Our Roots
The roots of our congregation began in Beignon.
Beignon is a small town in the Morbihan, Brittany, France. It is about 25 kilometres from Rennes; and it is surrounded by the river Aff. It is close to the Paimpont Forest and the military camp of Coetquidan.
Birth place of our founders of the sisters of Christian Instruction: Gabriel Deshayes and Michelle Guillaume.
The birth place of Gabriel Deshayes, Beignon
Beignon is called and known as the “Cradle of the Congregation”.
The French Revolution had left this rural parish along with many others, in a state of great human and spiritual poverty.
Fr. Gabriel Deshayes, was very concerned and preoccupied with this situation. With Michelle Guillaume, local young women, who were desiring to enter religious life set up a school for instructing and catechising the young country girls.
Parish Church, Beignon
Our first school was opened on May 5th 1807