| Bishop de Maupas |
 Father Medaille found a ready ally in Bishop de Maupas, born of a rich and noble family, but perfectly cognizant of the social ills and the bitter lot of the poor of his day. He was well fitted to inject the spirit of Francis de Sales, Vincent de Paul, and lgnatius of Loyola into the new venture, having been a student of the Jesuits, and ardent admirer and biographer of Francis de Sales, and an intimate friend of Vincent de Paul.7 In his position as bishop of historic Le Puy of old Auvergne he was empowered to give the necessary episcopal approbation to the proposed diocesan work thus insuring it against suppression.
Bishop de Maupas was so pleased with the success of the new institute and so positive was he that it was what was needed to heal the social evils of 17th century France that on March 10, 1651, he gave it his episcopal approbation. At the same time, not wishing to confine its good effects merely to the diocese of Le Puy, he recommended it to the bishops of neighboring dioceses. His prophecy came true: that this institute would grow and spread over the world diffusing the sweetness of Christ's charity among His poor and afflicted ones.
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