SCOLOPIE FIGLIE DI MARIA. – Founded at Figueras (diocese of Gerona, Spain) in 1829 by Paola Montalt.
The Congregation arose under the patronage of s. Giuseppe Calasanzio and has as its purpose the Christian education of young women. The Holy See granted an initial approval in 1860; in 1870 the Constitutions were approved « ad decennium », and on 28 March 1887 definitive approval was obtained. In 1924 the Constitutions were adapted to the new Code of Canon Law. At present the sisters number 622 in 42 houses.
BIBL.: Archives of the S. Congr. dei Religiosi, G. 4; M. Heimbucher, Die Orden und Kongreg. der kath. Kirche, II, Paderborn 1934, pp. 120, 514. Candido Bona