Saint Marguerite Dyouville

Biography

Saint Marguerite Dyouville, also known as Mary Margaret Dufrost de Lajemmarais d’Youville, was born on October 15, 1701, in Varennes, Quebec, Canada. She was the eldest of six children born to Christophe Dufrost de Lajemmerais and Renee de Varennes. Unfortunately, her father passed away when she was only seven years old. At the age of 13, Marguerite returned home after receiving two years of education from the Ursulines in Quebec. She took it upon herself to help her mother raise her younger siblings and to teach them what she had learned. Marguerite's mother later remarried, but her step-father, an Irish physician, was considered an outsider by their friends. As a result, the family fell out of favor in their own town and decided to move to Montreal. On August 12, 1722, at the age of 21, Marguerite married François de Youville. The couple resided with François's mother. Unfortunately, François proved to be negligent and adulterous, engaging in bootlegging activities. Marguerite faced numerous challenges in her married life, including the loss of four children who passed away in infancy. Despite these difficulties, both of her surviving sons eventually became priests. Tragedy struck Marguerite once again when François passed away in 1730, leaving her burdened with debts. To support herself and her children, Marguerite opened a small store. However, she didn't keep all her profits for herself but instead used a significant portion to help those who were even poorer than her. Driven by her compassionate heart and desire to serve others, Marguerite joined forces with Father Louis Normant du Faradon and three like-minded women. They founded the Sisters of Charity of the General Hospital of Montreal, commonly known as the Grey Nuns, on December 31, 1737. The congregation received diocesan approval in 1755. Marguerite and her fellow sisters took charge of the failing and deteriorating General Hospital in Montreal on October 7, 1747. Marguerite dedicated herself to the hospital, living there for the rest of her life and serving as its director. Through the hard work and dedication of Marguerite and her sisters, the hospital was transformed into a successful institution and a refuge for outcasts. Despite financial problems and the armed conflict between the English and French in the region, Mother Marguerite's resourcefulness and determination kept the hospital open. She and her sisters made clothes that they sold to traders, raising money to sustain the hospital's operations. Additionally, Marguerite's compassionate care for sick English soldiers helped protect the hospital from damage during the conflict. The Sisters of Charity, founded by Marguerite, continue their important work to this day. They are spread across Canada, the United States, Africa, and South America. Saint Marguerite Dyouville is venerated for her exemplary life, and on April 28, 1890, Pope Leo XIII declared her heroic in virtue. She was beatified by Pope John XXIII on May 3, 1959, and canonized by Pope John Paul II on December 9, 1990. Saint Marguerite Dyouville is regarded as the patron saint against the death of children, difficult marriages, in-law problems, loss of parents, people ridiculed for their piety, victims of adultery, victims of unfaithfulness, and widows. Saint Marguerite Dyouville's life is an inspiring example of selflessness, compassion, and perseverance in the face of adversity. Her legacy continues to inspire individuals around the world to serve those in need and to find strength in their faith.