In 1826, Sister St. Theodore was asked to be the superior of St. Aubin Parish at Rennes, a poor and unchurched part of the city. For four years, Sisters of Providence of Ruillé had tried to help people but without success. (Where is the “Supernanny” when you need her?)

Of the children, Sister St. Theodore said, “It is necessary to be just, it is especially necessary to be kind … speak to them respectfully, and they will respect both you and themselves.”

Because of Sister St. Theodore’s love and compassion, things began to slowly change. Little by little, the children became better behaved and learned their general and religious lessons.

In 1834, Sister St. Theodore moved and became the superior of Soulaines in the Diocese of Angers. In this small parish, Sister St. Theodore continued her teaching and also visited the sick. She was an excellent teacher and was recognized by the Academy of Angers for her teaching skills. However, it was through her visiting the sick that a whole new world was opened to her as she learned the basics of medicine and remedies from a local doctor.