Leaving France for the transatlantic voyage required an unusual amount of courage and spirit of adventure, but these six sisters were members of a religious community which traced its roots to revolutionary France. Mother St. John Fontbonne, the foundress, was scheduled for execution by guillotine when the fall of Robespierre saved her from death and provided the opportunity to strengthen the small community she had labored to form. Inspired by readiness to serve the needs of the time, she had the vision and generosity to answer the call of Bishop Rosati when he asked for assistance. For some time Mother St. John had cherished the hope of sending sister as missionaries to the New World.

— Jane Kehoe Hassett, As Strong as the Granite

Most of the descriptions here are inspired by Jane Kehoe Hassett's history of Fontbonne, As Strong as the Granite.