FRANCISCANS OF THE MOST HOLY SACRAMENT. — They were founded in 1898 at Bertinoro (Forlì) by Mother Maria Chiara Serafina di Gesù (Francesca Farolfi, 1853–1917).
The sisters are obliged to recite the Breviary, spend one hour in adoration of the Most Holy Sacrament exposed during the day, and devote themselves to various works of apostolate, including in the missions. Since 1901 they have been in India, since 1905 in Brazil, since 1925 in Bolivia, and since 1937 in Argentina. In 1904 they were aggregated to the Franciscan Order. At present, the Congregation numbers 66 houses and 451 religious.
BIBL.: G. Gennini, Madre M. Chiara Serafina di Gesù, Sassepolcro 1927; Le Clarisse francescane missionarie del S.mo Sacramento di Bertinoro, Rome 1948. Cesario van Hulst