Saint Marie de l’Incarnation (1599–1672) was a French-born missionary and nun who played a pivotal role in the spread of Christianity in New France (modern-day Canada). She entered the Ursuline Order and later traveled to Quebec in 1639, where she helped establish the first Ursuline convent in North America. Known for her deep spirituality and intellectual prowess, she founded schools that educated young girls and contributed significantly to the cultural and religious development of the colony. Saint Marie de l’Incarnation’s letters and writings reveal her strong faith and commitment to missionary work, and she was canonized in 2014.
The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) has decreed that this is a Holy Day of Memorial to be observed in Canada.