Marie-Marguerite d'Youville

Marie-Marguerite d'Youville, although poor herself, showed compassion for the needy and gave practical help to those in distress.

Born: October 15, 1701
Died: December 23, 1771

Her's was a difficult life, lived in poverty. Yet, despite her personal circumstances, she did great charitable work in Montreal among the poor, the ill and the downtrodden. Out of her work came the founding of a religious order in the Roman Catholic Church that has spread to many parts of the world. The Sisters of Charity [the Grey Nuns] was founded by d'Youville. Today, five additional autonomous Congregations continue the mission of Marguerite d’Youville.

Sisters of Charity of St. Hyacinthe (1840)
Sisters of Charity of Ottawa (1845)
Sisters of Charity of Quebec (1849)
Grey Nuns of the Sacred Heart (Yardley, U.S.A.) (1921)
Grey Sisters of the Immaculate Conception (Pembroke, Canada) (1926)

Since its founding in 1737, the Sisters of Charity have opened homes for working girls, hospitals, and orphanages wherever they've gone. Given the focus of their work, the name Youville is certainly an appropriate one for our Youville Centre. However, although the Sisters of Charity have been strong supporters of the Youville Centre, we are also grateful for the wonderful support we've also received over the years from many other religious groups.

Today, Youville Centre receives public funding and is strictly non-denominational. We serve all clients regardless of their religious beliefs.