Saint Marguerite Bourgeoys (1620–1700) is celebrated as a pioneer of education and a founding figure of the Catholic Church in Canada, specifically in the colony of New France (modern-day Quebec). Her remarkable life of faith, service, and perseverance reflects a deep commitment to spreading the Gospel and nurturing both the spiritual and practical growth of the early Canadian settlers.
Early Life
Marguerite was born on April 17, 1620, in Troyes, France, into a devout Catholic family. As the sixth of twelve children, she experienced early exposure to the virtues of faith and charity. Her mother’s death during her teenage years profoundly influenced her, inspiring her to embrace a life of service and devotion.
Initially, Marguerite sought to join the Carmelite order but was not accepted. Instead, she found her calling in the secular world, feeling inspired by a vision of the Blessed Virgin Mary to dedicate her life to the education and spiritual formation of others. Her spiritual director guided her toward mission work, setting the stage for her eventual journey to New France.
Mission to New France
In 1653, Marguerite accepted an invitation from Paul de Chomedey de Maisonneuve, the governor of Montreal, to come to New France and help establish a religious and educational presence in the colony. The journey across the Atlantic was arduous, and the conditions in the fledgling colony were challenging, but Marguerite embraced her mission with fortitude and faith.
Upon her arrival, she began her work by organizing catechism classes for children and adults, particularly the Indigenous peoples. She also played a vital role in helping to meet the material needs of the settlers, fostering a spirit of community and charity.
Founding the Congregation of Notre Dame
To ensure the continuity of her work, Marguerite founded the Congregation of Notre Dame of Montreal in 1659. Unlike many religious orders of the time, her congregation was non-cloistered, allowing the sisters to go out into the community to teach and serve. This radical model reflected her innovative vision of religious life and her understanding of the practical needs of the mission field.
The sisters of the Congregation of Notre Dame established schools and educated both the daughters of settlers and Indigenous children, emphasizing moral, spiritual, and practical education. Marguerite’s emphasis on teaching young girls was particularly notable, as she believed in empowering them to contribute meaningfully to the growth of Christian society.
Challenges and Perseverance
Marguerite faced numerous difficulties, including resistance from some of the clergy and settlers who questioned her methods and the active nature of her congregation. She also endured the physical hardships of life in a harsh and undeveloped land. Despite these challenges, her unwavering faith and dedication enabled her to persevere.
Her leadership and trust in Divine Providence were evident when she traveled back to France several times to recruit new members for her congregation and secure official recognition for her work. In 1698, at the age of 78, she stepped down from leadership, allowing others to continue the mission she had begun.
Death and Legacy
Saint Marguerite Bourgeoys died on January 12, 1700, in Montreal, leaving behind a legacy of selfless service and devotion. Her work profoundly shaped the religious and educational landscape of New France, and the Congregation of Notre Dame continues to serve communities worldwide.
She was canonized by Pope John Paul II on October 31, 1982, becoming Canada’s first female saint. Her feast day is celebrated on January 12, and she is revered as a patron of educators, Canadian immigrants, and the Congregation of Notre Dame.
Spiritual Lessons from Saint Marguerite Bourgeoys
- Faith in Action: Marguerite’s life exemplifies the importance of translating faith into concrete deeds of charity and service.
- Trust in Divine Providence: She consistently trusted God to provide for the needs of her mission, even when resources seemed scarce.
- Empowerment through Education: Her emphasis on education reflects the Church’s tradition of forming both minds and souls to build a just and holy society.
Saint Marguerite Bourgeoys remains an inspiring figure for those seeking to live out their faith in service to others, especially through education and community-building.