MINIME DI NOSTRA SIGNORA DEL SUFFRAGIO. – As early as 2 February 1859, Faà di Bruno (v.), then a simple layman and professor at the University of Turin, devoted his considerable patrimony to a complex of charitable works in favor of women. At first he entrusted them to pious young women; but, realizing that the work would not be stable, he began forming the members and was able to witness the first vestitions in 1881 (Turin).
The decree of praise dates from 30 April 1940, with the temporary approval of the Constitutions, which were subsequently definitively approved on 28 June 1948.
The Institute’s special purpose is to assist the souls in purgatory, to educate young women in kindergartens, schools, boarding houses, and colleges, and to collaborate in catechism, oratories, and other parish works. In 1949 the sisters numbered 213, and the novices 19, distributed among 25 houses.