SISTERS. - General denomination, common to many female religious Congregations, followed by other titles that indicate their distinctive characteristics.
1. SISTERS ADORERS OF THE MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD (Rome): V. BLOOD.
2. SISTERS ADORERS OF THE MOST BLESSED SACRAMENT (Rivolta d'Adda)
Founded in Bergamo in 1882 by the Servant of God Francesco Spinelli, later transferred to Rivolta d'Adda (diocese).
3. S. ALCANTARINE DEL TERZ'ORDINE DI SAN FRANCESCO (Rome): V. TERZIARIE FRANCESCANE ALCANTARINE.
4. S. AMANTI DI GESÙ E FIGLIE DI MARIA IMMACOLATA (Plasencia). - Founded in 1874 in Béjar (diocese of Plasencia, Spain) by Matilde Teller Robles. Purpose: care of orphans and the sick, management of orphanages and hospitals. Decree of praise and temporary approval of the Constitutions in 1930, definitive in 1941. They number 150 sisters in 21 houses (Arch. d. S. Congr. dei Relig., P. 72).
5. S. ANCELLE DELLA SANTA INFANZIA DI GESÙ (Oberzell): V. SERVI DELLA CARITÀ. INFANZIA DI GESÙ.
6. S. ANCELLE DEL SANTUARIO (Rome): V. ANCELLE DEL SANTUARIO.
7. S. ANGELICHE (Milan): V. ANGELICHE DI SAN PAOLO. PAOLO.
8. S. ARMENE DELL'IMMACOLATA CONCEZIONE (Rome). - Founded in 1847 in Constantinople by Miss Hagiandonian Serpuhi. Purpose: education of poor Armenian girls in boarding schools, orphanages, elementary and secondary schools. During the Turkish persecution of 1915-18 against Armenians, many houses were destroyed and many sisters martyred and deported. They were welcomed in 1922 by Pius XI with 480 orphan girls in Castel Gandolfo, where the general house was also transferred. Decree of praise in 1847; definitive approval of the Constitutions in 1932. They number 150 sisters in 28 houses, in Italy, Turkey, Egypt, Lebanon, Syria, Iran, Iraq (cf. Servizio informaz. della Chiesa orient., 11 [1947], foll. 6-7; Arch. d. Casa gener.).
9. S. AUSILIATRICI DELLE ANIME PURGANTI (Paris): V. AUSILIATRICI DELLE ANIME PURGANTI.
10. S. BENEDETTINE DELLA DIVINA PROVVIDENZA (Voghera):
V. BENEDETTINE DELLA DIVINA PROVVIDENZA
Decree of praise and temporary approval of the Constitutions in 1936, definitive in 1943. They number 508 sisters in 68 houses in Italy and Brazil. General house in Voghera (Arch. d. Casa gener.; anon., Un cammino di cento anni. Celebraz. centen., Pavia 1949).11. S. BETLEMITE DEL SACRO CUORE DI GESÙ (Bogotá): V. BETLEMITI.
12. S. BIGIE (GRAUEN) DI SANTA ELISABETTA (Breslau). - So called from the color of their habit. Founded in Niesse (Upper Silesia) in 1842 by four young women: Clara Wolff, Matilde and Maria Merket, Francesca Werner. Purpose: care of the sick at home and in hospitals and clinics, homes for the elderly, nurseries and kindergartens for children, schools. Decree of praise in 1871, temporary approval of the Constitutions in 1898, definitive in 1924. They number 481 houses with 4500 sisters (cf. O. Cohausz, Die Kongregat. der grauen Schuessler von der hl. Elisabeth, zum 80 Jahr. Bestehen [1842-1922], Breslau 1922; M. Heimbucher, Die Orden u. Kongreg., II, Paderborn 1934, pp. 481-83).
13. S. CELESTINE (Meaux). - Founded in 1839 in Provins (diocese of Meaux) by Verrina Chantal. Purpose: education of girls, care of poor sick, soup kitchens. Decree of praise in 1902 (Arch. d. S. Congr. di Relig., M. 72).
