FIGLIE DI MARIA MISSIONARIE (Apecania). - The Institute was founded by the Cremonese priest Giacinto Bianchi in 1875 at Pigna (diocese of Ventimiglia), with the consent of the local Ordinary. The motherhouse remained at Pigna until 1901, when it was transferred to the diocese of Mantova, subsequently to S. Paolo d'Enza (Reggio Emilia) in 1915, and to the diocese of Massa in 1919. S. Giovanni Bosco concerned himself incidentally with it in its early days and conveyed a special blessing from Pio IX. The decree of praise, with temporary approval of the constitutions, dates from 1934. Definitive approval of the constitutions was granted on 26 Jan. 1942.
The houses are scattered throughout Italy and France. The sisters devote themselves to the instruction and education of the daughters of the people, through kindergartens, orphanages, workshops, and other similar means. They also serve in seminaries, colleges, etc. In 1947 there were 35 houses and 216 sisters.