Auxiliatrices of the Souls in Purgatory.
- A 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 deliverance of the souls in purgatory through works of spiritual and corporal mercy: assistance to poor sick persons in their homes, 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 about 1500 religious.
BIBL.: A. Hamon, Les A. des âmes du purgatoire, 2 voll., Paris 1905-21; G. Bernoville, Les Auxiliatrices des âmes du purgatoire, ibid. n.d. (Les Grands Ordres religieux). Silverio Mattei