Our founder Jean-Pierre Medaille (1610-1669), was born in Carcassonne in the south-west of France. He grew up in a secure and faith-filled environment with his two brothers. His father was advocate for King Louis XIII. All three brothers attended the Jesuit College in their home town. In 1626 Jean-Pierre entered the Jesuit Novitiate and made his first profession of vows two years later. The Archives state that his "intellectual qualities are excellent, remarkable, penetrating, even sublime." In 1637 he was ordained a Priest and held various responsible posts in Jesuit Colleges as well as serving as Spiritual Director and Confessor to parishioners.

He guided Francoise Eyraud and her five companions towards a profound spiritual life and formed them into an association called the Little Design. In 1650 in Le Puy this association was named The Sisters of St Joseph. They worked for the poor the sick the orphaned and any "dear neighbour" in need. Their cloister was their hearts, they were contemplatives in action, doing any work of which women were capable.

For many years Father Medaille travelled throughout the South of France conducting Parish missions. Between 1662-1669 he wrote the Constitutions or Rule of Life for the Sisters. Ill health caused him to retire in 1669 and he died on 30th December of that year.