Reflection on the Feast of St. Marguerite

Written on: October 13, 2016

Traditionally, the Feast Day of St. Marguerite D’Youville is celebrated on the date of her Baptism, October 16 (1701). Below is a reflection on the importance of the works of St. Marguerite, and how her life has influenced others. With gratitude to GNSH archivist, Sr. Mary Charlotte Barton.

St. Marguerite D’Youville, named Mother of Universal Charity, has been a guiding spirit for every Grey Nun from the eighteenth century to the twenty-first century!  Even today she is a model for the practice of Christ’s deeds of charity and mercy.

Pope Francis has given the people of God a spiritual treasure in proclaiming a Jubilee Year of mercy.  Reflecting on the spiritual and corporal works of mercy can deepen a sense of our Grey Nun mission.  Are not these the most natural practices for daughters of Marguerite who have long companioned others seeking love, hope and mercy.

Thousands have felt the touch of a Grey Nun bending to care for the sick, visit the elderly, strengthen the weak, feed and clothe the poor, instruct children, visit the imprisoned, shelter the refugee and homeless. Grey Nuns continue to console the dying, comfort families in their sorrow and pain, and shine God’s light and mercy on all matters human and divine.

These are universal deeds of charity, Christ’s ways of loving and caring, illuminating one precious life after another.

The spirit of eighteenth century  Marguerite D’Youville has enhanced the mission of Grey Nuns of the Sacred Heart throughout our long history.

Yesterday and today, the presence of Grey Nuns has been salt for the earth, as Christ calls us to be. 

We are still on mission rejoicing to bring the works of mercy and love to the human family of the 21^st century. Marguerite has indeed built her dreams of mercy into deeds of love through her Grey Nun daughters.

If you would like to learn more about the life of St. Marguerite D’Youville click here

For images of St. Marguerite click here

This entry was posted in From our Sisters and tagged: charity, compassion, daughters of Marguerite, Grey Nuns, Grey Nuns of the Sacred Heart, history, Mercy, mission, Mother of Universal Charity, St. Marguerite, universal