Roanne, France

Louise Chollet was born in Roanne on February 7, 1846, the same city in which Jeanne Chezard de Matel, foundress of the Order of the Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament had spent her childhood. Jeanne had decided in 1625 to found her order, and two hundred years later, Louise was moved to follow in the religious tradtion of Jeanne, responding to a call to care for the sick and suffering people of Texas. She entered the novitiate in Lyon in 1867, received the habit, and the name, Sister Marie St. Madeleine of Jesus. After four months of formation, she left with the second group of volunteers for the mission in Texas. With her she brought a "rule" (way of life), and the habit designed especially for the new Congregation.