The Society was founded by BlessedEugenia Smet. She was educated at the convent of the Sacred Heart, at Lille, distinguishing herself by intellectual acquirements and striking traits of devotion to the souls in Purgatory. She went to Paris on January 19, 1856 (the society dates its foundation from this day); three days later, Smet obtained the permission of the local Archbishop to establish her order in Paris. On December 27, 1857, the foundress, with five of her first companions, pronounced her first vows; a Jesuit was appointed chaplain, and the Rule of St. Ignatius was adopted.
The Society in America
In May, 1892, seven ?Helpers? sailed to New York, and were heartily welcomed by the local Archbishop. In 1905, the Sisters went to San Francisco, where they settled in a house there.