POOR HANDMAIDS OF THE MOTHER OF GOD. – Institute founded in Westminster (England) in 1868 by the pious lady Mary Magdalene Taylor.
The founder’s aim was charitable assistance in all forms to the poor. From England the Congregation spread to Ireland, France, and Italy. On 7 Aug. 1879 Cardinal H. E. Manning obtained from the Sacred Congregation of Propaganda Fide the decree of praise, while definitive approval came on 19 July 1900. At present there are 510 sisters distributed in 34 houses.
BIBL.: Archivio della Sacra Congregazione dei Religiosi, R. 66.