As the Congregation of Notre Dame, we strive to be "Mary's congregation" by making Mary's life the pattern of our prayer, ministry and community.

Marguerite Bourgeoys was often asked why the little band of women she led lived as they did, outside of the cloister expected of 17th-century "religious" women. Her answer?--in order to imitate the way Mary had lived on earth, in particular her visitation to her cousin Elizabeth and her experience in the midst of the Christian community at Pentecost.