14. S. CIECHE DI SAN PAOLO (Paris). - Founded in Paris in 1852 by A. F. Villemain, Anna Bergunion, and Abbé Juge. Purpose: assistance to blind men and women in hospitals, boarding houses, workshops, orphanages. Some of the sisters themselves are blind. Decree of praise in 1876, temporary approval of the Constitutions in 1937, definitive in 1948. They number approximately 100 sisters (cf. anon., La Congrég. des Soeurs aveugles de St-Paul pendant son premier demi-siècle, Paris 1903).
15. S. CLARISSE FRANCESCANE. MISSIONE DEL S.MO SACRAMENTO DI BERTINORO (Rome). - Founded in 1898 in Bertinoro by the Venerable M. C. Serafina di Gesù (née Francesca Farolfi). Purpose: education of young women, with preference for the poorest and most abandoned girls; care of the sick in hospitals, clinics, and sanatoriums. Definitive approval in 1907. They number 885 sisters in 80 houses in Italy and abroad. General house in Rome (cf. L. Cambise, Mondo cattolico, Rome 1952, p. 270).
16. S. COMPASSIONISTE SERVE DI MARIA (Castellammare di Stabia): V. PASSIONISTE, SUORE, SERVE DI MARIA.
17. S. CROCIFISSE ADORATRICI DI GESÙ SACRAMENTATO (Naples): V. CROCIFISSE ADORATRICI DI GESÙ SACRAMENTATO.
18. S. DEGLI ANGELI (Faicchio, Cerreto Sannita). - Founded in 1891 in Casolla (diocese of Caserta) by Clotilde Micheli (in religion: Sister M. Serafina del S. Cuore). Purpose: instruction and education of girls and care of the sick. Decree of praise and temporary approval of the Constitutions in 1928, definitive in 1936. They number 387 sisters in 60 houses in Italy. General house in Naples (Arch. d. Casa gener.).
19. S. DEGLI ANGELI (Vilnius). - Founded in Vilnius by a priest of the diocese. Purpose: cooperation in catechism teaching, preparation of the dying to receive the Sacraments, dissemination of good literature, education of young women. Decree of praise and temporary approval of the Constitutions in 1913, definitive in 1921. After the Second World War, their number is unknown (Arch. d. S. Congr. di Relig., V, 74).
20. S. DEGLI ANGELI CUSTODI (Vitoria). - Founded in 1894 in Bilbao (diocese of Vitoria) by Raffaella Ibarra de Villalonga. Purpose: to gather fallen or endangered young women and care for them in special boarding schools. Decree of praise and temporary approval of the Constitutions in 1929, definitive in 1940. They number 349 sisters in 20 houses (Archivio d. S. Congr. di Relig., V, 75).
21. S. DEI MALATI DI SAINT-MAURIAC (St-Flour): V. PICCOLE SUORE DEI MALATI DI ST-MAURIAC.
22. S. DEI POVERI (Zamora). - Founded in Zamora (Mexico) in 1884 by Margherita Jones. Purpose: education of youth and care of the sick. Decree of praise in 1907; temporary approval of the Constitutions in 1931, definitive in 1939. They number 144 sisters in 17 houses, all in Mexico (Arch. d. S. Congr. di Relig., L, 2).
24. S. DEI POVERI DI MAIQUETIA (Caracas): V. PICCOLE SUORE DEI POVERI DI MAIQUETIA.
25. S. DEI SACRI CUORI DI GESÙ E DI MARIA (Brentwood). - Congregation formed by the houses in England of the "Serve del Cuore di Gesù" (v.), which in 1902 established themselves as an independent Institute in Chywell (diocese of Brentwood), taking the current name. Purpose: care of orphans and disabled children; management of hospitals and shelters for penitent women. Decree of praise and temporary approval of the Constitutions in 1927, definitive in 1936. They number 315 sisters in 29 houses (Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., B, 107).
26. S. DEI SACRI CUORI DI GESÙ E MARIA (Rennes). - Founded in Paramé (diocese of Rennes) in 1853 by Amelia Virginia Fristel. Purpose: they manage homes for the elderly, hospitals, and parish schools. Decree of praise and temporary approval of the Constitutions in 1930, definitive in 1948. They number 550 sisters in 100 houses (Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., R, 53).
