MONTREAL, Canada — A sculpture of Saint Marguerite Bourgeoys, accompanied by votive candles, honors Montreal's first teacher and founder of the Congregation of Notre Dame. Bourgeoys, who established the city's first school in 1658 and was canonized in 1982, represents a significant figure in Montreal's educational and religious heritage. The devotional space in Notre-Dame Basilica invites prayer and reflection on her pioneering role in colonial Montreal.
Photograph by David Coleman. The sculptural tribute to Saint Marguerite Bourgeoys (1620-1700) within Notre-Dame Basilica commemorates a foundational figure in Montreal's religious and educational history. As the first female saint from Canada, Bourgeoys arrived in colonial Montreal in 1653 and established the city's first school in 1658. She founded the Congregation of Notre Dame, a religious order that became instrumental in developing education throughout New France. The devotional space features votive candles, maintaining the Catholic tradition of prayer and remembrance. This piece represents both artistic heritage and spiritual significance, as Bourgeoys was canonized by Pope John Paul II in 1982 in recognition of her pioneering work in education and religious life in colonial Montreal. The sculpture stands as a testament to her enduring legacy as an educator, missionary, and builder of early Montreal, drawing pilgrims and visitors to this historic basilica that welcomes over 11 million visitors annually.
Size: 2849px × 4290px
Location: Basilique Notre-Dame de Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Photo credit: © David Coleman | Have Camera Will Travel / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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