MINIME OF THE SACRED HEART OF MARY. – Institute founded in 1844 by Giulia Chauchard, who had spent her life instructing children and caring for the sick in the village of Cruéjouls (diocese of Rodez), where she was born in 1793. On 10 January 1844, with six companions, she took the religious habit and began her work.
The Bishop of Rodez approved the Institute and its Constitutions and arranged for the motherhouse to be transferred to Rodez in 1879. The decree of praise was issued on 14 June 1876; the decree of approval and confirmation of the Institute was issued on 9 September 1882. The first temporary approval of the Constitutions dates to 1888, and the definitive approval to 23 June 1900. The revised text was again approved on 18 March 1937.
The special purpose of the Institute is the Christian education of youth and the care of the sick, including home care.
In 1948, the sisters numbered 486, with 20 novices, distributed across 63 houses.