MADRI DEGLI ABBANDONATI. — The Institute, under the patronage of St. Joseph de la Montana, was founded in 1881 at Valle di Abdalajs, in the diocese of Malaga, by the priest Saturnino Lopez Navoa, canon of Huesca, with the help of four young women from the locality, who had only with difficulty managed to obtain permission from their relatives to live in community, dedicating themselves to assisting the poor elderly.
The mother house was first transferred to Vich, then in 1893 to the diocese of Valencia. The decree of praise dates from 21 July 1891, and that of approval from 30 June 1908. The constitutions were approved ad tempus on 14 February 1934.
The special purpose of the Institute is the protection and assistance of elderly persons of both sexes, and the Christian education of girls in nurseries, boarding schools, schools, and workshops.
In 1948 the sisters numbered 2,309, distributed among 189 houses.