CAIANI, MARIA ANNA. – In religion M. Margherita, born in Poggio a Caiano on 2 November 1863, died in Florence on 8 August 1921. Although inclined toward worldly pursuits, after becoming a Dominican tertiary she increasingly devoted herself to a life of piety. Having unsuccessfully attempted a novitiate in enclosure, in 1894 she began a school for children, the seed of the institute of the Suore Minime del S. Cuore (v.), which she founded with heroic charity for educational and charitable purposes. She was an exemplary legislator and mother. She greatly expanded the Congregation’s houses following the experience gained in nursing assistance in wartime hospitals.
BIBL.: M. Rigon, La madre M. M. C., Poggio a Caiano 1945. Rosa Alba Squadrilli