MANTELLETTA (mantellum)
Ecclesiastical garment, but not liturgical, a shortened cloak of ample form that reaches to the knees, open at the front, without sleeves, with two wide lateral openings through which to insert the arms. A distinctive mark of dignity, it is the dress of prelates.
V. ABITO ECLESIASTICO
PIE OPERE DI MARIA DI GALEAZZA
The Institute originated in 1899 in Bologna through the efforts of the archpriest Ferdinando Baccilieri, and in the same year was canonically erected.
The decree of praise and temporary approval of the Constitutions came on 19 May 1939; definitive approval on 27 January 1947.
Its special aim is the moral and civic education of young women and the care of the sick. In 1948 the sisters numbered 127 with two novices, distributed across 24 houses.
Bibl.: Arch. S. Congr. dei Rel., B. 136. Agostino Pugliese