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