Our Foundress: Saint Mary Euphrasia Pelletier
"Do all for love… but love with all the strength of your soul."
Rose Virginie Pelletier was born on July 31, 1796 on Noirmoutier Island, France, into a period of post-Revolutionary upheaval. Her parents' commitment to care for the marginalized inspired her lifelong mission to uplift vulnerable women and girls through education, shelter and faith.
Early Life & Vocation
Family Background
Born to Julian and Anne Pelletier, her father was a physician and her mother a caregiver to prisoners during the French Revolution. This family commitment to serving those in need would profoundly shape young Rose's understanding of Christian service.
Childhood Education
Sent to Tours in 1810, where she encountered the Order of Our Lady of Charity of the Refuge, dedicated to rescuing at-risk women and girls. This early exposure to religious life devoted to social justice planted the seeds of her future mission.
Call to Religious Life
Joined the residual sisters in Tours, and at age 29 was elected Superior, receiving a papal dispensation due to age constraints. Her exceptional leadership qualities were recognized early, setting the stage for her revolutionary approach to religious congregation governance.
Establishing a New Congregation
Founding the Good Shepherd Sisters
In July 1829, the Bishop of Angers entrusted Rose Pelletier with founding a refuge in a former cotton factory, naming it under the patronage of the Good Shepherd.
She pioneered a centralized generalate structure—uniting all houses under a Superior General—which enabled rapid, coordinated expansion across France and beyond.
Growth & Governance
Rapid Global Expansion
By 1868, she governed over 3,000 sisters in 110 convents across 35 countries, including Italy, Belgium, Germany and England. This unprecedented expansion was made possible by her innovative centralized leadership model.
Challenges & Leadership
Faced local opposition and accusations of ambition, yet maintained papal support to protect her congregation's autonomy. Her unwavering commitment to the mission enabled the Good Shepherd Sisters to flourish despite external pressures.
Final Years
Died of cancer on April 24, 1868 in Angers, buried at the Angers Motherhouse, leaving a vibrant global institute that continues her mission of compassionate service to this day.
Sainthood & Enduring Vision
Path to Canonization
Her Enduring Legacy
Her motto—"Do all for love"—continues to inspire Good Shepherd ministries worldwide, including St. Philomena's School Ballari, where her example shapes our commitment to faith formation, social justice and empowerment of women.
Image Gallery
Saint Mary Euphrasia Pelletier (1796-1868)
Good Shepherd Motherhouse, Angers, France
Good Shepherd Sisters in Ministry
Global Educational Legacy
Continue our Foundress's Legacy of Compassionate Service
Discover how Saint Mary Euphrasia's vision of "Do all for love" continues to guide our mission of faith, education, and service at St. Philomena's School.