In order to trace the history of the Foundation in England, we must return briefly to the source and origins of the Congregation. From childhood he had felt called to the priesthood and was ordained in in the diocese of Rennes, with which St Malo had been amalgamated. After ordination he taught in the College in St Malo, part of it being reserved for seminary students.
A few years later, in , the Bishop of St Brieuc, Bishop Caffarelli, invited him to be his private secretary and he accepted. When the Bishop died in the following year, the Canons of the Cathedral elected Father de la Mennais as Vicar Capitular, to help run the diocese until the appointment of another Bishop.
The See remained vacant for a few years and during that time, Fr de la Mennais worked hard to revive the Faith and religious practices in the diocese. He engaged Jesuits and Montfort Fathers to preach Missions in all the towns and villages with great success. Father de la Mennais was, however, very concerned to see so many children neglected, roaming the streets and falling into all kinds of vice. No education was provided for the poor and these children were also completely ignorant of the Christian Faith.
As a result of the mission to St Brieuc, Father de la Mennais decided to set up three Confraternities dedicated to Our Lady, one for men, one for boys and one for ladies. Apart from their spiritual exercises, the members carried out works of charity. Father de la Mennais seized the opportunity and asked some of the ladies if they would teach the neglected children.
Father de la Mennais found a house where they could hold their classes. Soon, however, Mademoiselle Bagot separated from the others as she believed they should accept orphans only from St Brieuc, whereas the others thought they should accept any who asked. Father de la Mennais agreed with both sides and Mademoiselle Bagot founded her own orphanage. The number of pupils in the classes went on increasing and Father de la Mennais had to find other accommodation for them.
