One Root, Many Branches
Three congregations, one spirit — founded by Saint Louis-Marie de Montfort,
serving the world since 1703
Missionaries & Priests
~800 members · 32 countries
Healthcare & Education
~3,000 members · 21 countries
Education of Youth
~1,200 members · 33 countries
Saint Louis-Marie Grignion de Montfort (1673–1716) was a French Catholic priest whose radical love for the poor and passionate missionary preaching transformed the spiritual landscape of western France. In just 16 years of ministry, he founded three religious congregations that continue his mission across more than 40 countries today.
Born in Montfort-sur-Meu, Brittany, he was ordained in 1700 and spent his life traveling on foot giving parish missions, caring for the sick and poor, and writing spiritual classics including True Devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Love of Eternal Wisdom. He died at age 43 in Saint-Laurent-sur-Sèvre, where the motherhouses of all three congregations remain to this day. He was canonized in 1947 by Pope Pius XII.
United by the spirituality of their common founder, each congregation carries forward a distinct dimension of Montfort's mission:
Montfort Missionaries — priests and brothers dedicated to preaching parish missions, promoting Marian devotion, and serving in parishes worldwide. Present in 32 countries with approximately 800 members.
Co-founded with Blessed Marie-Louise Trichet at Poitiers. "Call yourselves the Daughters of Wisdom, for the teaching of children and the care of the poor." Present in 21 countries with approximately 3,000 members.
Originally the Brothers of the Holy Spirit, born from Montfort's schools for poor children in La Rochelle. Devoted to the education of youth, especially the poor and those with disabilities. Present in 33 countries with approximately 1,200 brothers across 15 provinces.
From a small town in Brittany to more than 40 countries — the Montfortian story spans over three centuries.
The Montfortian Family online — websites of provinces, congregations, and institutions worldwide. Click any card to visit.
On October 20, 1901, five Brothers of St. Gabriel arrived in Siam to take charge of Assumption College, Bangkok. Today, the St. Gabriel Foundation of Thailand oversees 14 schools across the country. The Thai Province is one of the most vibrant in the Congregation's worldwide network.
For more about the Thai Province, Brothers, and Foundation news: Visit thaibrothers.net →