In 1968 the Foundation was established

On 18 April 1968, before Mr Pascal Buchmann, the Marguerite Bays Ecclesiastical Foundation was established.

Mr. Joseph Joye, Receiver of the Foundations of the Bishopric of Lausanne, Geneva and Fribourg; Abbot André Demierre, Reverend Dean of Siviriez; Reverend Mother Madeleine Schoffit, Superior of the St. Paul's work in Fribourg; Mr. Louis Magnin, Prefect of the Glâne; Mr. Louis Bays, great-grand nephew of Saint Marguerite; Abbot Paul Dunand, Reverend Chaplain in Billens, were part of the first Foundation Council.

At the time, the purpose of this foundation was to acquire and maintain the house of Blessed Marguerite Bays, to collect and ensure the respect of the objects that belonged to her, as well as to promote and favour all initiatives that could be taken in the direction of the postulation of the cause.

Following the beatification in 1995 and the canonisation in 2019 of Saint Marguerite Bays, the aims and statues of the foundation have changed: to transmit the faith of the Roman Catholic Church by promoting the example of Saint Marguerite Bays. To this end, it has at its disposal the house of the saint's father as well as various objects that belonged to her. To promote the influence of Saint Marguerite, in particular through pilgrimages and publications. The foundation does not pursue any profit-making aims.

Achievements at the House of Saint Margaret at La Pierra

Restoration of the flat to accommodate a caretaker and her family

Construction of a pilgrim's shelter with a toilet for people with reduced mobility

Construction of an outdoor picnic area and children's playground

Construction of a park for visitors and pilgrims

Construction of the church of Siviriez

Restoration of the tomb of Saint Marguerite

Construction of a chapel with a reliquary in 2005

Creation of a space inside the church with a new reliquary and a new portrait to welcome a large number of pilgrims in 2021

Creation of a walking route in the footsteps of Saint Marguerite de Siviriez, Notre Dame du Bois, Maison de Sainte Marguerite and the Abbaye de la Fille Dieu

Outreach of Sainte Marguerite

Management of a website and numerous publications and books

Organisation of masses and events in connection with Sainte Marguerite

In progress

Organisation of a pilgrimage on foot from the Pierra to Einsiedeln

Creation of an organised shrine for pilgrims due to the increasing number of pilgrims

Plans are underway for the construction and financing of a reception structure (120 people) in the barn next to the house of Saint Margaret at La Pierra. ( See link on the project )

A warm thank you to all the pilgrims and people who help us by their donations and their encouragement to participate in the influence of Saint Margaret Bays.