MINIME DEL SACRO CUORE DI MARIA. – Institute founded in 1844 by Giulia Chauchard, who had spent her life instructing children and caring for the sick in the village of Cruéjoula (diocese of Rodez), where she was born in Nov. 1793. With six companions, on 10 Jan. 1844 she donned the religious habit and began her work.
The bishop of Rodez approved the Institute and the Constitutions, and in 1879 had the mother house transferred to Rodez. The decree of praise dates from 14 June 1876; that of approval and confirmation of the Institute from 9 Sept. 1882. The first temporary approval of the Constitutions dates from 1888; definitive approval was granted on 23 June 1900. The revised text was approved again on 18 March 1937.
The Institute’s particular purpose is the Christian education of the young and the care of the sick, including in their homes.
In 1948 the sisters numbered 486 and the novices 20, distributed among 63 houses.