Saint Marguerite Bourgeoys, Virgin

Memorial in the Province of Canada

Marguerite Bourgeoys was born in Troyes, France on april 17, 1620. Desiring to consecrate herself to our Lord, she accepted a mission as a teacher in New France. She began her teaching in Ville-Marie.

Soon, a small community formed itself around her. In 1669, His Excellency François de Montmorency-laval, the bishop of Quebec, approved the new born institute. The congregation of the Sisters of Notre Dame received their definitive statutes in 1698. The foundress experienced opposition and incomprehension later in life, and died in voluntary effacement on january 12, 1700.

The french school of spirituality profoundly influenced Marguerite Bourgeoys. Even today, the priests of Saint-Sulpice accompany the spiritual journeys of her daughters.

 Detail of a stained glass inside the conventual chapel of the Sisters of the Congregation of Notre-Dame at Pointe-Claire (Quebec, Canada)