DAUGHTERS OF MERCY AND OF THE CROSS (Palermo). - The Institute originated in Partinico (Monreale) in 1892, chiefly through the work of Mother Maria Rosa Zangara, and it currently has its generalate in Palermo. It obtained approval on 10 Dec. 1928, and the definitive approval of its constitutions on 3 Aug. 1937.
Its purpose is the exercise of Christian charity toward the sick (including in their homes), the poor elderly, and abandoned girls, those in danger, or those otherwise in need of assistance and help.
In 1949 the Institute had 41 houses and 267 sisters.
Bibliography
Agostino Pugliese
FIGLIE DELLA PRESENTAZIONE DI MARIA S. MA AL TEMPIO (Como). - They arose in Borgo S. Vitale, Como, in 1833 at the initiative of two young women, Francesca Butti and Maria Rossi, who began to live in common, devoting themselves to the instruction and Christian formation of poor and abandoned girls, assisting in the parish those who approached the Sacraments and in the teaching of catechism. Four years later the Institute was approved by the bishop of Como as a Pious Association, and in 1895 it became a diocesan-right institute. In 1934 it received from the Holy See the decree of praise and the temporary approval of its constitutions, which were then definitively approved on 4 May 1941.
The purpose of the Institute is the education and instruction of youth through boarding schools, day schools, girls' Sunday oratories, nursery schools, orphanages, and boarding homes for girls. In addition, the sisters teach catechism in the parishes and prepare children for their first Communion.
In 1948 the sisters numbered 183, with 28 houses.
Bibliography
Agostino Pugliese