DAUGHTERS OF SAINT MARY OF PROVIDENCE (La Rochelle). - The Institute was founded at Saintes, in the diocese of La Rochelle, in 1817 by the parish priest of the Cathedral, De Rupt. The diocesan Ordinary approved it on 9 Sept. 1819, and on 20 March 1820 he 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 they took only the vows of obedience and chastity; in 1825, however, the vow of poverty was added, and later that of stability, with the promise to devote themselves to the education of youth.

The Combes laws of 1904 struck the Institute severely, reducing it to the mother house alone, recognized as a hospital. Once the persecution had passed, it recovered, and on 1 April 1934 it obtained the decree of praise and the temporary approval of the constitutions.

The sisters devote themselves to the education of youth in boarding schools, schools, orphanages, charitable works and patronships, to visiting the sick in their homes, and to assistance in clinics and dispensaries.

In 1947 there were 170 sisters with 20 houses.

Bibliography2 works

BIBL.: Arch. S. Congr. dei Religiosi, L. 86; M. Heimbacher, Die Orden und Konstruktionen des katholischen Kirche, II, Paderborn 1934, p. 408.

Agostino Pugliese

@incollection{ec5_figlie_di_santa_maria_della_pr, author = {Pugliese, Agostino}, title = {Figlie di Santa Maria della Prov-Videnza (La Rochelle)}, booktitle = {Enciclopedia Cattolica}, volume = {V}, publisher = {Ente per l’Enciclopedia Cattolica e per il Libro Cattolico}, address = {Città del Vaticano}, year = {1950}, url = {https://azioneromana.com/article/figlie-di-santa-maria-della-prov-videnza-la-rochelle} }

One of some 20,000 entries brought back from the twelve printed volumes (1948–54). Spotted something? Help us improve it.

Daughters of Saint Mary of Providence (La Rochelle)

About this entry