On September 14, 1898, under the shadow of the Cross, four nuns of the Holy Family left Villefranche to travel to Lebanon. Upon their arrival, the locals eagerly came to welcome them. The four founders were: Mother Marie Geneviève, Sister Marie Joanna, Sister Marie Cunégonde, and Sister Marie Imelda. The opening of the classes took place on October 3, 1898, with 21 boarders, 23-day students, and 20 girls enrolled in the free school.