St. Marguerite Bourgeoys: Woman of Faith, Fortitude, and Fervor
Today is the feast of St. Marguerite Bourgeoys, the founder of the Sisters of the Congregation of Notre Dame, a teaching order. She is the patron saint of poor people and those rejected by religious orders. St. Marguerite Bourgeoys was a woman of aspirations and action, despite her fragile health. She was a woman of grace and fortitude, known for her obedience to God and for her perseverance in carrying out His desires despite the many obstacles and hardships she faced. Born in Troyes, France in 1620 to devout parents, Marguerite was the sixth of twelve children. Her mother died when Marguerite was just nineteen and she became the surrogate mother to her siblings. The following year, through the inspiration of the Blessed Virgin Mary, she consecrated her life to God and became a member of the Extern Congregation of Troy, a group of women who were dedicated to teaching the poor children of the town. It was during this time that she first sensed a call to missionary work. In ...