Saint Marguerite Bourgeoys was a pioneering missionary, educator, and foundress who dedicated her life to forming young souls in faith and charity.
Born in Troyes, France, Marguerite felt a strong call to serve God from a young age. Inspired by the Virgin Mary, she longed to bring the Gospel to new lands. In 1653, she traveled to New France (present-day Canada), where she devoted herself to teaching children and strengthening families in the Catholic faith.
Unlike many religious women of her time, Saint Marguerite lived an active apostolic life rather than a cloistered one. She founded the Congregation of Notre Dame, a community of women dedicated to education and service, especially for girls. Her sisters traveled widely, bringing faith, learning, and hope to remote communities.
Saint Marguerite faced many hardships—poverty, illness, and misunderstanding—but she trusted completely in God’s providence. Her deep devotion to Our Lady shaped her mission, as she sought to imitate Mary’s humility and obedience.
Canonized in 1982, Saint Marguerite Bourgeoys continues to inspire educators, missionaries, and all who serve God through simple acts of love.
Prayer to Saint Marguerite Bourgeoys
O Saint Marguerite,
faithful servant of Christ and devoted daughter of Mary,
pray for us.
Help us to trust in God’s plan,
to serve others with humility and courage,
and to pass on the faith with love and patience.
May our lives, like yours,
be a witness to Christ in the world.
Amen.
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