The Founders

 
The history of the Congregation begins in Morbihan, in the commune of Beignon—the birthplace of its founders, Gabriel Deshayes and Michelle Guillaume.
 

Gabriel DESHAYES

 
Born on December 6, 1767, Gabriel Deshayes was sensitive to the plight of the poor from childhood and adolescence, readily giving away clothing and food. Thanks to his parish priest, he learned French and the rudiments of Latin, enabling him to enter the minor seminary of the Lazarists—disciples of St. Vincent de Paul—at the age of fourteen. He was a seminarian when the French Revolution broke out and was ordained a deacon on September 18, 1790.
He boldly attempted to reach England by boat with two companions to be ordained a priest, but a storm drove them off course to the island of Jersey, where a bishop ordained him on March 4, 1792. He then returned to his parish, where, at the risk of his life, he joined the ranks of priests living and ministering in hiding for eight years.

In a world shaken by revolutionary turmoil, Gabriel became a builder. He revitalized or founded religious congregations. With boldness and charity, he became a true “entrepreneur of Providence”:
As parish priest of Auray, Gabriel Deshayes was deeply concerned about those suffering from material and spiritual destitution. He organized visits to prisoners and established an educational center for deaf children at the Chartreuse d’Auray; to provide work for the unemployed, he opened a spinning mill and undertook public works projects. He was also dedicated to nurturing the faith of adults through preaching and retreats.

At the same time, this enterprising, bold, and humorous man was deeply committed to “giving children an education that would make them cherish the truth.” Thus, together with Michelle Guillaume, he founded the Sisters of Christian Instruction—later known as the Sisters of Saint Gildas—and also co-founded the Brothers of Christian Instruction of Ploërmel.

On January 17, 1821, he was appointed Superior General of the congregations founded by Saint Louis-Marie Grignion de Montfort. He subsequently lived in Saint-Laurent-sur-Sèvre, in the Vendée region, where he passed away in 1841. His tomb is still venerated there.

Today, five congregations and hundreds of lay associates draw inspiration from his spirit and carry on his work. They have initiated the process to seek his beatification.

Michelle GUILLAUME

Born on March 14, 1779, Michelle GUILLAUME met Gabriel DESHAYES during the Revolution; her father was one of those who sheltered him. Michelle was 13 years old; her “precocious intelligence and sound judgment” prompted Gabriel to teach her the catechism and provide her with an education beyond what was typical for her social standing and age. He also became her spiritual guide.
Drawn to a life wholly dedicated to Christ, she joined the Third Order of Mount Carmel at a very young age, receiving its habit and rule. She wished to join her sister, a nun in Ploërmel, but Gabriel DESHAYES and her parents opposed the idea. Gabriel then suggested she dedicate her life to educating the children of her parish. He proposed that she undergo training with the Augustinian Ladies of Mercy in Auray. Upon returning to Beignon, she began her work as a teacher for young girls on May 5, 1807.
For ten years, Michelle experienced an inner struggle between her desire for monastic life and her service in educating children—though this did not prevent her from fully committing herself to her educational mission. Teachings on religious and spiritual life given by two Jesuits in 1815 enabled her to make a serene and wholehearted choice in favor of the apostolic religious life. This spiritual struggle helped her gain the experience needed to guide the people who would later entrust themselves to her care.
In 1820, she became the first Superior General of the Congregation of the Sisters of Christian Instruction.
Michelle GUILLAUME died on June 28, 1826, at the age of 47, surrounded by her fellow sisters.

Monsignor Guillaume ANGEBAULT

Monsignor Guillaume ANGEBAULT was born on June 17, 1790, in Rennes, where his father practiced law at the Parlement. When the Parlements were abolished, his parents sought refuge in Nantes. His father intended for him to pursue a legal career, while his mother could not bear the thought of him becoming a priest. Yet Guillaume—a brilliant student of delicate health—was deeply determined.
He was ordained a priest in Angers in 1815 and appointed curate at Saint-Donatien in Nantes. His many talents were quickly recognized: he was named secretary to the bishopric in 1817, honorary vicar general in 1830, and vicar general in 1832. Monsignor de Guérines, the Bishop of Nantes, described him as the “pearl of his diocese.” In 1833, he also appointed him Superior of the Sisters of Saint-Gildas. The sisters were worried about losing their founder, who had been appointed Superior of the Montfortian Congregations some years earlier.
Father Deshayes reassured them, saying: “I shall always be your Father, and I shall always cherish the sentiments that go with that role.”

Through his choices and his writings—particularly *Lettres sur la Vie Religieuse* (Letters on Religious Life)—Father Angebault helped to root the religious life of the Sisters of Saint-Gildas firmly in the tradition of the Church.