The Sisters of the Congregation of Notre Dame are celebrating a very special anniversary, the 400th anniversary of the birth of their foundress, St. Marguerite Bourgeoys born in Troyes, France in 1620.
At the age of 20, a “touch of grace:” led Marguerite Bourgeoys to give herself to God. She embarked for the New World at the age of 33 in 1653, strengthened by the Virgin Marys’ call: “Go, I will not abandon you.” Having journeyed there to be a teacher, she became known as the “Mother of the Colony.” In 1658, she opened Montreal’s first school. At a later time with others, she directed the building of the first stone chapel, Notre-Dame-de Bon-Secours in Montreal.
Consider the school shooter and the weekend gardener. They appear to have nothing in common. One is responsible for murder which is an act of unmitigated evil, no matter the circumstance, including war. The other is responsible for caring for one little spot in the earth in such a way as to produce food. Both can say something about God. The first shows what God is not and how God does not act; the second reveals the way God does act.
