Religious of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. — They date back to 1832, when Miss Maria Scrilli (later Sister Maria Teresa of Jesus) and some companions were called to take charge of the Leopoldine Normal Schools of Montevarchi (diocese of Fiesole).
In October 1854, desiring to ensure the continuity of their apostolate, these pious women, with the approval of the Bishop of Fiesole, donned the religious habit and called themselves “The Poor Ones of the Heart of Mary.” After being dispersed by the partial suppression of convents (1850–62), they reconstituted themselves in Florence in 1873. The early years were marked by many hardships that seemed once again to threaten their existence, so much so that at the death of the foundress (1889) there remained only two sisters and one novice. The Institute, whose purpose is the religious and civic education of girls from the common people and charitable assistance in hospitals, hospices, etc., now has 31 houses and 200 sisters. It obtained the decree of praise and temporary approval of its Constitutions on 27 February 1933, and definitive approval on 2 July 1940.