DAUGHTERS OF MARY IMMACULATE (Agen). — Founded in 1816 by the Venerable William Joseph Chaminade, the institute obtained the decree of praise in 1839 and that of approval in 1869. The constitutions were definitively approved in 1888. Initially it bore the title “Daughters of Mary,” which, with apostolic approval, was completed by the addition: “Immaculate.” It has attached to it the “Pious Hospital Association of the D. of M.I.” founded in 1836 and approved by the Holy See together with the Institute.
A characteristic of this Institute is the vow of stability, which consists essentially in an irrevocable consecration to the service of the Madonna. The vow, originally desired by the founder, in later redactions of the constitutions was replaced by that of enclosure, which, because of the necessity of the works, was at times dispensed with. However, in 1947 the sisters requested the faculty to restore II. The specific purpose of the Institute is the education and instruction of youth. It has 28 houses and 297 sisters.