Charism of Saint Marguerite d’Youville, Foundress of the Grey Nuns

Despite her sufferings, Marguerite believed in God’s presence in her life. With trust in Divine Providence, she determined to live a life of charity and service to others, especially the poor and the needy.

Marguerite's charity and compassion for the most marginalized members of society was unusual for a woman of her class and time. Nonetheless, other women were attracted to her and to her work and joined her in her endeavors. On December 31, 1737, they consecrated themselves to God and established the Congregation of the Sisters of Charity.

At first, the women were treated with contempt and taunted with the jeer, “les Soeurs Grises” or “tipsy sisters,” (the French word “gris” has two meanings, “grey” or “tipsy”) a disparaging reference to her husband, Francois, and his illegal liquor trading. The good works of the sisters eventually won the respect of Montreal society and Marguerite retained the name “Grey Nuns” as a symbol of humility.

Marguerite fought for the rights of the poor and continually broke with the social conventions of her day. In 1771, at age seventy and after a lifetime filled with works of mercy, Marguerite died, surrounded by her beloved community of sisters.

Mural of St. Marguerite in downtown Pembroke, OntarioAt her beatification in 1959, Pope John XXIII gave her the title “Mother of Universal Charity.” In 1990, Marguerite was declared the first Canadian-born saint by Pope John Paul II.

Today, six autonomous congregations of Grey Nuns serve the entire world, continuing the legacy of love, compassion and service of St. Marguerite d’Youville.