The Widow d'Youville

A New Way

When her husband died, Marguerite was left with two children to care for. She was pregnant with her sixth child, but the infant did not survive. Being very familiar with poverty, she did all she could to ease the lives of the destitute, she visited the sick, and she mended the clothes of the residents of the General Hospital.

A New Society

During 1737, Marguerite performed a series of acts that eventually led to a special commitment. They were laying the foundation for a life devoted to the service of the poor. 

The Le Verrier House

On 30 October 1738, Marguerite d'Youville and her companions moved into a house that they rented from Madame Le Verrier. The building was large enough to accommodate ten people. They were able to support the household by their own work.

A Life Changing Trial

The Le Verrier house was destroyed by fire on 31 January 1745, and the Widow d'Youville and her household found themselves on the street. Owing to the populace’s dislike of them, it was going to be hard to find a new home.

Support from the Priests Saint-Sulpice

A society of priests known as the Priests of Saint-Sulpice, or Sulpicians, had come from France in 1657. They played a major role in the founding of Ville Marie and in consolidating their roles as both pastors and lords and proprietors of the island. They were in charge of the parish of Notre Dame, which welcomed the family of Marguerite when they moved from Varennes.

The General Hospital

In 1694, Letters Patent had been sent from the King of France authorizing the foundation of a men’s religious community to which the people of Montreal gave the name “Charon Brothers” because its founder was François Charon. This charitable work was not able to survive the death of its founder; and in 1747, the administration of the General Hospital was placed in the hands of the Widow d’Youville’s community.