Pope Pius IX through the Sacred Congregation of Bishops and Religious confirmed that  “The first general superior is the current superior, Theresa of Jesus Gerhardinger. The general superior governs all the houses and missions  that for the congregation.”  The general superior  and her assistants are appointed by the general chapter for six years.  after six years, only the general superior can be confirmed in that office for the rest of her life. The message from Rome also confirmed the duties of the General Superior.