**DAUGHTERS OF SAINT MARY OF PROVIDENCE** (La Rochelle). – The Institute was founded in Saintes, in the diocese of La Rochelle, in 1817 by the parish priest of the Cathedral, De Rupit. The diocesan ordinary approved it on 9 September 1819, and on 20 March 1820 also approved the first draft of the constitutions, which, after revisions, were again approved on 24 March 1823.
The sisters follow the Rule of St. Augustine and initially took only the vows of obedience and chastity; however, in 1825 the vow of poverty was added, and later that of stability with the promise to dedicate themselves to the education of youth.
The Combes laws of 1904 gravely struck the Institute, which was reduced to the single motherhouse recognized as a hospital. After the persecution subsided, it resumed its activities and on 1 April 1934 obtained the decree of praise and temporary approval of the constitutions.
The sisters engage in the education of youth in boarding schools, schools, orphanages, works of charity, patronages, home visits to the sick, and assistance in clinics and dispensaries.
In 1947, there were 170 sisters in 20 houses.