Keywords Born in 1771 Religious Leaders

In 1755 the women finally began their life as the Sisters of Charity of the Hôpital Général, or the GREY NUNS (Soeurs grises). They developed various enterprises including farms, an orchard, a mill and a bakery to finance their work. During the smallpox epidemic of 1755 and the Seven Years' War, their institution truly became a hospital. Mère d'Youville faced disappointments, however; her family returned to France at the Conquest, and her hospital burned in 1765. After years of failing health she died in 1771.

Many Montréalers attested to her prophetic gifts and miraculous healing powers. Her spirituality and sacrificial life were officially recognized by Rome. She was the first Canadian-born person to be beatified and was canonized in 1990.

Youville, Marie-Marguerite d'
St Marguerite d'Youville, the foundress of the Sisters of Charity, was the first candidate for sainthood born in Canada (courtesy Grey Nuns [Sisters of Charity] of Alberta).

Grey Nuns Convent, Montreal
The entrance to the Grey Nuns Convent, Montreal, a 19th century picture of a far older edifice, one that exists to the present.

Author CORNELIUS J. JAENEN

Links to Other Sites
Grey Nuns of Montréal
The website for the Sisters of Charity of Montréal, better known as the “Grey Nuns.” Features a nicely illustrated history and profile of founder Marguerite d’Youville.