27. S. DEI SANTI NOMI DI GESÙ E MARIA (Outremont, Canada). - Founded in 1843 in Longueuil (diocese of Montréal) by Eulalia Durocher, Melodia Dufresne, and Enrichetta Léré. Purpose: education of youth. Decree of praise in 1863, temporary approval of the Constitutions in 1886, definitive in 1925. They number 228 houses with 3735 sisters (Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., M, 16).
28. SISTERS OF THE ABANDONED ELDERLY, LITTLE (Valencia). – Founded in Barbastro in 1872 by the Servant of God Teresa of Jesus Jorenet Ibars. The following year, the motherhouse was transferred to Valencia. Purpose: moral and material assistance to abandoned elderly. Decree of praise in 1876; temporary approval of the Constitutions in 1887, definitive in 1897. They number 452 sisters in 22 houses (Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., V, 47).
29. SISTERS OF THE "RETREAT" OF THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS (Angers). – Founded in 1682 in Quimper (diocese of Rennes) by Teresa de Kermens. Purpose: to promote special retreats for women. Dispersed by the French Revolution, they were reestablished in 1820, adding the educational activity of girls in schools, boarding houses, youth centers, etc. In 1907, the Sisters of Quimper united with the Sisters of the Society of Mary of Angers, founded in 1662 by the Venerable Catherine de Francheville. The new Institute received temporary approval of the Constitutions in 1909, definitive in 1926. They number 556 sisters in 70 houses. General motherhouse in Angers (Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., Q, 1).
30. SISTERS OF LA TOUR PITRAT (Lyon): V. SISTERS OF ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI OF LA TOUR PITRAT.
31. SISTERS OF THE CHILD JESUS (Le Puy). – Founded in Aiguille (diocese of Le-Puy-en-Velay) in 1667 by Anne Marie Martel, who in 1776 took the name of "Les demoiselles de l'instruction" and later that of "Soeurs de l'instruction." Purpose: intellectual and moral formation of girls from all social classes. Decree of praise and temporary approval of the Constitutions in 1867, definitive in 1931. They number 47 houses with 550 sisters (cf. M. Douglas, Les Soeurs de l'Instruction, Paris 1865).
32. SISTERS OF THE CHILD JESUS (Rome). – Founded in 1846 in Derby (England) by Mrs. Cornelia Connelly, an American who converted from Protestantism in 1835. Purpose: education and instruction of girls from all social classes in boarding schools, orphanages, and schools of all levels; instruction of converts and visits to the poor and sick. Decree of praise in 1887; definitive approval of the Constitutions in 1893. They number 40 houses with 747 sisters (cf. M. Mary St. Peter, Holy Child Jesus Society, in Cath. Enc., VII, p. 400).
33. SISTERS OF THE CHILD JESUS OF CHAUFFAILLES (Autun). – A group that separated in 1846 under the direction of Sister Agostina (Reine Antier) from the aforementioned Society of the "Demoiselles de l'Instruction" and, having settled in Chauffailles, became an autonomous Institute in 1859. Purpose: education of girls through schools, boarding houses, orphanages, and workshops; care of the poor and sick in hospitals and shelters. Decree of praise and temporary approval of the Constitutions in 1921, definitive in 1931. They number 34 houses with 281 sisters (Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., A, 48).
34. SISTERS OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD (Milan). – Founded in Milan in 1845 by Fr. Luigi Speroni, Oblate of St. Charles, and Carolina del Carretto. Purpose: to welcome and educate wayward girls. Decree of praise in 1852; temporary approval of the Constitutions in 1859, definitive in 1912. They number 4 houses with approximately 50 sisters (Arch. d. S. Congr. del Relig., M, 8).
35. SISTERS OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD (Pittsburg): V. SISTERS OF OUR LADY OF CHARITY OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD.
36. SISTERS OF THE GOOD SAVIOR (Bayeux). – Founded in Caen in 1720 by Anne Leroy. Dispersed by the French Revolution, they reunited in 1820 through the efforts of Fr. Jamet (v.). Purpose: education of girls, parish catechisms, care of the deaf-mute, etc. Decree of praise and temporary approval of the Constitutions in 1913, definitive in 1928. They number 500 sisters in 12 houses (Arch. d. S. Congr. del Relig., B, 84).
