[2][3] Outside of class hours, Laurence taught needlework and sewing, while Louise assisted the physicians of Broons, visiting the sick.

Fleury land on which to build a convent large enough to house the increasing number of Sisters, as well as expand the school and the orphanage.

[9] On March 30, 1839, by royal decree, the Sisters of Mary of the Presentation was legally recognized as a religious institute by the French government.

[10] At the turn of the century, the Sisters of Mary of the Presentation operated several schools and had an extensive home health ministry.

The Sisters' schools were closed by French authorities in Broons, Corseul, La Malhoure, Plumaudan, Morbihan, and Noyal.

John Power of Immaculate Conception parish in Spring Valley, Illinois invited the sisters to staff the new St. Margaret's Hospital.

[14] On January 31, 1914, Prime Minister Raymond Poincare signed a decree of dissolution of Sisters of Mary of the Presentation.

In September 1914 the hospital in Reims was evacuated due to heavy bombardment, Dr. Lardennois and the Sisters stayed behind to care for the wounded who could not be moved.

[21] In 1918, after the war had ended, sixteen of the Sisters serving in Broons were awarded the Medal of Honor of Epidemics by the French ministry.

Many Sisters died while caring for victims of the war, one of whom was posthumously awarded the Relief of Wounded Soldiers by the French Red Cross.

Six Sisters serving in Dinan were awarded the Gold Badge of Honor by the French Defence Health Service.

[23] On December 8, 1923, as a result of their service in the war,[23] and with the support of Senator Léon Jenouvrier, the French government rescinded the decree of dissolution, restoring the legal standing of the Sisters of Mary of the Presentation in France.

[24] Some Sisters returned after the legal standing of the Motherhouse in Broons was reinstated, others made a home in their countries of exile.