RELIGIOUS OF OUR LADY OF MOUNT CARMEL. - They date back to 1852, when Miss Maria Scrilli (later Sister Maria Teresa di Gesù), together with some companions, was called to assume the direction of the Leopoldine Normal Schools of Montevarchi (diocese of Fiesole).
In Oct. 1854, wishing to ensure continuity for their apostolate, these pious women, with the approval of the bishop of Fiesole, took the religious habit, calling themselves “The Little Poor Women of the Heart of Mary.” Dissolved as a result of the partial suppression of convents (1850–62), they were reconstituted in 1873 at Florence. The first years were marked by many adversities which seemed for a second time to compromise their existence, 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 of the common people and charitable assistance in hospitals, hospices, etc., now has 31 houses and 200 sisters. It obtained the decree of praise and the temporary approval of its Constitutions on 27 Feb. 1933, and definitive approval on 2 July 1940.