Our Founder

A man of strong faith and unwavering trust in Divine Providence, Bishop Dubuis was convinced that the desperate needs of the sick and numerous orphaned children of his diocese could be met by the service of religious women. Having failed to get assistance from the communities in the United States, he wrote to several religious orders in France including his friend Mother Marie Angelique, Superior of the cloistered Order of the Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament in Lyons, France.

His letter to her reflects a compelling and dynamic call.

«Our Lord Jesus Christ, suffering in the persons of a multitude of the sick and infirm of every kind, seeks relief at your hands…»

C.M. Dubuis
Bishop of Galveston
September 21, 1866

To read the full letter, click here.

Mother Angelique, moved by this pressing request, accepted into the monastery three young French women who had responded to this call. After a short period of preparation, they left for Galveston.