The Memorial of St. Marie-Marguerite d’Youville honours the Canadian religious foundress whose life became devoted to serving the poor, the sick and those in need. Born in Varennes, Quebec, in 1701, she faced considerable hardship in her own life before gathering a small group of women in Montreal to offer hospitality and care to others. 

Her community became the Sisters of Charity of Montreal, better known as the Grey Nuns. Their work grew from caring for the poor and managing the General Hospital of Montreal into a much wider ministry of service. St. Marguerite d’Youville died in 1771 and is remembered as one of Canada’s great saints of charity.