Marguerite Bourgeoys

Marguerite Bourgeoys (Known as "Mother Bourgeoys")

Catholic Saint, Educator, Founder of the Congregation of Notre Dame

Born Apr 17, 1620

Troyes (Champagne), France

Passed Away Jan 12, 1700 Montreal, Canada

Lifespan 79 years old

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Notice / Correction

"The Virgin Mary was never cloistered; she went about doing good, and so must we."

Archival Overview

Canada's first female educator and saint who founded the Congregation of Notre Dame in 1658, opening the colony's first uncloistered religious school for girls and Indigenous children.

Biographical Record

Invited to Ville-Marie by Maisonneuve in 1653, Marguerite Bourgeoys transformed an empty stone stable into Montreal's first public school in 1658. Refusing the traditional requirement of cloistered seclusion, she insisted that her sisters travel directly into settler and Indigenous communities to teach.

Bourgeoys also organized shelter and vocational training for the 'Filles du Roy' sent by King Louis XIV to populate the colony. Canonized in 1982 by Pope John Paul II, she is revered as one of the fundamental builders of French Canadian civil society.

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Rest in Peace Forever remembered and cherished Your legacy lives on in all of us With deep gratitude for your life and light

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Final Resting Place

Perpetual Memorial

Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel
Montreal, Canada

                         GPS: 45.5097, -73.5514                    

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