37. SISTERS OF THE GOOD SAMARITAN (Sydney). – Founded in 1857 in Sydney (Australia) by Bishop Spalding, the city’s first bishop. Purpose: care of wayward women and the sick, instruction and education of children. Decree of praise in 1903, temporary approval of the Constitutions in 1920, definitive in 1932. They number 68 houses with over 600 sisters (Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., S, 32).
38. SISTERS OF THE GOOD ASSISTANCE (Paris). – Founded in Paris in 1872 by Archbishop Mons. de Quélen. Purpose: assistance to the sick at home and in clinics; youth works: youth centers, workshops, schools, shelters, etc. Decree of praise in 1875; temporary approval of the Constitutions in 1877, definitive in 1933. They number 579 sisters in 35 houses (Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., P, 18).
39. SISTERS OF THE APOSTOLIC CARMEL (Mangalore). – A branch that separated from the Apostolic Carmel of Bayonne, established in Mangalore (India) in 1870 and transformed into an independent Congregation, aggregated to the Order of Discalced Carmelites in 1921. Purpose: education of youth. Decree of praise and temporary approval of the Constitutions in 1926, definitive in 1949. They number 620 sisters in 44 houses (Arch. di Prop. Fide, pos. prot. n. 2136-2149).
40. SISTERS OF THE IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY, called SERVANTS OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD OF QUÉBEC. – Founded in Québec in 1850 by G. Manly Muir, secretary of the St. Vincent de Paul Conference, as a society of pious women dedicated to the conversion and rehabilitation of penitents and those at risk; later erected as a religious Congregation in 1856. Decree of praise in 1880; temporary approval of the Constitutions in 1918; definitive in 1921. They number 82 houses with 1152 sisters (Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., Q, 3).
41. SISTERS OF THE IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY OF THE THIRD ORDER OF ST. FRANCIS (Czestochowa). – Founded in Zakroczym (diocese of Ptočk, Poland) in 1888 by Fr. Onorato, a Capuchin, and soon transferred to Nowe Miasto (diocese of Czestochowa). Purpose: to promote Christian life among the working class, home care for the sick, instruction and education of girls. Decree of praise and temporary approval of the Constitutions in 1929, definitive in 1938. They number 35 houses with 268 sisters (Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., V, 76).
42. SISTERS OF DIVINE LOVE (Rome). – Founded by a nun from the suppressed monastery of Montefiascone, who took refuge in Rome, approved by the Cardinal Vicar in 1828, and erected as an independent Institute in 1908. Purpose: education of young women: workshops, nurseries, schools, retreats, and preparation for First Communion. Temporary approval of the Constitutions in 1908, definitive in 1916. They number 22 houses with over 200 sisters (Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., R, 31).
43. SISTERS OF THE DIVINE MASTER AND OUR LADY OF MERCY (Buenos Aires). – Founded in 1887 in Buenos Aires (Argentina) by Mons. Antonio Rasore and Sofia Bunge. Purpose: instruction of youth in schools, nurseries, and boarding houses. Decree of praise and temporary approval of the Constitutions in 1950. They number 12 houses with approximately 130 sisters (Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., B, 142).
44. SISTERS OF THE DIVINE SHEPHERD (Mexico). – Founded in 1900 in Antequera (diocese of Mexico). Purpose: to promote spiritual exercises, assist in parish catechisms, educate young women; nurseries, orphanages, boarding schools. Declared of pontifical right. They number 14 houses with 140 sisters (Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., M, 145).
(Courtesy of the Superior General)
General House of the Sisters of the Divine Savior – Rome.
46. SISTERS OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY OF MERCY or MERCEDARIAN SISTERS (Aix). – Founded in 1864 by Cardinal Lavigerie. Purpose: Christian education of girls through boarding schools, nurseries, and schools; care for the sick in hospitals, dispensaries, family homes, and shelters. Decree of praise in 1912; temporary approval of the Constitutions in 1931, definitive in 1941. They number approximately 180 sisters in 25 houses (Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., A, 41).
47. SISTERS OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY OF MERCY (Warsaw). – A branch separated from the French Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy of Laval and canonically erected in Warsaw in 1922. Purpose: care for wayward and penitent women and girls. Decree of praise in 1922, temporary approval of the Constitutions in 1927, definitive in 1935. They number 231 sisters in 9 houses (Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., V, 85).
