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The Grey Nuns in Manitoba
"It was past midnight, and most of the people in the little settlement of St.Boniface on the banks of the Red River had long since gone to bed. On the shore, however, a small group of people were standing, listening in the stillness. At last they heard the sound they had been waiting for. From far off in the distance came the splash of paddles and tired voices singing. A few minutes later, at one o'clock in the morning of June 21, 1844, two canoes glided to the shore. The waiting people surrounded them. They helped out of the canoes the four weary nuns, dressed in their grey gowns and knitted brown shawls. Then the nuns and their welcomers knelt on the riverbank and gave thanks for a safe arrival. After a long and difficult journey, the GREY NUNS had at last arrived at the Red River."
Dennis King, The Grey Nuns and the Red River Settlement
In a spirit of love... with hope and compassion and respect... the Sisters of Charity of Montréal follow in the footsteps of their foundress Saint Marguerite d'Youville. The first four sisters to arrive in St.Boniface were Sisters Valade, Lagrave, Coutlée et Lafrance. They assisted Bishop Provencher in all the works of the young colony: teaching, bringing comfort to the poor and nursing. Those traditional works of charity continue today, along with innovative works which respond to the emerging needs of society.
"Lay persons, in a spirit of collaboration and service, are closely associated with us in our mission... Devoted collaborators and numerous volunteers in our works of charity make it possible for us to carry on ministries, and to initiate new ones which are in keeping with our preferential option for the poor."
Pastoral Letter, General Chaptor 1986, p. 9
Our Address:
Soeurs Grises / Grey Nuns
N5072 - 431 Tache Avenue
Winnipeg, Manitoba
CANADA R2H 2A6Telephone: (204) 258-1057
Fax: (204) 231-4286