Augustinian Sisters: A legacy to be shared
For almost 400 years, the Augustinian Sisters have cared for people, laying the foundations for today’s healthcare system in Québec. At the turn of the 21st century, faced with the decline in their community, they chose to bequeath their heritage to the public—a history rich in meaning to pass on to future generations!
A tale of resilience and courage
1639
On August 1, three Augustinian Sisters arrived in Québec City from Dieppe, France. They founded the first hospital in America, north of Mexico, in accordance with the wishes of the benefactor Cardinal de Richelieu and his niece, the Duchess d’Aiguillon.
From then on, the Augustinian Sisters cared for the sick and vulnerable in territory. Over the centuries, they created twelve…
From then on, the Augustinian Sisters cared for the sick and vulnerable in territory. Over the centuries, they created twelve monastery-hospitals in Québec. Always aligned with science, they acted as owners, managers, nurses and pharmacists.
1695
Construction begins on the Hôtel-Dieu de Québec monastery-hospital building in its present form.
The plan to build a monastery, including a residence for the nuns, a choir, a church and two new wards for the sick, was initiated in 1691. From…
The plan to build a monastery, including a residence for the nuns, a choir, a church and two new wards for the sick, was initiated in 1691. From 1695 to 1698, work continued on the Garden Wing and Novitiate Wing. This architecture, which respected the European traditions of the 17th century, gives the Augustinian Monastery its heritage value as we know it today.
1755
A major fire destroys much of the Hôtel-Dieu de Québec monastery-hospital. The monastery was rebuilt over the next two years.
Although it has been renovated and extended several times, the current monastery building dates back to this reconstruction, which was completed…
Although it has been renovated and extended several times, the current monastery building dates back to this reconstruction, which was completed in 1757. Two ancient staircases built at the time are still in use today.
1759
During the War of the Conquest, English soldiers took possession of the Hôtel-Dieu de Québec monastery. They occupied it for 25 years.
With Québec City under siege from British forces, the Augustinian Sisters took refuge at the Hôpital Général. The only exceptions: five…
With Québec City under siege from British forces, the Augustinian Sisters took refuge at the Hôpital Général. The only exceptions: five Augustinian Sisters remained in the vaults of the Hôtel-Dieu de Québec to look after the property and buildings5. On September 21, 1759, three days after the surrender of Québec, the other Augustinian Sisters returned to the city. They lived side by side with the English until latter left the monastery in 1784. Until then, the Augustinian Sisters were deprived of their hospital.
The 1960s
The twelve hospitals founded by the Augustinians Sisters are integrated into the Québec healthcare network, in line with the nationalization of the province’s healthcare system.
Although they no longer own them, the Augustinian Sisters continue to work in the hospitals they founded over the years, humbly pursuing their…
Although they no longer own them, the Augustinian Sisters continue to work in the hospitals they founded over the years, humbly pursuing their mission of care.
1995
The Augustinian Sisters noted the gradual decline in the number of members in their community and began to prepare the next milestone in their legacy.
Noting that the community was getting smaller, the Augustinian Sisters planned the future of their legacy. As visionaries, they decided to bring…
Noting that the community was getting smaller, the Augustinian Sisters planned the future of their legacy. As visionaries, they decided to bring together the collections and archives of their twelve monasteries to make them available to Québec society.
2009
La Fiducie du patrimoine culturel des Augustines trust and Le Monastère des Augustines non-profit organization are created.
The Fiducie is responsible for safeguarding and promoting the heritage and memory of the Augustines du Québec. The NPO, for its part, extends…
The Fiducie is responsible for safeguarding and promoting the heritage and memory of the Augustines du Québec. The NPO, for its part, extends the site’s function of welcome and hospitality by offering visitors an unforgettable wellness and heritage experience.
2015
On August 1, 376 years after the arrival of the Augustinian Sisters in New France, and after more than two years of major renovations, Le Monastère des Augustines opened its doors to the public.
After all these years, the Augustinian Sisters’ determination to pass on their heritage is finally taking shape. Now it’s your turn to be…
After all these years, the Augustinian Sisters’ determination to pass on their heritage is finally taking shape. Now it’s your turn to be inspired by this place of memory and caring—all while helping us share its legacy. Every visit contributes to the continuation of the Monastère’s cultural and social mission. Thank you for your presence and support from the bottom of our hearts.
“Of course, we’re passing on a tangible and intangible legacy (…) but what we really want to pass on is a spirit (…) A spirit of welcome, hospitality, kindness and generosity. That’s the heart of the project.”
Augustinian values
The story of the Augustinian Sisters is a lesson in humanity. In the shadow of their cloisters, these pioneering women brought their values to society: compassion for suffering, respect for the individual, and a commitment to the healing powers of science and spirituality.
An ongoing mission
Discover how Le Monastère honours hundreds of years of history and continues to tell the story of the Augustinian Sisters’ work through its cultural and social mission—a commitment that particularly supports caregivers and healthcare providers.
