From the beginning, Emilie was surrounded by young women of diverse nationalities and was helped by several Jesuits. These women began the experience of religious life and the first official community was opened in Strasbourg on May 1, 1857.

Emilie took the name of “Mary of Jesus”. As well as occupying herself with the foundation she continued to look after her children and supervise their education.

From its origin the unity of this group of women was created around the Eucharist and lived in its double dimension of adoration and announcement of the Word, taking care of the balance between prayer and apostolic activity.