2003 INDUCTEE Sainte Marguerite d’Youville Leadership in Organizational Development, Women in Medicine, The Early Days - Health Care Pioneers

Born:

October 15, 1701

(Varennes, Quebec)

Died:

December 23, 1771

Education:

Couvent des Ursuline (1714)

Awards & Honours:

1990: Canonization by Pope John Paul II

Founded the Sisters of Charity of Montreal

An early champion of health care for all

As a young widow, Marguerite d’Youville turned her attention to the suffering of those around her. In 1738, she founded the Congregation of the Sisters of Charity of Montreal (Les Soeurs Grises), a charitable Order which assumed responsibility for the General Hospital of Montreal’s program dedicated to caring for the poor. In the succeeding centuries, generations of Grey Nuns have founded numerous charitable institutions throughout the world. Madame d’Youville was beatified by Pope John XXIII in 1959 and canonized by Pope John Paul II on December 9, 1990.

Key Facts

Like many families at the time, d’Youville suffered the loss of four of her children when they were infants

Involved in the education of her younger siblings and supported her widowed mother

Founded a charitable association to assist all those in need at a time when the Montreal General Hospital only welcomed men

Faced harassment from those who dismissed the work of the Sisters of Charity

Professional timeline

Impact on lives today

Today, the life of Marguerite d’Youville remains a source of inspiration for many as a powerful example of determination, dynamic administration, and selfless devotion. During her lifetime, she challenged the status quo to ensure that all those who needed care received it, regardless of their situation. Moreover, she successfully established the institutional capacity to make that care possible. Over 250 years later her ethos and practice can still be felt. St. Boniface Hospital, for example, is the second largest hospital in Manitoba, employs over 3,500 staff and operates a research facility with a budget of $7 million. In addition, thousands of Grey Nuns continue to dedicate their lives to bringing care to all they can.

2003

October 15, 2003
Sainte Marguerite d'Youville posthumously inducted into the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame

London, Ontario
1978
A young woman claimed to have recovered from acute myeloblastic leukaemia after praying to d’Youville

In 1990, Marguerite d’Youville became Canada’s first saint.
1840
After her death in 1771, The Grey Nuns carried on d’Youville’s legacy
Women in Medicine
Their work took them beyond Montreal to different parts of Canada. The Sisters of Charity of St-Hyacinthe was founded in Quebec. In 1871, the established St. Boniface Hospital in the new province of Manitoba.
1753
Louis XV signed the Letters Patent
Leadership in Organizational Development
This patent sanctioned the appointment of Madame d’Youville as Director of the hospital and officially established the Sisters of Charity. By 1755, the hospital expanded its medical services to serve those suffering during the smallpox epidemic. The hospital also became an importance place of treatment and convalescence during the Seven Years War.
1747
D’Youville was named temporary directress of Montreal’s General Hospital
The Early Days - Health Care Pioneers
The hospital was in terrible disrepair and faced bankruptcy.
1738
Following the death of her husband, d’Youville committed her life to service
The Early Days - Health Care Pioneers
She moved into Le Verrier House with three other women where they all began caring for those in need. These women became known as the Sisters of Charity, and would later become the Grey Nuns.
1722
Marguerite married François d'Youville

The ceremony occurred in Montreal where both Marguerite and François lived. The Governor General, The Marquis of Vaudreuil, signed the marriage contract.
1712
D’Youville began studies at the Ursuline Monastery in Quebec City

She trained there for the next two years.