**AUXILIATRICES OF THE SOULS IN PURGATORY**
- Religious congregation founded in Paris by Mother Mary of Providence (Eugenia Smet) at the encouragement of St. Curé of Ars in 1856. The purpose of the Institute is the liberation of the souls in purgatory through spiritual and corporal works of mercy: assistance to the poor sick at home, religious instruction for children and adults, oratories, spiritual exercises, etc. The missions in China are flourishing. Approved in 1869, the Congregation today has 6 provinces and 61 houses in Europe, America, China, and Japan, with approximately 1,500 religious.
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Bibl.:** A. Hamon, **Les A. des âmes du purgatoire**, 2 vols., Paris 1905-21; G. Bernoville, **Les Auxiliatrices des âmes du purgatoire**, ibid., n.d. (Les Grands Ordres religieux). Silverio Mattei