Around to 1050, Bernardo archdeacon of Aosta, with some companions, went to inhabit the step of the Mont-Joux (the Great Saint Bernardo today). In this inhospitable place them where imperversavano the cult pays, the dangers of the mountain and the holdups of the numerous viandanti, Bernardo constructed to a place of Christian cult and a hostel where the acceptance in the spirit of the Gospel will be practiced in order always: "I have had hunger and you have given to me to eat... I was forestiero and you have accommodated to me in your house..., every time that you have made that to one of smallest than these my siblings, you have made it me" (Mt 25,35).

The community of priests, siblings and laici that they always give has lived in this house has opened its door to numerous pilgrims, merchants, wanderers... famous people or disowned people. Between these illustrious personages, Napoleone crossed the step with 40' 000 men, 20 May of 1800.

Today, the Congregation of the Canonical ones of the Great Saint Bernardo, that it follows the Rule of life of Sant' Augustin, continues the work of hospitality begun from Saint Bernardo. In the various pastorali activities undertaken, the common prayer in and the hospitality under its various modern shapes occupy the first place.