Born in Troyes, she went to the young settlement of Montreal and opened its first school for settlers' children. She founded the Congregation of Notre Dame, an uncloistered teaching community, and became Canada's first woman saint.
Life
Saint Marguerite Bourgeoys was born in Troyes, France, in 1620. After a deep experience of conversion during a procession in honor of Our Lady, she consecrated herself to God. In 1653 she crossed to the small settlement of Ville-Marie in the New World, today's Montreal.
In 1658 she opened her first school in a converted stable, teaching the children of settlers and Indigenous families. She then founded the Congregation of Notre Dame, an uncloistered community that worked among the people, devoting itself to the education of women and girls. She died in 1700 and was canonized by Pope John Paul II in 1982 as Canada's first woman saint.
Spirituality
Marguerite Bourgeoys's spirituality is a life of service out in the world, after the example of Mary. Just as Mary went to visit and help Elizabeth, she believed that sisters should live among the people, teaching and caring for them. In a poor and simple life she saw education as an act of love.
Reflection
Saint Marguerite began a school in a stable in an unfamiliar new world. Rather than blaming limited circumstances, what good work could you begin with the little you have in hand right now?