OSPEDALIERE INSEGNANTI DI MARIA IMMACOLATA. — The Institute arose in Bourges in 1657 as a society of common life without vows, among those engaged in serving the sick in the hospital.
After almost two centuries of existence, the society was established as a religious institute, and on 28 Nov. 1826 the first twelve professions took place. The decree of praise dates from 1850. In 1934 came the definitive approval of the Institute and the temporary approval of the Constitutions, which were definitively approved on 14 Dec. 1942. The sisters care for the sick, including in their homes, and provide the education and Christian instruction of young women. In 1950 there were 107 sisters distributed among 12 houses.
BIBL.: Arch. of the S. Congr. dei Religiosi, B. 45.