For two years, the Brothers of St. Joseph had been expected at Vincennes, and during all that time it had been impossible for F. Moreau, their Superior General, to comply with the urgent requests of Mgr. De la Hailandiere. At last, on Aug 5th, the feast of Our Lady of the Snows, the first colony took its departure, after a most impressive and touching ceremony. The novelty of the event had attracted a numerous gathering of patrons and friends of the house. On this occasion, F. Moreau seemed to surpass himself, and he communicated to his entire audience his own emotions.

The first colony was composed of F. Sorin and Bros. Vincent, Joachim, Lawrence, and Mary, professed, with whom were associated two young novices of fifteen, Bros. Gatien and Anselm, who were intended to become teachers.