Adele Brise was born in Belgium on January 30, 1831. As a child, she was known for her religious fervor and piety. Her family’s immigration to the United States in 1855 caused Adele consternation in the months prior to their departure. She recalled her childhood promise to the Virgin Mary at the time of her First Communion, a promise that entailed joining a religious community and working in the foreign missions. She sought the advice of her confessor in Belgium, who advised her to go to…