48. SISTERS OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN (Cremona). – Founded in Cremona in 1610 by Lucia Perotti. Purpose: education of young women. Decree of praise in 1612; temporary approval of the Constitutions in 1933, definitive in 1941. They number 80 sisters in 5 houses. General house in Cremona (Arch. d. Casa general.; G. Cassiani Ingoni, Madre L. Perotti, Padova 1935).
49. SISTERS OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY OF MOUNT CARMEL OF THE THIRD ORDER OF CARMELITES (Orihuela). – Founded in 1891 in Caudete (diocese of Orihuela) by the Carmelite Cirillo Font. Purpose: care for the sick in hospitals and at home; assistance to the poor in hospices; education of youth. Decree of praise and temporary approval of the Constitutions in 1923, definitive in 1949 (Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., O, 10).
50. SISTERS OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY OF THE MOST HOLY ROSARY (Udine). – Founded in Udine in 1705 by Emilia Freschi and, after various events, restored to a flourishing state in 1925 by the superior general Sister Maria Dolores. Purpose: Christian education of children and girls in nurseries, orphanages, boarding schools, and workshops. Decree of praise and temporary approval of the Constitutions in 1943. They number 12 houses with 120 sisters (Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., U, 8).
51. SISTERS OF CHARITY (Namur). – Founded in 1734 in Namur (Belgium) at the suggestion of Madame Maria Martina Bomboncourt, who left directives in her will. Purpose: care for the sick in hospitals, clinics, sanatoriums, and outpatient clinics; charitable activities through hospices and orphanages; visiting the sick and poor at home. They number 607 sisters in 79 houses (cf. L. Cambise, Mondo cattolico, Roma 1952, p. 329).
52. SISTERS OF CHARITY (Québec): V. CHARITY, commonly called GRAY SISTERS.
53. SISTERS OF CHARITY (Rome). – Founded in 1799 in Besançon by St. Giovanna Antida Thouret. Initially called "Sisters of the Soup for the Poor and Small Schools," they grew remarkably in number and houses in Europe, France, Switzerland, and Italy. In 1810, they were offered the house of Regina Coeli in Naples by Letizia Bonaparte, which soon became a center of great development; in 1844, they were called by Gregory XVI to the archhospital of Santo Spirito. Purpose: assistance in civil and military hospitals for all illnesses; in asylums, foundling hospitals, and nurseries; education of youth through schools of all levels. Decree of praise and approval of the Constitutions in 1819. They number 8,000 sisters in 830 houses, divided into 6 religious provinces in Italy, Europe, America, and the missions of Laos and Indochina. General house in Rome (cf. F. Trochu, S. Giov. Antida Thouret, Italian trans., Roma 1934).
54. SISTERS OF CHARITY (San Giacinto): V. CHARITY, commonly called GRAY SISTERS.
55. SISTERS OF CHARITY (DAUGHTERS OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION) (Paderborn). – Founded in 1849 in Paderborn by Paolina von Mallinckrodt. Purpose: care and education of the blind and Christian education of youth. Decree of praise in 1859, definitive approval of the Constitutions in 1888. They number 2,500 sisters (cf. M. E. Pietromarchi, M. Paolina di Mallinckrodt, fondatr. delle S. della carità cristiana, Roma 1951).
56. SISTERS OF CHRISTIAN CHARITY, DAUGHTERS OF THE MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD (Roermond). – Founded in Sittard (Netherlands) in 1862 by Maria Serafina Spickermana. Purpose: Christian education of girls and, in part, care for the sick. Pontifical approval in 1890. They number 273 sisters.
57. SISTERS OF CHARITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY OF MERCY (MERCEDARIAN SISTERS OF CHARITY) (Madrid). – Founded in Málaga (Spain) in 1878 by Juan Nepomuceno Zegri y Moreno. Purpose: education of girls and charitable works. Decree of praise and temporary approval of the Constitutions in 1900, definitive in 1901. They number 1,150 sisters in 113 houses, in Italy, Spain, and Latin America. General house in Madrid (Arch. d. Casa gener.).
