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The Brothers of Christian Instruction of Saint Gabriel is a Catholic religious institute formed in 1824, although its roots go back to Saint Louis de Montfort, who opened schools for poor children in France in the early 1700s. Montfort is credited for founding the Company of Mary and the Daughters of Wisdom, and was an early writer in the field of Mariology. The family of religious institutes founded by, or through the inspiration of Saint Montfort are sometimes referred to collectively as the Montfortian Family. While Louis de Montfort traveled, he was often accompanied by brothers, who assisted him in his work. In the 18th century, the Company of Mary was headquartered at Saint-Laurent. After the French Revolution, the congregation was brought back together through the guidance of Father Gabriel Deshayes, receiving official approbation under the name of Brothers of Christian Instruction of the Holy Spirit. A motherhouse, named Saint Gabriel, was established for the brothers that separated them from the priests of the Company of Mary. In 1853, by decree of Napoleon III, the institute became the Brothers of Christian Instruction of Saint Gabriel, although they are commonly known as the Gabrielite Brothers. The institute's chief ministry is Christian education, particularly of the poor, orphans, and those who are physically challenged. The Lay Associates of the Brothers of Christian Instruction are lay men and women who share in the work of the Brothers. Headquartered in France, the Brothers of Christian Instruction of Saint Gabriel have locations in Canada, India, Italy, Malaysia, Mauritius, Singapore, Spain, and Thailand.

 

 

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