Our Founder

FR Barre was born in Amiens, France on 21 October 1621. At the age of 18, he joined the order of Minims. He became a renowned preacher and educator.

17th Century France was in dire need of education. The poor were neglected, exploited and illiterate.

FR Barre responded to their plight. In 1662, he gathered a group of dedicated young women to educate the poor, especially the girls, in free schools which he established.

1666 saw the founding of the Institute of the Sisters of the Infant Jesus and the I.J. Convent Schools. FR Barre died in France on 31 May 1686.

He was beatified in Rome on 7 March 1999.