58. SISTERS OF CHARITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY (Sydney). – Initially founded in Dublin in 1851 by five Irish ladies who, in a spirit of sacrifice, left their homeland and chose Philadelphia (United States) as their field of work. Welcomed by the parish priest T. J. Donoghue, they attended to parish works, formed a religious community, and from him, considered their founder, received the Constitutions and their current name. Purpose: education of youth and assistance in parish works. Decree of praise and temporary approval of the Constitutions in 1871, definitive in 1885. They number 1,900 sisters in 150 houses. General house in Dubuque (Iowa) (Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., D, 8; M. C. Dougherty, Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, in Cath. Enc., III, p. 609).
59. SISTERS OF CHARITY OF MERCY OF SAINT VINCENT DE PAUL (Vienna). – Founded in Vienna in 1833 by the Empress of Austria Carolina Augusta, as a special institution of Austria. Purpose: care for children and the poor sick, even at home. Approval in 1835. They number 48 houses with 947 sisters (Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., V, 60).
60. SISTERS OF CHARITY OF THE PRESENTATION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY (Tours). – Founded in Joinville (France) in 1684 by the Venerable Maria Poussepin. Purpose: education of youth and charitable activities: hospitals, clinics, nurseries, shelters for the elderly, leprosaria, etc. Decree of praise in 1885, temporary approval of the Constitutions in 1887, definitive in 1928. They number 3,500 sisters in 360 houses (cf. A. Reimbert, Guide de vocation religieuse, II, Paris 1924, pp. 403-408).
61. SISTERS OF CHARITY OF THE TEUTONIC ORDER (Vienna). – Founded in 1299 in Kunitz (near Bern). This and the other numerous houses of the Teutonic Order did not survive the secularization imposed on them in 1803. The Order was revived in 1841 by Giuseppe Massimiliano III, Duke of Austria-Este. Purpose: care for the sick and education of girls in schools and institutes. They number 552 sisters (cf. M. Heimbucher, Die Orden u. Kongreg., I, 3rd ed., Paderborn 1933, p. 614).
62. SISTERS OF CHARITY OF THE TRUE INCARNATE WORD (San Antonio). – Originally founded in 1624 by Giovanna Chezard de Matel, reconstituted after the French Revolution, transplanted to Mexico, and erected as a new Congregation under the current name. Purpose: education of youth and care for the sick. They number 1,500 sisters in 72 houses (cf. anon., L'Ordre du Verbe Incarné et du St Sacrement, Fribourg-en-Brisgau 1929).
63. SISTERS OF CHARITY OF JESUS AND MARY (Ghent). – Founded in 1803 in Lovendeghem by the priest Pietro Giuseppe Triest. Purpose: care for the sick, orphans, and the needy of all kinds; education in schools, boarding schools, and hostels in Europe, the Congo, and India. Definitive pontifical approval in 1816. They number 1,990 sisters (cf. M. Heimbucher, Die Orden u. Kongreg., II, Paderborn 1934, p. 504).
V. CONGREGAZIONI RELIGIOSE; for individual congregations, the cited works and archives
Annuario Pontificio (annual); Dictionnaire de Spiritualité, Paris 1932 ss.; Dictionnaire d'Histoire et de Géographie Ecclésiastiques, Paris 1912 ss.; Enciclopedia Cattolica, Città del Vaticano 1948 ss.; Heimbucher, Die Orden und Kongregationen der Katholischen Kirche, 3rd ed., Paderborn 1933-34; Schäfer, Die Kanonissenstifter im deutschen Mittelalter, Stuttgart 1907; Schneider, Die Entwicklung des klösterlichen Lebens der Frau, Freiburg im Br. 1926; Schulte, Geschichte der Quellen und Literatur des kanonischen Rechts, Stuttgart 1875-80.
A. VERMEERSCH
64. SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NAZARETH (Louisville). – Founded in 1812 in Louisville (Kentucky, United States) by Fr. Giovanni David. Purpose: care for the sick in hospitals and infirmaries, education of girls in schools of all levels, colleges, and academies. Definitively approved in 1910. They number 1,198 sisters (M. Menard, Nazareth, Sisters of Charity of, in Cath. Enc., X, pp. 724-25).
