Founded in 1820 by the Abbe Pierre Noailles at Bordeaux under the name of Sisters of Loreto. The Institute consists of different congregations, each with its distinctive work, garb, and particular rules, but all under a common constitution and directed by the Superior General of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate, assisted by a Directress General. The seven distinct branches of the association are:

The Institute has over 200 houses, in France, England, Italy, Spain, Ceylon, India, South Africa, Canada, the United States, and South America. The mother-house is at Bordeaux.