Marguerite Bourgeoys
1620-1700 17th century Feast day: January 12
To serve without withdrawing from the world, in the manner of the Virgin who goes out toward others: a prayer with hands and roads.
Who was Marguerite Bourgeoys?
Born in Troyes, in Champagne, she crossed the Atlantic in 1653 to join the small colony of Ville-Marie, present-day Montreal, where she opened the first school. Refusing enclosure, she founded the Congregation of Notre-Dame, 'travelling' sisters who go wherever they are needed to teach girls and women, settlers and Indigenous alike. She died in Montreal in 1700, after a life of chosen poverty and service.
In their own words
It is true that all I have always most desired, and most ardently wish for, is that the great precept of the love of God above all things, and of the neighbour as oneself, be engraved on every heart.
The Blessed Virgin was not cloistered, but she kept an inner solitude and went out only for necessity, charity, or the instruction of others. She never refused to be where charity or necessity had need of help.