History

A story of faith in action

WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE?

St. Marguerite d’Youville, Foundress of the Sisters of Charity of Montreal, answered this question in 1737 when she founded the Congregation known to us as the Grey Nuns. Subsequently, this strong, creative woman, a risk taker and powerful advocate for the poor, has inspired generations of faithful followers.

Marguerite’s life was a series of tragedies and her brave, generous response was what made the difference.

In the face of prejudice, persecution and misunderstanding, she pursued her vision of universal charity, a vision born of contemplative prayer and reflection of the human person as the image of God. That Marguerite made a difference is confirmed by the fact that her spirit is alive today. The Grey Nuns, their lay colleagues, Associates and volunteers continue her mission.

From Canada to Ohio, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, New Jersey, New York, Atlanta, Kodiak Alaska, Maryland, and to parts of Africa and South America, the spirit of Marguerite has taken root.

The Congregation of the Grey Nuns of the Sacred Heart was founded in 1921 as an English speaking Congregation to continue the work of St. Marguerite. 

In 1996, the Grey Nuns of the Sacred Heart were asked to choose a way to celebrate the75th Jubilee of their founding.  The New York area Grey Nuns decided to open a pantry in Jackson Heights, an area where they had served for many years.  Monsignor Edward Breen, pastor of Our Lady of Fatima Parish at that time, welcomed the Sisters’ vision. In October of that year, near the feast of St. Marguerite, as the Angelus bells rang, Monsignor prayed with the Grey Nuns and a few volunteers on the steps of what today is the pantry line. As they chanted The Lord Hears the Cry of the Poor, Monsignor sprinkled holy water on a home-made poster reading: Marguerite’s Pantry. Five people came for food that day. Today, more than twenty five years later, the Pantry provides food to nearly five hundred families monthly.As we continue Marguerite’s vision of universal charity in today’s world our prayer is that those yearning to make a difference will step forward to meet the challenge of spreading The Good News to the poor.