The congregation obtained formal church recognition from the local bishop on 2 July 1851, despite some authorities' objections to Schervier's severe position regarding personal poverty. Soon after receiving formal recognition as a religious congregation, they spread their service overseas. An American foundation was established within seven years, to serve German emigrant communities in New York, New Jersey, Ohio, and northern Kentucky. At the same time Schervier oversaw the foundation of several hospitals and sanatoria in both Europe and the United States for those suffering from tuberculosis, then a widespread cause of death, especially among the working classes.