St. Marguerite Bourgeoys
Foundress, Teacher, and Missionary of New France
1620–1700
Who Was St. Marguerite Bourgeoys?
St. Marguerite Bourgeoys was born in Troyes, France, and grew up with a strong faith and generous heart. As a young woman, she felt deeply drawn to serve God, especially after a profound experience of conversion that strengthened her devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary and her desire to give her life completely to Christ.
She eventually traveled to New France, now Canada, where she saw the great need for Christian education and practical support for families, children, and settlers. In Montreal, she began teaching girls and helping build up the faith of a growing community. Her mission was both spiritual and practical, rooted in love, courage, and daily service.
Marguerite founded the Congregation of Notre Dame, a community dedicated to education and apostolic service. Unlike many religious communities of her time, her sisters were not enclosed. They went out into the community to teach, serve, and support the people where they were needed most.
Through many hardships, long journeys, and constant work, St. Marguerite remained faithful to God’s call. She became a model of missionary zeal, simplicity, and trust in divine providence. Her legacy continues through Catholic education and the witness of women dedicated to serving others with humble love.
Virtues to Learn
Service
St. Marguerite gave herself generously to the needs of others, especially children and families. She teaches us to serve with love, constancy, and practical care.
Courage
Leaving her homeland for an unknown mission required deep trust and bravery. Her life reminds us that God often calls us beyond comfort into faithful action.
Humility
Even as a founder and leader, she remained simple and self-giving. St. Marguerite shows that holiness grows through quiet obedience and perseverance.
Spiritual Significance
St. Marguerite Bourgeoys is a beautiful witness to the importance of education, missionary charity, and the dignity of everyday service. She understood that forming hearts and minds in the faith could help shape families, communities, and future generations.
Her life also reflects the active love of Mary. Inspired by the Blessed Virgin, she embraced a spirituality that was humble, available, and ready to go wherever God called. She did not wait for perfect conditions. She served in the midst of need, trusting that grace would provide what was lacking.
She encourages us to see our own daily duties as places where holiness can grow. Whether through teaching, caring for others, building community, or quietly remaining faithful, St. Marguerite reminds us that love offered to God can bear lasting fruit.
Prayer to St. Marguerite Bourgeoys
“St. Marguerite Bourgeoys, help me to serve with humility, courage, and trust in God.”
— Prayer inspired by the life of St. Marguerite Bourgeoys
St. Marguerite Bourgeoys, faithful servant of Christ, pray for me. Teach me to serve with a generous heart, to trust God in every mission He gives me, and to remain humble in all that I do. Help me to care for others with patience, wisdom, and love, and to see my daily work as a path to holiness. May your example strengthen my faith and lead me closer to Jesus and Mary. Amen.