RELIGIOUS OF THE SACRED HEARTS OF JESUS AND MARY. – Congregation founded at Castellammare di Stabia in 1872 by Bishop Monsignor Francesco Saverio Petagna.
Purpose: the instruction and education of youth, especially of the poorer classes, the care of the sick, and the assistance of the elderly in hospices. The Holy See granted the decree of praise on 6 July 1932 together with temporary approval of the Constitutions; definitive approval on 17 December 1940. At present there are 200 sisters in 30 houses.
BIBL.: Arch. S. Congr. dei Religiosi, C. 99. Candido Bona