Founders of the Assumption Family

Emmanuel d’Alzon was born on 30 August 1810 in Le Vigan, France, into a noble Catholic family deeply rooted in faith and service. From his early years, he was formed by strong Christian values received from his parents, especially a spirit of generosity, prayer, and love for the Church.

As a young man, he pursued his studies in Paris, where he received a solid education and grew in his faith. Although he first considered other paths, he eventually responded to God’s call to the priesthood. He entered the seminary and was ordained a priest in 1834 in Rome, celebrating his first Mass at St. Peter’s.

As a young priest in Nîmes, he dedicated himself fully to pastoral work. He preached, taught catechism, cared for the sick, and guided many people spiritually. He had a deep desire to renew the Church and to bring people closer to Christ, especially through education and evangelization.

Driven by this mission, he founded the Augustinians of the Assumption in 1845, focusing on education, formation of youth, and the defense of the faith. He also worked tirelessly as Vicar General of the Diocese of Nîmes, serving the Church with great commitment despite many responsibilities and challenges.

His missionary vision extended beyond France. He was deeply concerned about the needs of the Church in the East, especially in countries like Bulgaria. This led him to found the Oblates of the Assumption in 1865, together with Mother Emmanuel-Marie Correnson, to serve through education, healthcare, and charity following the papal blessing of ”I bless your work in the East and West”.

Fr. d’Alzon was known for his strong faith, zeal, and determination. He was a man of prayer, a lover of the Church, and a passionate missionary. Despite illness, financial difficulties, and many trials, he remained faithful to his mission.

He died on 21 November 1880, leaving behind a living legacy. Today, his spirit continues through the Assumptionist family around the world, inspiring a mission centered on faith, unity, and service to the most in need.

Mother Emmanuel-Marie of the Compassion, born Marie Correnson on 20 July 1842 in Paris, France, was the co-foundress of the Oblates of the Assumption. She was the eldest of ten children and grew up in a family with strong educational and professional traditions. From her youth, she was guided spiritually by Father Emmanuel d’Alzon, whose vision and missionary zeal helped shape her religious vocation and commitment to the Church.

On 27 June 1867, Marie Correnson left her family home to join the young Congregation of the Oblates of the Assumption. She received the religious name Mother Emmanuel-Marie of the Compassion and made her perpetual vows on 18 April 1868. Entrusted with the leadership of the growing congregation, she dedicated herself to forming the Sisters, strengthening community life and developing the missionary work of the Oblates. She played an important role in preparing the Sisters for service in the Orient, where they contributed to education, charitable assistance and the mission of promoting Christian unity among different Churches and peoples.

Despite fragile health and the many challenges of religious leadership, Mother Marie Correnson persevered with courage, faith and dedication. Under her leadership, the congregation continued to grow and received the Decree of Praise from Rome in 1893, an important step towards its official recognition by the Church. After many years of devoted service, she died on 24 July 1900, at the age of 58.

Mother Marie Correnson remains an inspiring figure in the history of the Oblates of the Assumption. Her life of prayer, compassion, perseverance and missionary commitment continues to encourage the Sisters to live their vocation faithfully, serve those in need and proclaim the Gospel across cultures and nations. Her legacy lives on in the communities and missions of the Oblates of the Assumption throughout the world.