Although Saint Margaret (Marguerite) of Lorraine was the wealthy Duchess of Alençon, she dedicated her life and riches to Christ after the death in 1492 of her husband, René, the Duke of Alençon (1454-1492). She ultimately took religious vows in 1521 to become a nun of the order of Poor Clares, but died soon afterward. Her body was interred first at the monastery of the Poor Clares in Argentan, but sadly her tomb was desecrated during the French Revolution, and her remains thrown into a common burial pit on the edge of town. However, her heart was saved and transferred to the church of Saint Germain d'Argentan, where it is said to be held today. Thus, the statue that memorializes Saint Margaret in the village of Saxon-Sion, which is adjacent to Vaudemont Castle where she was born, is a cenotaph. Recognition of the miracles associated with her life and death, led Pope Benedict XV on March 10, 1921 to recognize Marguerite of Lorraine as a saint. In addition to her holy life, she is also remembered for being the mother of Françoise d'Alencon (1490-1550), who in turn was the grandmother of King Henri IV of France (1533-1610).
Although Saint Margaret (Marguerite) of Lorraine was the wealthy Duchess of Alençon, she dedicated her life and riches to Christ after the death in 1492 of her husband, René, the Duke of Alençon (1454-1492). She ultimately took religious vows in 1521 to become a nun of the order of Poor Clares, but died soon afterward. Her body was interred first at the monastery of the Poor Clares in Argentan, but sadly her tomb was desecrated during the French Revolution, and her remains thrown into a common burial pit on the edge of town. However, her heart was saved and transferred to the church of Saint Germain d'Argentan, where it is said to be held today. Thus, the statue that memorializes Saint Margaret in the village of Saxon-Sion, which is adjacent to Vaudemont Castle where she was born, is a cenotaph. Recognition of the miracles associated with her life and death, led Pope Benedict XV on March 10, 1921 to recognize Marguerite of Lorraine as a saint. In addition to her holy life, she is also remembered for being the mother of Françoise d'Alencon (1490-1550), who in turn was the grandmother of King Henri IV of France (1533-1610).
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