During Jeanne's lifetime, France was in the midst of religious and political crises. Tensions between Catholics and Protestants broke into open hostilities. The Church was in the hands of the king and the aristocracy. Religious and clergy were in need of reform. Church leaders were opposed to the founding of new religious orders. Yet, in this cultural climate, Jeanne was given a mission that was both unique and prophetic. She was called by God to found an Order that would be dedicated to walking the Way of Jesus, Word made Flesh, and to proclaiming God's presence by being a Gospel of Love.

The same spirit and vision that gave direction to the life of Jeanne Chézard de Matel has continued to inspire women of faith from many nations to be visible signs of God's presence in the world through a life of contemplation, community, and service. We respond to our call by becoming, like Jesus, a Gospel of Love, especially by incarnating the way of life expressed in Jesus' Sermon on the Mount and to proclaiming God's presence by being an extension of the Incarnation.