[1] The congregation has its roots in the 1820s, with four young women who earned their livelihood as dressmakers, but shared a strong religious faith.

In the chaotic social situation of post-Revolutionary France, they soon decided to live together to support each other in their commitment and to share a life of prayer and service.

In addition to their catechetical work, they begin to train young girls housed in a shelter they had opened in their craft of dressmaking.

In 1841 Debrabant approached his bishop, Pierre Giraud, the Archbishop of Cambrai, seeking recognition of the women as a religious congregation.

The new congregation was then given its current name and a Rule of Life based primarily on that of the Order of the Visitation of Holy Mary, founded by Francis of Sales and Louise de Marillac.