DAUGHTERS OF SAINT MARY OF PROVIDENCE (La Rochelle). - The Institute was founded at Saintes, in the diocese of La Rochelle, in 1817 by De Rupt, parish priest of the Cathedral. The diocesan Ordinary approved it on 9 Sept. 1819 and on 20 March 1820 also approved the first draft of the constitutions, which, after revision, were approved again on 24 March 1823.
The sisters follow the rule of St. Augustine and at first took only the vows of obedience and chastity; in 1825, however, the vow of poverty was added, and later that of stability, together with the promise to devote themselves to the education of youth.
The Combes laws of 1904 dealt a severe blow to the Institute, which was reduced to its motherhouse alone, recognized as a hospital institution. Once the persecution had passed, it revived, and on 1 Apr. 1934 obtained the decree of praise and the temporary approval of its constitutions.
The sisters devote themselves to the education of youth in boarding schools, schools, orphanages, charitable works, patronages, the visiting of the sick in their homes, and service in clinics and dispensaries.
In 1947 there were 170 sisters in 20 houses.