Bourgeoys, Marguerite

(1620-1700)

   Born at Troyes, in Champagne. Entered the convent of the Congregation of Notre Dame at the age of twenty, and while there decided to devote her life to the colony of New France. Arrived in Quebec in September, 1653, and went on immediately to the new settlement of Montreal. In 1657 opened the first school, in a stable granted her by Maisonneuve. In the same year built a wooden chapel in Montreal. Founded the Congrégation do Notre Dame de Montreal in 1659, and in 1686 built the convent. In 1675, with funds obtained from France built the church of Bonsecours.

   Index: L Establishes school at Ville Marie (Montreal), 9; her services to the sick on board the St. André, 32; her labours in instruction of the young, 91; her educational work, 126; Abbé Verreau on influence exerted by, 127; founds Bonsecours Chapel, 177. F Establishes Congrégation de Notre Dame, 29, 39; impressed on arrival by poverty of country, 39.

   Bib.: Ransonet, Vie de la Soeur Bourgeoys; Faillon, Vie de la Soeur Bourgeoys; Parkman, Jesuits in North America and Old Régime; Colby, Canadian Types of the Old Régime.