St. Marguerite d'Youville – Foundress of the Grey Nuns and Mother of Universal Charity

ST. MARGARET D YOUVILLE

St. Marguerite d'Youville was a Canadian widow and foundress of the Grey Nuns, renowned for her compassion for the poor, sick, and marginalized during the 18th century.

St. Marguerite d'Youville was born on October 15, 1701, in Varennes, New France (now Quebec, Canada), into a family that faced financial hardships after the early death of her father. Despite these difficulties, Marguerite received an education with the Ursuline Sisters and grew in deep faith and resilience.

At the age of 21, she married François d’Youville, a fur trader, but the marriage proved difficult; her husband was irresponsible and involved in illegal alcohol trading. Marguerite bore six children, though only two sons survived infancy. After her husband's death in 1730, she was left a widow with heavy debts and a heavy heart. Yet, instead of falling into despair, she leaned entirely on God and deepened her commitment to caring for the needy.

Marguerite gathered a group of women who shared her vision of Christian service. In 1737, she founded the Sisters of Charity of Montreal, commonly known as the Grey Nuns ("les Sœurs Grises"). Initially misunderstood and ridiculed, Marguerite and her companions persisted in their work, caring for the sick, the poor, abandoned infants, and the elderly. Her tireless charity led to the revitalization of the General Hospital of Montreal, where she and her sisters offered refuge to the city's most destitute citizens.

Marguerite’s spirituality was rooted in an unwavering trust in Divine Providence. Even amid financial crises, fires, and opposition from civil and religious authorities, she remained steadfast and joyful in her mission. Her extraordinary life of service, humility, and love profoundly shaped the social and religious fabric of Canada.

Marguerite d’Youville died on December 23, 1771, at the age of 70. She was canonized by Pope John Paul II on December 9, 1990, becoming Canada's first native-born saint. Today, the Grey Nuns continue her legacy across North America and beyond, offering hope and care to those most in need.

Feast Day

16-10-

Birth Date

15-10-1701

Died Date

23-12-1771

Canonised Date

9-12-1990

Quebec, Canada

St. Marguerite d'Youville, woman of boundless charity and compassion, help us to open our hearts to the suffering and abandoned. May we serve with love and humility as you did. Amen.
ST. MARGARET D YOUVILLE

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ST. MARGARET D YOUVILLE

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