil on canvas.
The painting represents the official portrait of a French noblewoman: it is an effigy of the niece of Cardinal de Richelieu, daughter of his sister Françoise Du Plessis and René de Vignerod, who went on to marry the Marquis de Combalet but soon became a widow. A haughty, cultured woman and patron of the literati, from 1625 she was lady-in-waiting to Marie de’ Medici, a role from which she was relieved by the queen herself because of disagreements with Richelieu, who gave her the duchy of Aiguillon. Very close to her powerful cardinal uncle, according to gossip, upon his death she inherited part of his property, including the Petit Luxembourg and the Château de Rueil; from that date she chose to devote herself to good works. This portrait hands down an image of the strong-willed duchess that corresponds to what can be understood of her character from the facts of her life: the direct, attentive gaze and erect bearing attest to a strong temperament, which the gentle gesture of handing the little dog the cookie in no way masks. The great artist who executed the portrait was Philippe de Champaigne, also the author of the extraordinary Triple Portrait of Richelieu, which he portrayed several times.

Patronage and Collaboration with St. Vincent de Paul

The Duchess’s wealth and influence became instrumental in supporting numerous charitable initiatives. Her collaboration with St. Vincent de Paul was particularly significant. She provided substantial financial support for his missions, including:

• Funding the establishment of the Congregation of the Mission’s works in France and abroad, such as missions in Rome and hospitals for galley slaves in Marseille.
• Purchasing consulates in Tunis and Algiers to support missionary priests serving as chaplains to galley slaves.
• Supporting the formation of seminarians at the Collège des Bons-Enfants in Paris.

Her involvement extended to logistical support, such as providing transportation for St. Vincent de Paul, who initially resisted accepting such assistance out of humility. Her persistence ensured he could continue his work effectively.

Relationship with St. Louise de Marillac and the Vincentian Charism

While direct records of interactions between the Duchess and St. Louise de Marillac are limited, their mutual collaboration with St. Vincent de Paul suggests a shared commitment to the Vincentian charism. The Duchess’s role as president of the Ladies of Charity at the Hôtel-Dieu in Paris for over two decades indicates her deep involvement in organized charitable efforts, aligning with the mission of the Daughters of Charity founded by St. Louise.

Broader Charitable Endeavors

Beyond her work with the Vincentian family, the Duchess’s philanthropy was expansive:

• She played a pivotal role in establishing the Hôtel-Dieu de Québec, the first hospital in North America, supporting the French colony in Canada.
• Her patronage extended to the arts and sciences, including supporting playwright Pierre Corneille and mathematician Marie Crous, who introduced the decimal system to France.
• She contributed to various religious institutions, including the Carmelites, the Society for Foreign Missions, and multiple hospitals and convents across France.

Legacy and Death

Marie-Madeleine de Vignerot passed away on April 17, 1675, in Paris. She was buried in the Carmelite Church, reflecting her enduring connection to the order. Her life exemplified the integration of noble privilege with humble service, leaving a lasting impact on the Church’s charitable missions and setting a precedent for lay involvement in social justice.

Marie-Madeleine de Vignerot (The Duchess of Aiguillon). Painting attributed to Paul Beaucourt, acquired by the Hôtel-Dieu de Quebec in 1754. At the foot of the painting: Mme. Marie De Vignerot, Duchess of Daiguillon, Foundress of L’hotel Dieu of Quebec. Devoted to the Precious Blood, 1639. © Le Monastère des Augustines du Quebec.