320th anniversary of Marguerite d’Youville

On October 15, 1701, Marguerite d’Youville, born Marie-Marguerite Dufrost de Lajemmerais, founder of the Sisters of Charity of Montreal, known as the Grey Nuns, was born in Varennes. Today we celebrate her 320th birthday and tomorrow, October 16, her liturgical feast.

For this occasion, the Basilica of Sainte-Anne de Varennes will hold a solemn mass on Saturday, October 16, 2021, at 4:30 p.m., presided over by Bishop Claude Hamelin, Bishop of Saint-Jean-Longueuil. Musical prelude to the celebration by Mr. Pierre Gadbois, titular organist. The Shrine of Saint Marguerite d’Youville will be open from 1:00 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. Information: 450-652-2441, extension 0.

(Image source: Marguerite Dufrost de la Jemmerais, the Venerable Mother Youville, was baptized on October 16, 1701, the day after her birth, in the first church of Sainte-Anne de Varennes, province of Quebec. Captain Christophe Dufrost de la Jemmerais proudly places his daughter on the lap of his maternal great-grandfather, Sieur Pierre Boucher de Boucherville, for the traditional blessing. Gouache on cardboard by Sister Flore Barrette, s.g.m., 1951, Collections of the Grey Nuns of Montreal, 1974.D.014)