The Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate was founded in 1816 by St. Eugene de Mazenod, to work among the poor after the French Revolution. The Roman Catholic order quickly became a mission-sending society of priests and brothers. The Texas mission began in 1849 where their principal ministry was circuit-riding, by which they served briefly in East Texas (1853–55) and from 1849 onwards in South Texas..The Oblates of Mary Immaculate have served St. Mary's since January 1885.