HOSPITALLER FOUNDRESSES OF THE THIRD ORDER OF SAN FRANCESCO, called the FRANCISCANS OF CALAIS. — The Institute is the result of the union of several houses of the Franciscan Third Order existing since the 14th century in the diocese of Arras, carried out through the efforts of the local bishop in 1853.
It received the decree of praise on 5 June 1867 and the definitive approval of the Institute and temporary approval of the Constitutions on 10 March 1873. On 16 March 1892 it received definitive approval of the Constitutions, which in 1930 were brought into conformity with the CIC. The Sisters devote themselves to the Christian education and instruction of girls and to the care of the sick, including in their homes, in Europe and in the missions. In 1950 they numbered 942, with 60 novices and 78 houses.
BIBL. Arch. S. Congr. dei Religiosi, A. 19. Agostino Pugliese