Fr. William Joseph Chaminade was born in Périgueux, France and became a Catholic priest in 1785. During the French Revolution (1789-1799), the French government sought to drive out the Catholic faith, and Chaminade was forced to disguise himself. In 1797, the situation became worse and Chaminade was forced into exile in Saragossa, Spain. After his return to France, Chaminade joined forces with Marie Thérèse and started a sodality in Bordeaux that grew into what we now call the Marianist Lay Communities. Chaminade was a key figure in working with Adèle to form the Marianist Sisters and in forming the Society of Mary (Marianist Brothers and Priests).
Adèle de Batz de Trenquelléon was born in 1789 in southern France during the French revolution. As a teenager, she began an association of friends based on their faith and devotion to God. Adèle was an excellent communicator, and wrote many letters to her friends in order to inspire them and help form them in faith. In her twenties, Adèle met Fr. Chaminade and Marie Thérèse and, with their help, founded the Institute of the Daughters of Mary, known today as the Marianist Sisters.
Marie Thérèse Charlotte de Lamourous was a brave and intelligent woman who had served in the underground Church during the revolution. She worked closely with Fr. Chaminade to help him form his communities in Bordeaux and provided guidance to Adèle in journey to form the Marianist Sisters. But Marie Thérèse had her own project as well! In 1801, she was inspired to take charge of the Miséricorde - a house of repentant prostitutes who came freely to restore their lives. Marie Thérèse was an excellent problem solver who helped the Marianist mission prosper despite seemingly overwhelming obstacles.
