Memories of the Response of NDHS Toronto to the Canonization of St. Marguerite Bourgeoys

My memories of reaction at Notre Dame High School in Toronto on and around Marguerite Bourgeoys’ canonization in Rome on October 31, 1982? My own reaction is the all-in-one heartfelt joy of an NDHS Alumna who was privileged to serve there in turn as teacher, vice principal and principal.

I had met Marguerite in the early 1950’s when she was declared “Blessed”. Our teachers, who were mostly CND Sisters, showed us by their lives Marguerite’s translation of the Gospel in daily living. For me, that was a strong factor in my discernment of a call to religious life.

I remember excitement mounting in the 70’s when prayer and voiced hopes created an expectation that, since the Church called forth saints who served the needs of the times, Blessed Marguerite would soon be declared St. Marguerite! At Notre Dame we worked hard to get to know as much as we could about this woman who clearly displayed heroic virtue from the selfless uprooting from her homeland to the details of responding to a call to founding her little community in Canada. Huge challenges awaited her at every turn – from nursing the sick as the only woman on board a ship, to trips back and forth to France to gather new members, to necessary liaison which included conveying an understanding of her call to found an uncloistered apostolic community.

At last the announcement came that Marguerite would be canonized in Rome on October 31, 1982! Over the next couple of months students participated in celebrating Marguerite, composing their own songs and music, producing their art work and presenting their best efforts to the whole school via bulletin board or on the Public Address system, before the day’s announcements! Indeed they helped us all get to know Marguerite a little better! Like the family we were proud to be called, we shared one another’s joy as our own as things got planned in quick succession.

The N. D. Alumnae organized a trip to Rome for the canonization! The CND link with the Alumnae, Sister Laura Greer, was invited to join the trip free of charge when their number reached 15! And when that number doubled, I received the same invitation!! I will never forget that moment – or what followed!

Jim Martin, our Drama Club moderator, stepped forward with his crew to offer to prepare and present the play “The Constant Heart” in November right after the Canonization. They were invited to perform in Montreal, Ottawa and Kingston as well!

Several buses were booked for November 26 to wend their way along the 401 bringing over 80 of our NDHS folks to the magnificent Mass organized at the Forum in Montreal! Added joy came from the fact that a chief organizer of this happening was Sister Marie Azzarello, Alumna of NDHS and former staff. Two days in Montreal let the group visit spots like St Gabriel’s Farm and N.D. de Bon Secours Chapel.

….. When the proclamation itself was over, November dawned, and plans turned into action! We enjoyed four nights of “The Constant Heart.” Our parish, St. John’s, opened its doors to a beautiful celebration. Notre Dame Alumnae held a reunion. Everywhere people shared freely what they had experienced. In all different ways we were expressing the overwhelming awe, happiness and hope that came with this move to share OUR saint with the whole universal Church! For Canada and our Church, and for our broken world, may Marguerite’s life challenge each of us to make a world of difference!