65. SISTERS OF CHARITY OF OUR LADY OF EVRON (Laval). – Founded in Chapelle-au-Riboul (diocese of Mans) in 1682 by Perrine Brulet, widow Thulard. Purpose: education of youth, care for the poor and elderly in orphanages, hospices, shelters, and for the sick in hospitals and at home. At the beginning of the French Revolution, they had 89 houses. Napoleon I gave them the Benedictine convent of Evron (diocese of Laval) as their motherhouse, later transferred to Laval. They number 810 sisters in 114 houses (Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., L, 37).
66. SISTERS OF CHARITY OF SAINT CHARLES (Nancy). – Founded in 1652 in Nancy by Emmanuel Chauvenel, lord of Xoudailles, to fulfill the wish of his son Joseph, who died in 1651 as a victim of his charity toward plague victims. Co-foundress was Barbe Thouvenin. Purpose: assistance to the poor, the sick in hospitals and at home; education of abandoned children, rehabilitation of the disabled, care in asylums, prisons, shelters for the elderly, the blind, etc. Apostolic approval in 1859, confirmed in 1892; approval of the Constitutions in 1924. They have 110 houses with 1,092 sisters (Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., N, 11; various authors, Bilder aus der Gesch. der kath. Charitas, Trier 1900).
67. SISTERS OF CHARITY OF SAINT LOUIS (Vannes). – Founded in Vannes in 1803 by Madame Molé de Champlatreux. Purpose: education of youth; later also care for the sick in hospitals. Approval of the Constitutions in 1840. They number 1,071 sisters in 100 houses (Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., V, 61).
68. SISTERS OF CHARITY OF SAINT ANNE (Saragossa). – Founded in Saragossa in 1805 by Maria Rafols, initially as a religious association, gathering under her direction 11 companions who assisted her in the service of the hospital of Nuestra Señora de Gracia, and later in 1825 as a religious institute with vows. They number 1,404 sisters.
69. SISTERS OF CHARITY AND MERCY (Hildesheim). – In 1852, Bishop Eduard Jakob Wedekind called a group of Sisters of Saint Vincent de Paul from the house of Paderborn to Hildesheim, who in 1857 established themselves as an autonomous Congregation. Purpose: education of youth. Definitive approval in 1886. They number 603 sisters in 58 houses (Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., I, 2).
70. SISTERS OF CHARITY AND CHRISTIAN INSTRUCTION (Nevers). – Founded in 1680 in St-Saulge (France) by the Benedictine Dom de Laveyne. Purpose: works of charity toward one’s neighbor through hospices, boarding schools, nurseries, schools of all levels, hospitals, clinics, sanatoriums, etc. Decree of praise in 1852, temporary approval of the Constitutions in 1870, definitive in 1883. They number 1,164 sisters in 51 houses (Arch. d. S. Congr. dei Relig., N, 5).
71. SISTERS OF CHARITY AND OF THE MOST HOLY SACRAMENT, known as OF MONTOIRE (Bourges): V. S.MO SACRAMENTO E DELLA CARITÀ.
72. HOSPITALLER SISTERS OF CHARITY OF SAINT PAUL (Birmingham). – A group of Hospitaller Sisters of Saint Paul of Chartres who moved in 1847 to the diocese of Birmingham at the invitation of Cardinal Wiseman and later established themselves as an autonomous Institute. They number 671 sisters.
73. SISTERS OF CHARITY, commonly called GREY SISTERS (Montréal). – Founded in 1737 in Montréal (Canada) by the Venerable Mother Marie Du Frost de La Jammerais, widow d’Youville. Purpose: charitable and educational activities. Civilly approved on June 3, 1753, and canonically on June 15, 1755. From this foundation, six independent branches later separated, though they tend to reunite with the Motherhouse in Montréal: GREY SISTERS OF ST-HYACINTHE (1840), GREY SISTERS OF THE CROSS OF OTTAWA (1845); SISTERS OF CHARITY OF QUÉBEC (1848); GREY SISTERS OF NICOLET (1886; reunited with Montréal in 1941); GREY NUNS OF THE SACRED HEART of Philadelphia (United States, 1920); GREY SISTERS OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION of Pembroke (Ontario, Canada, 1926). Altogether, they number 7,000 sisters spread across central North America, Africa, and China (cf. P. Helyot, Dict. des Ordres religieux, IV, Paris 1859, cols. 1410-14; M. E. Ward, Grey Nuns, in Cath. Enc., VII [1913], pp. 31-32 and bibl. at V. DU FROST DE LA JAMMERAIS).
