Who is Jeanne Mance?
Jeanne Mance (1606-1673) is a founder of Montreal, alongside Paul de Chomedey, Sieur de Maisonneuve, and founder of the Hôtel-Dieu de Montréal in 1642.
A visionary, free-spirited and dedicated woman, Jeanne Mance was neither married nor a nun. Her deep faith, her audacity, her courage and her determination were essential to the development and survival of the nascent city in the 17th century.
A humanist, she took care of both the French and Indigenous people at the Hôtel-Dieu without distinction, demonstrating an open-mindedness and a deep respect for all.
What is the mission of the Centre Jeanne-Mance?
The Centre Jeanne-Mance aims to promote the life and work of Jeanne Mance, founder of Montreal and the Hôtel-Dieu, by highlighting her educational, cultural and historical legacy. It is also dedicated to her cause for beatification and emphasizes her spiritual influence.
Who are the Religious Hospitallers of Saint Joseph?
The congregation of the Religious Hospitallers of Saint Joseph was founded by Jérôme Le Royer de La Dauversière in 1636 in La Flèche, France.
In 1658, Jeanne Mance returned to France to bring the first three Hospitallers, Judith Moreau de Brésoles, Catherine Macé and Marie Maillet, to help her care for the sick at the Hôtel-Dieu. They arrived in Montreal in 1659.
Upon the death of Jeanne Mance in 1673, the administration of the Hôtel-Dieu was initially entrusted to the Sulpicians until 1676, when the Religious Hospitallers of Saint Joseph accepted its administration.
Religious Hospitallers served as directors of the Hôtel-Dieu of Montreal until 1973.
The spirituality of Jeanne Mance
“Jeanne Mance was a free, authentic woman and I would say that she took her place as a woman” – Mariette Chainey, rhsj
The video is available in French only.