Devote Virgins of Saint Catherine
A female congregation founded around 1579 in the diocese of Warmia by the local bishop, Msgr. Martino Kromer (1512–89), and Regina Protomann (1552–1613). The constitutions may be considered one of the earliest examples of those of female congregations with simple vows. Its purpose is the care of the sick, including home care, and the instruction and education of young girls. In 1902 the constitutions were approved by the Holy See and adapted to the Code of Canon Law in 1924. Currently, the sisters number about 1,160 in 140 houses.
BIBL.: Archivio della S. Congregazione dei Religiosi; M. Heimbuchner, *Die Orden und Kongregationen der Katholischen Kirche*, I, Paderborn 1933, p. 651. Giulio Mandelli