Marie Lumague

Marie Lumague (November 29, 1599 — September 4, 1657) was a French philanthropist and founder of the Daughters of Providence.

Early life

Lumague was born in Paris on November 29, 1599 to a wealthy family. After her education, she joined a Capuchin monastery, a reflection of her piety and religious beliefs. In 1617, following health issues, she left the monastery and married Francois de Polallion. Her husband died only a year later, making her a widow.^[1]

Religious following

In 1630, Lumague founded the Daughters of Providence, a Catholic religious congregation for the women of 17th-century Paris.^[2] The members of the Daughters of Providence concerned themselves with the education of the poor. In 1643, Lumague obtained Louis XIII's approval and opened a home for the protection and housing of these girls.^[3] In 1651, Anne of Austria took up the funding of the program.^[1]

Lumague died in Paris on September 4, 1657.^[1]