FRANCISCAN SISTERS OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION OF ST PIERO A PONTI. — Founded in 1876 by the priest Olginto Fedi and by Sister Francesca Tarducci, they were approved by the Archbishop of Florence in 1911 and aggregated to the Franciscan Order in 1922. The aim of the new institution is the education of girls, of orphans, the care of the sick, etc. It has 16 religious houses.
FRANCISCAN SISTERS OF THE HOLY HEART OF JESUS OF JOLIETTE. — They were founded in 1876 at Avila, Indiana (U.S.A.), by some sisters who had come from Germany; these in 1885 formed an independent institute which in 1898 was approved by the Holy See and in 1905 aggregated to the Franciscan Order. The sisters devote themselves to the care of the sick, of the elderly, of orphans, to teaching, etc. There are 592 sisters in 26 houses.
FRANCISCAN SISTERS OF THE HOLY SACRAMENT. — They were founded in 1898 by Mother Maria Chiara Serra, alias of Gesù (Francesca Farolfi, 1853-1917) at Bertinoro (Forlì).
The sisters are bound to the Breviary, perform one hour of adoration of the Blessed Sacrament exposed during the day, and devote themselves to various works of apostolate, including 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 has 66 houses with 451 sisters.