Mère Thérèse de la Croix, was born on February 1, 1800, in Paris, into a well-to-do family. She married at the age of 22, but the marriage broke down and in 1829, went on retreat, which led her to Louis Bautain, the founder of the Sisters of St Louis. He in turn put her in charge of nine women and she became known as Mère Thérèse. Bautain conferred on them the title Dames de St Louis. On September 9, 1842, the first St Louis Sisters made their vows.
To read more about the life of Mère Thérèse de la Croix, click on Issue 115 of Musings, the monthly newsletter of the Sisters of St Louis.