History
St Marguerite d'Youville began her works of charity in Montreal, Canada, in the mid-1700's. Her determination to help the poor was fortified by her trust in Divie Providence and her confidence in the Eternal Father. She saw human misery and felt the pain of the poor all around her and responded in loving care to all those she encountered.

The Spirit of the Divine that took root in Marguerite made of her a dramatic model and witness. Marguerite lived the spark of the Divine so well that six congregations of women, created in three successive centuries, hove kept the spirit of her loving service alive for a fourth century. We must marvel at that!

Today, her daughters minister in Canada, the United States, South America, Africa, Japan. New Guinea, the Bahamas, the Dominican Republic and Haiti. They minister to the
sick and disabled, to students, the illiterate and immigrants, to homeless and hungry persons, battered women, to those with emotional and psychological problems, to the lonely and frail elderly, to single mothers and abandoned children, to those without food, clothing, comfort and love, to all in need of spiritual nourishment.

Many women for over 300 years have lived their call so well that a path has been created which invites lay men and women to travel with us as Associates. Associates help to extend the mission and spirit of the Grey Nuns in new ways.

"God, our Father, through our Christian commitment, we want to be bearers of your Incarnate Love. Our desire is that together we make your love visible through our words
and actions. May our lives and off our works reflect this extraordinary mission!"

As Grey Nuns, it is our call to witness Christ's love for the poor through our action in
justice. It is our privilege and responsibility to minister among the poor and oppressed of our time.

Rooted in the heart of Christ, GNSH serve in ministries rooted in education, healthcare,
pastoral care and social work. We serve in the country of Haiti and in twenty-two dioceses in the United States:
Alaska, Georgia, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania.