Marguerite Bourgeoys

About Marguerite Bourgeoys

Marguerite Bourgeoys was a French religious sister who pioneered education in New France (Canada). She sailed to Montreal in 1653 and established the first school. Marguerite founded the Congregation of Notre Dame, an uncloistered teaching order—revolutionary for allowing sisters to work actively in society. She taught colonists' children, Native Americans, and the poor. She established schools throughout New France. Marguerite's congregation continues her educational mission today. She was canonized in 1982, the first Canadian woman saint.