REPARATRIX NUNS. - Female religious institutes, whose principal purpose is reparation.
I. REPARATRIX SISTERS OF THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS
Founded in Lima in 1896 by Teresa of the Sacred Heart.
The Institute intends to oppose the harmful work of the sects, especially of Freemasonry, through reparation (adoration of the Most Blessed Sacrament) and the apostolate (teaching, care of the sick, retreats). It adopted the Rule of St. Francis for Regulars approved by Leo X in 1521, with the modifications and additions of Leo XIII of May 1888. Pius X granted the decree of praise on 11 Feb. 1910, and Pius XII granted the definitive approval of the Constitutions on 25 Oct. 1943. At present there are 100 sisters with 10 houses.
Bibliography
Candido Bona
II. REPARATRIX NUNS OF THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS
Founded in Naples in 1875 by Isabella de Rosi (1814-1910).
On 16 July 1906 the Holy See granted the decree of praise, on 10 July 1914 the temporary approval of the Constitutions, and on 30 July 1928 the definitive approval. It is divided into two classes: choir sisters and lay sisters, and it devotes itself to the education of young girls, to the care of orphans and elderly women, and it promotes courses of spiritual exercises for women. Today it numbers 300 sisters with 50 houses.
Bibliography
Candido Bona
III. R. OF THE SACRED HEARTS OF JESUS AND MARY, called "Sisters of Reparation"
Institute founded in Milan on 2 Oct. 1859 by Fr. Carlo Salerio of the Seminary of S. Calogero (at present the Pontifical Institute for Foreign Missions) and by Carolina Orsenigo, first superior general.
The sisters had at first the title of "Pie Signore R.", changed to the present one by the Holy See with a decree of 17 July 1927. The decree of praise was given on 28 May 1895 and the definitive approval on 4 July 1906. The Constitutions, on the other hand, were approved "ad septemium" on 17 July 1923 and definitively on 21 Nov. 1933. At present it devotes itself to education, safeguards the rehabilitation of endangered youth, and contributes to the dignity of churches by making sacred vestments. Since 1896 it has also carried on its activity in mission lands. In 1951 it numbered 700 sisters with 40 houses.
Bibliography
Candido Bona