The founder of the Czech branch of the Poor School Sisters de Notre Dame was born in Kremze, Bohemia, on March 21, 1812, was baptized the same day and named Gabriel. He attended the elementary school in his village, following which he was with a German miller's family for one year to learn the German language. Because of his health, his parents sacrificed so that he could continue his education. He was ordained July 25, 1837.

Father Gabriel was often opposed because he labored hard at being an active and inspiring priest at a time when zeal for the faith was not common. He was also opposed because he was extremely active in preventing improper dances and night carousing.

In 1842 Father Gabriel was transferred to Hirschau, where he recognized the need for Christian education for girls. He began negotiations to bring Sisters to Hirschau to teach, but after years of working toward this goal he was advised by the Bishop to begin a new order. The first profession and reception of the members of the Poor School Sisters de Notre Dame became a reality on August 15, 1853. Two novices were professed and six candidates invested. Father Gabriel worked to help the Sisters become established and expand.

All of Father Gabriel's life's activities were accompanied by chronic physical ailments which necesitated heroic efforts in all he undertook. In spite of his many troubles: heavy debts, illnesses of the Sisters, dowries promised and not paid in many instances, incapable Catechetical instructors, Father Gabriel always remained the same amiable Father to his congregation that he was on the day it first became a reality. He became more than usually ill in December, 1866. Some correspondence saved from this time, mostly written in pencil, expresses his only interest being the Holy Will of God as expressed in the foundation of the Poor School Sisters de Notre Dame. He passed away quietly on February 15, 1867.

A more detailed biography of Fr. Gabriel Schneider