About us

The Congrégation de Notre-Dame is a Catholic religious community founded in Ville-Marie (Montreal) in the 17^th century by Saint Marguerite Bourgeoys.

As dedicated women of faith, we are committed to living the missionary project of our foundress whose life and Writings bear witness to her love of God and of others.

On mission in the world: Live internationality

Present where “there is good to be done or some work of charity to be performed. “ (Writings of Marguerite Bourgeoys), we are sent on mission in different countries where we walk with our contemporaries in solidarity with the tried and the marginalized.

It is true that all I have ever desired most deeply and what I still most ardently wish is that the great precept of love of God above all things and of the neighbor as oneself be written in every heart.

Writings of Marguerite Bourgeoys

Our CND Mission

CND Orientation 2021-2026

Rooted in Jesus Christ, in love and compassion and in contemplative dialogue, we, CND sisters and associates, dare to go further to humanize our relationships and to allow ourselves to be transformed.

We commit to:

• Intentionally live and deepen interculturality and intergenerationality.
• Honour, respect and protect our common home, committing ourselves to concrete actions motivated by an integral ecological conscience.
• Intensify our prophetic presence to the peripheries, especially with those who are impacted by the systems that engender exclusion and marginalization.

God calls us to hear the cries of our wounded world. In the spirit of St. Marguerite Bourgeoys, we respond with fierce hope, with prophetic action, in mutuality and collaboration, together for the life of the world.

It seems to me that we do not pay enough attention to prayer, for unless it arises from the heart which ought to be its center, it is no more than a fruitless dream. Prayer ought to carry over into our words, our thoughts and our actions.

Writings of Marguerite Bourgeoys