FIGLI DI SANTA MARIA IMMACOLATA. — Giuseppe Frassinetti, prior of S. Sabina in Genoa, had founded the «Pia Unione dei F. di S. M. I.» in 1861. Although living in the world, its members followed a particular rule of Christian life.
In 1865 Frassinetti put before the members the idea of a house in which they could live in common: three young men responded and, on 14 January 1866, put the project into effect. After the founder’s death in 1868, the work was continued by Fr. Antonio Piccardo who, having been called to Rome in 1902, founded the ecclesiastical institute «Maria Immacolata», which became the seat of the Roman diocesan Congregation of the F. di S. M. I. It was established by decree of 8 December 1903 and subsequently recognized as being of pontifical right by Pius X on 21 May 1904, with the aim of fostering the ecclesiastical youth and assisting, instructing, and educating young people in general.
The Congregation received its definitive approval on 4 June 1910 and its Constitutions on 17 June 1931. At present (1949) it numbers approximately 100 religious.
Quirino Proni
DAUGHTERS OF THE MOST HOLY HEARTS OF JESUS AND MARY. - The idea and foundation of the work are due to Marchioness Eugenia Ravasco, who began it in 1868 and then founded the Institute’s first house in Genoa in 1871; it was canonically erected on 12 January 1882.
Its purpose is the instruction and education of the young in nurseries, workshops, etc., and also to devote itself to all works intended to protect young women from the dangers to which they are exposed, and to lead them back, if they have gone astray, to the path of good. In 1905 Pius X invited Ravasco’s sisters to Rome to have them collaborate in the work of protecting young women. In 1907 the decree of praise was granted, and in 1909 definitive approval; the constitutions were approved on 28 February 1920. In 1948 the Institute had 22 houses and 195 professed sisters.