Saint Marguerite d'Youville, founder of the Grey Nuns
Dear Parents and Students, As a new teacher, I was asked to attend an informational session on Marguerite and her amazing life. It was important for all of the new teachers to understand the spirit of the Grey Nuns, and their core beliefs as it affects the GNA community. I wanted to share some of the interesting and inspirational stories of our loving founder's life.Back to Top
Marguerite was the eldest of six children. The only reason Marguerite was provided with an education was so that she could return to her family and educate the younger siblings-imagine the stress and pressure on this young girl!Back to Top
Marguerite's father died when she was only six years old.Back to Top
After the death of her father, Marguerite's mother remarried an Irishman. Marguerite herself was very much in love with a young man, but her mother's new marriage was not considered "acceptable" in society, so Marguerite and her boyfriend were forbidden from marrying- she was devastated!Back to Top
Marguerite eventually marries a man named Francois, but she finds nothing but heartbreak. Her new husband is illegally selling alcohol to the Native Americans in exchange for furs. Francois himself was a terrible alcoholic. Marguerite and Francois have 6 children together, but more sorrow finds her- only 2 of the children survive. It is here that she turns to prayer and a deep love of Jesus.Back to Top
Marguerite and other women like her begin to take in the poor, the wretched- basically anyone who was considered an outcast in society. They became the Sisters of Charity of Montreal, today known as the Grey Nuns.Back to Top
How the Grey Nuns received their name
The community around Marguerite did not support her good deeds. She and the other sisters were constantly criticized and ridiculed. One book writes from Marguerites point of view, "Since nothing happens without reason, the insults of the crowd lead me to think. They call us names so why not take on those names. From now on, we will be called "Les Soeurs Grises." And why not! In French, "grises" is the word for drunkards. It also translates to the color grey. Therefore the name of our community is a real play on words".Back to Top
Marguerite d'Youville lived such an early life of sorrow, yet she was able to overcome her sadness, and build a community of sisters who set out to help all of God's children, even those people considered dirty, unworthy, or devilish. We all can learn from her story of generosity, love, and compassion.Back to Top
This is such a short overview of her life, but my hope is that it motivates all of you to learn more about Marguerite. Her accomplishments are numerous and invaluable, especially in the founding of our own GNA community. God bless!Back to Top