Marguerite d'Youville

Marie-Marguerite Dufrost de Lajemmerais (Known as "Mother of Universal Charity")

First Canadian-Born Catholic Saint, Founder of the Grey Nuns of Montreal

Born Oct 15, 1701

Varennes (Quebec), Canada

Passed Away Dec 23, 1771 Montreal, Canada

Lifespan 70 years old

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Notice / Correction

"We must never close our doors to those who have no other refuge on this earth."

Archival Overview

First Canadian-born person canonized as a Catholic saint, who overcame poverty and widowhood to found the Grey Nuns and revitalize the General Hospital of Montreal.

Biographical Record

Marguerite d'Youville endured an impoverished upbringing and an unhappy marriage to a contraband fur trader. Following his death, she devoted herself entirely to the destitute, opening a refuge for impoverished women and abandoned infants in Montreal in 1737.

In 1747, she took over the bankrupt General Hospital of Montreal, establishing the Order of Sisters of Charity (the Grey Nuns). Despite fires and military sieges, her sisters cared for French, British, and Indigenous wounded without discrimination, canonized by Pope John Paul II in 1990.

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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

Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Varennes Sanctuary
Varennes (Quebec), Canada

                         GPS: 45.6833, -73.4333                    

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