St Marguerite Bourgeoys (1620-1700), canonized in 1982, is a key figure in Canadian and religious history as a founder of Montreal and of the international order the Congrégation de Notre-Dame de Montréal, one of the first uncloistered religious communiti

Simpson shows that the order faced great resistance from the male church hierarchy despite the fact that the pioneer society depended on the work of the Congregation. The order was particularly important in assuming the guardianship of many filles du roi - young women sent to New France under royal auspices to be married to the men of the colony. Simpson also examines the many difficulties the Congregation faced, which included natural disasters and the dangers faced in trying to reach women and children in settlements throughout New France, as far away as Acadia.

Building on the popularity of 5 Minutes with Christ (2011), this unique book of meditations draws on insights and anecdotes from great Catholic saints on the subject of education to encourage and inspire teachers and others on the front lines of Catholic education. Drawing its inspiration from the great saints and founders of religious orders dedicated to teaching, 5 Minutes with the Saints offers today’s educators the bite-sized moments of spiritual motivation and affirmation they need to continue their challenging and often thankless work. Each reflection features a short excerpt on the spirituality of Catholic education by saints such as André Bessette, Ignatius Loyola, and Elizabeth Ann Seton, followed by a personal reflection and a short prayer. Like 5 Minutes with Christ, this book was crafted from the writings of members of the University of Notre Dame’s Alliance for Catholic Education (ACE), the most prestigious Catholic educator–training program in America.

See how the Lord has been working in the United States and Canada through the lives of our own Saints and Christian heros! Includes: Venerable Pierre Toussaint, Henriette Delille, St. Rose Philippine Duchesne, St. Marguerite Bourgeoys and many more -- 16 in all, complete with historic time lines and excerpts written by these pioneers of the faith.