The Industrial Revolution of the nineteenth century lured young men and women from their country homes to the manufacturing centers of Europe. The Oblate Sisters of St. Francis de Sales were destined to care for these young "working girls" and to spread the Salesian spirit through diverse social and educational endeavors. A cry was heard in the streets of the city, "Who will care for us? Where shall we go?" Father Louis Brisson heard this cry. The young women in the cities of France found a place to go. They would be safe under his fatherly care and would blossom with Saint Leonie Aviat's loving guidance.
Our Motherhouse in Troyes, France, where our Congregation began	Crypt where Father Brisson and St. Leonie Aviat are buried
From Troyes, France, our Sisters spread throughout Europe, to Africa, Latin America and finally, the United States. Today you can find Oblate Sisters in France, Switzerland, Austria, Germany, Italy, Namibia, South Africa, Ecuador, Colombia and the United States. Our Sisters operate schools, orphanages and retirement homes. We teach in parish religious education programs, visit the sick and elderly and minister to the poor. In all this, we strive to Live Jesus and to draw souls closer to him in love. Like our founders, Fr. Louis Brisson and St. Leonie Aviat, we listen to the cry going forth from our people today and reach out with a compassionate heart.