Page:Life and life-work of Mother Theodore Guerin Foundress.djvu/60

48 simply meant to supply the needs of his parish by a benevolent association under his personal direction whose members were to assume no grave obligations, cannot be stated with certainty. Would it not be easier to procure religious already established, Madame Barat's Daughters, for instance, whose foundation had recently been begun at Paris? The purpose of some of these associations embraced the same works of charity. Why multiply Congregations when those already established can scarcely find subjects enough to continue their existence?

Providence had ordained Abbé Dujarié for a work which he may have been far from anticipating. The thought to found a religious body seems to have come later and to have developed in his mind only as he saw his spiritual children increase. It might be said, then, that he was rather drawn into his work, which grew as of itself. Even had he contemplated founding a conventual body the decree of 1809 suppressing religious orders would not have added to its feasibility.

The first attempts, whatever the original intention, belong to the year 1806. Progress was slow at the beginning; but perseverance was not wanting. The two members, few enough indeed even for the modest end proposed, now occupying their new home, at once opened a school. The little ones of Christ's flock were their first care. The teachers devoted their leisure to visiting the sick, whence they became known and greatly respected. As those generous women were seen to acquit themselves of their mission with bo much zeal and success, others were drawn to imitate their example. Soon they numbered nine in that