If Marguerite Bourgeoys lived among us today…
Marguerite was a pioneer. She undertook projects; she built where nothing stood before. In Ville-Marie, she opened the first school and built the first stone chapel (Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours). She welcomed the Filles du Roy (the King’s Wards) because they would be the mothers of the new families. She purchased a farm to meet the needs of her congregation (Maison Saint-Gabriel). She allowed other schools to open by sending sisters on mission to teach.
Wherever there is good to be done
Marguerite was always ready to go “wherever there is good to be done.” She believed that the sisters had to “make themselves skillful in all sorts of work.” She knew how to adapt in order to meet the needs that arose. If she lived among us today, she would do the same thing. She would go to people and offer her help.
The sisters of the Congrégation de Notre-Dame, which was founded by Marguerite Bourgeoys, do the same. Today, they serve in various ways.
Present and close to people in their milieu
The sisters teach and help with homework; they offer catechesis courses or spiritual formation; they visit people who are alone or abandoned: the elderly, the sick, prisoners; they get involved with women's groups and accompany families who need material and human support.
Social justice and the environment
The sisters defend the rights of people who are marginalized or "voiceless;" denounce abuses done by mining companies and groups that exploit populations; fight human trafficking; welcome refugees; take action to protect the environment and raise leaders' awareness about the importance of opposing climate change.