The years between the death of Fr. Noailles and the Roman recognition of 1902/1903 were crucial for the Holy Family. Animated by really gifted women, it continued its development in France and throughout the world, after the founder’s initial momentum. These years marked especially the beginning of its missionary epoch. However, the different branches did not expand in the same way. Besides, the Oblates played an essential role in the central administration of the Association and this allowed them to give their advice on the most difficult matters and these latter were not wanting. In fact, Canon Law was now evolving in a decisive way, urging communities to clarify their situation with regard to Rome. On the other hand, French Civil Law was becoming increasingly hostile towards congregations. That compounded still more the delicate question of his Association so carefully dealt with by Fr. Noailles. In the midst of contradictory requests, the General Council of Mary had to make some decisions which could not have been obvious.

We shall study in succession, the different parts of the dossier. In the course of this long chapter, we must not lose sight of how extremely difficult it was for those who had to make decisions. They set out from an already complex situation made so by Fr. Noailles to ensure the very existence of his Work. The situation was complicated still further. In retrospect we see things more clearly but, even so, we have no right to judge people and speak out as if we had been in their place. This must be stressed again at the beginning of this chapter.