Saint Marguerite Bourgeoys

Black illustration of a woman and two children with black text on a lime green background

Born in 1620, Marguerite Bourgeoys was the French founder of the Congregation of Notre Dame of Montreal. She lived in Fort Ville-Marie (now Montreal) in 1653, educating young girls, the poor, and natives until her death at age 79 in 1700. She also developed one of the first uncloistered religious communities in the Catholic Church. She was beatified (blessed) in 1950 by Pope Pius XII. Canonized on October 31, 1982 by Pope John Paul II, St. Marguerite became the first woman saint of the Canadian Church.

Catholic saints are holy people and human people who lived extraordinary lives. Each saint the Church honors responded to God's invitation to use his or her unique gifts.