It is now time to give the names of the principal members of this pious
association, as they are undoubtedly written in the Book of Life. Most
happily heading the list is the name of the great Cardinal Richelieu.
Then follow such names as Marechal Duke d'Effiat, M. Jean de Lanzon,
Jean Jacques Olier, first Superior of St Sulpice, Alexander
Bretonvilliers, Gabriel de Quelus and Nicholas Barreau, all priests of
St. Sulpice; Pierre le Pretre, priest by name and office, Louis Le
Pretre his brother, Pierre Chevrier, Jerome de Royer, Jacques Gerard,
Michael Royer Duplessis, Bertrand Drouart, a member of the suite of the
Duke of Orleans, Christopher Duplessis, Antoine Barrilon, Jean Galibal,
Louis Seignier, Louis d'Aibout de Coulonges, Paul de Chaumeday, the
Duchess de Bullion, and the Venerable Sister Margaret Bourgeois, whose
life we are about to record, and who, without being formally a member of
the Society, took a most active part in it. We shall soon see her
concealing the brightest virtues under the veil of humility.

But pre-eminently was M. Olier the guiding spirit of this splendid
association of Catholic hearts. He it was who projected the plans
necessary for the greatness and security of the enterprise. The first
thing he declared necessary was to secure the blessing of God and the
protection of the ever Blessed Virgin. This was to be accomplished by an
imposing ceremony that might be recorded in after ages for the
edification of those who should undertake a similar work for the glory
of God. It was a spectacle worthy of the complacency of heaven, and the
zealous children of the Church who participated in it. On the 3rd of
February, 1641, the day following the Feast of the Purification, all the
members of that illustrious Society being assembled in Paris, went in
the morning at an appointed hour to the church of Notre Dame. M. Olier
celebrated Mass at the Altar of the Blessed Virgin, and all the