First page of Letters patent
Dunkerque, France, 20 June 1671. Archives Congrégation de Notre-Dame - Montréal.

Centuries of History

The Congrégation de Notre-Dame is one of the few institutions whose origins go back almost to the foundation of Montreal and are still active today. The account which follows is a summary of its history and is abundantly illustrated with archival documents. It contains texts, but mostly photographs of the schools, the teaching activities, the students and Sisters. The chronology, from as far back as New France to the present day, and which spans five continents, has been carefully put together to clearly define the context in which the work was accomplished and highlight the challenges it represented.

350 Years of History is a text written by Sister Patricia Simpson, CND.

Introduction

Unique Foundation in the New World

1653-1699

“The Colonists who Saved Montreal”

1700-1762

The End of a Regime 

1763-1799

Anxiety and Hope

1800-1849

The Challenges of a New Century

1850-1899

New Horizons and New Challenges

1900-1961

Beyond Old Boundaries

1962-2000

A World Transformed 

Conclusion

Faithful to Marguerite Bourgeoys