Poor Sisters Of The Immaculate Virgin Mary

POVERE SUORE DELL'IMMACOLATA VERGINE MARIA. – Founded by Giovanni Schneider, parish priest of S. Mattia in Breslavia, in 1854.

Its initial purpose was the instruction and education of domestic servants. Later, care of the sick was also undertaken, especially of domestic servants who, dismissed because they had become unable to work, were taken in at residential homes. The work spread in a very short time; in 1863 the bishop of Breslavia established the Association as a religious congregation with simple vows. On 22 December 1897 the Institute received the decree of praise, and on 1 July 1932 that of definitive approval. It currently has 106 houses divided into 4 religious provinces and 823 sisters.