Margaret was the sixth of twelve children. She sought to enter the religious life when she was twenty but for some reason was rejected by both the Carmelites and the Poor Clares. She held on to her dream and always planned a religious community. After many years as a teacher she and her fellow teachers formed into the Congregation of Notre Dame. The local bishop wanted them to be an enclosed community but Margaret had other ideas.


Her congregation started a school in Quebec, Canada and the number of her schools eventually increased to 200. She was an example of unfailing courage to her children, her community and all those whom she came into contact with. She overcame early rejection and continued disapproval from Church authorities to make her vision a reality. She became Canada’s first Saint in 1982. She is venerated as the co-founder of the Church in Canada.

Today is her feastday and we ask her mnay blessings on us. Amen