LUIGINE DI ALBA. - The Sisters of St. Louis were founded at La Morra, diocese of Alba, in 1815 by d. G. B. Rubino, a priest of the locality, and canonically erected on 30 July 1819 by mons. G. A. Nicola, bishop of Alba; they were civilly recognized on 24 Nov. 1826 by King Carlo Pelice. Around 1870 they divided into two independent groups, that of Alba and that of Acqui, which were subsequently reunited with the approval of the S. Congregation of Religious in 1938. The decree of praise, together with the temporary approval of the Constitutions, dates from 29 Apr. 1948.
The special purpose of the Institute is the instruction and Christian education of youth in kindergartens and elementary schools, and the care of the sick in hospitals and similar institutions. The Sisters are occupied with Sunday oratories, women’s associations, workshops, etc., and with preparation for first Communion.
In 1948 the Sisters, who formed a single category with simple vows, numbered 166, and the novices 5. The motherhouse is at Alba. The houses, generally established in rural localities, numbered 42.