Her desire finally became a reality when, in 1861, she founded the Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of the Missions in Lyons, France. Euphrasie was soon joined by women eager to go beyond country and culture for the sake of Jesus and His liberating Good News. The strength, the passion and the joyful perseverance which is the driving force behind the life of the Sisters of Our Lady of the Missions come from their conviction that they are united in Christ. They are united with Him in a bond of love. But for us it has a much deeper meaning.
Mission means sending.
Angel means sent, so does Apostle. Yet, God is the only one sent. The Father sends the Son, the Son sends the Holy Spirit, but these three persons are inseparable and work in unison for the sanctification of Souls. The spirituality that was central to Euphrasie's charism was given practical and special focus in the example of Mary. Euphrasie gave particular significance to St. Luke's Gospel account of Mary's Visitation, but the main patronal feast is Pentecost.