Born April 12, 1674, to a Puritan family in Groton, Massachusetts, Lydia was 20 years old when the Abenaki Indians attacked Groton. Her father, stepmother and five siblings were killed during the raid. Lydia, a brother and a sister were captured and taken up to New France (Canada). Her sister died on route, and Lydia and her brother were separated.
In New France, she was sold to a French couple, from whom she learned about Catholicism. When a person exchange was arranged, she decided not to return to Groton.
In 1695, the family's daughter joined the Congregation of Notre Dame, and their son planned to enter religious life. Lydia decided to become Catholic, and she was instructed in the faith by Marguerite Bourgeoys, the foundress of the Congregation of Notre Dame.
On this day in 1696, Lydia was baptized into the Catholic faith. By the end of the year, she had joined the Congregation of Notre Dame. As Sister Sainte-Madeleine, she served in Montreal for 62 years, and died July 20, 1758, at age 84.
- Little White Book, Diocese of Saginaw