74. SISTERS OF THE HOUSE OF MARY (Santiago). – Founded in Santiago, Chile, in 1870 by Fr. Biagio Carras. Purpose: to welcome and assist abandoned girls and women. Definitive approval of the Institute and temporary approval of the Constitutions in 1929. They number 55 sisters in 6 houses (Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., G, 16).
75. SISTERS OF THE COMPANY OF SAINT TERESA OF JESUS (Barcelona). – Founded in Barcelona in 1876 by Fr. Enrico de Ossò y Cervellò. Purpose: education and instruction of girls. Decree of praise and temporary approval of the Constitutions in 1888, definitive in 1908; adaptation to the CIC in 1925 and 1938. They have 72 houses with over 1,000 sisters (Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., T, 28).
76. SISTERS OF THE CONGREGATION OF SAINT DOMINIC (Granada). – Founded in Granada in 1815 by Sister Teresa Titos. Originally a beaterio of Sisters of the Third Order of Saint Dominic, founded in 1539, which transitioned from contemplative to active life due to the circumstances of the time. Purpose: education of youth in schools and colleges. Approval by the Holy See in 1931. They number 118 sisters in 9 houses (Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., G, 57).
77. SISTERS OF THE CROSS (Annecy). – Founded in 1838 in Chavanod (diocese of Annecy) by Claudine Echermier. Purpose: instruction and education of youth, care for the sick in hospitals and private homes, apostolate in missions, domestic service in seminaries and ecclesiastical colleges. Decree of praise and temporary approval of the Constitutions in 1924, definitive in 1932. They have 77 houses with approximately 500 sisters (Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., A, 64).
78. SISTERS OF THE CROSS (Seville). – Founded in Seville in 1875 by Fr. Giuseppe De Fornes Povitta. Purpose: care for the sick at home and for orphans, day and evening schools. Decree of praise in 1891. They number 450 sisters in 35 houses (Arch. di S. Congr. d. Relig., S, 19).
79. SISTERS OF THE CROSS (Strasbourg). – Founded in 1848 in Neudorf by Adèle de Glanbitz. Purpose: care for the blind, deaf-mute, and epileptic in hospitals and at home. Decree of praise and temporary approval of the Constitutions in 1932. They have 85 houses with 738 sisters (Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., S, 55).
80. SISTERS OF THE CROSS OF THE MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS (Mexico). – Founded in Mexico in 1897 by Sister Anna del S. Cuore. Purpose: reparation for offenses against the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Decree of praise in 1910. They have 18 houses with 187 sisters (Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., M, 94).
(Courtesy of the Sisters of the Sorrowful Mother) SUORE - Mother Francesca Streitel, foundress of the Institute of the Sisters of Our Lady of Sorrows.
(by courtesy of the Grey Sisters of Montréal) Sisters - Sister Joséphine Kergoat, of the Sisters of Charity of Montréal (Grey Nuns), with the "Indian park" (1946) - Fort Providence, Mackenzie.
83. SISTERS OF DIVINE PROVIDENCE (Indianapolis)
A colony of 6 sisters of Providence (founded at Ruillé-sur-Loire in 1806 by Fr. Jacques François Dujarié) who moved in 1840, under the guidance of Mother Théodore Guérin, into the territory of the State of Indiana (United States); expanded through new arrivals and local recruits, they established themselves as an independent Congregation. Purpose: instruction in parochial schools and academies. Definitive approval of the Constitutions in 1887. They number 1295 sisters (Sister M. Theodosia, Sisters of Providence, St. Mary-of-the-Woods, in Cath. Enc., XII, pp. 507-608).84. SISTERS OF DIVINE PROVIDENCE (Lwów)
Founded in 1854 in Lwów by Archbishop Łukasz Baraniecki. Purpose: education of abandoned girls. Decree of praise in 1867. They number approximately 85 sisters in 15 houses (Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., L, 52).85. SISTERS OF DIVINE PROVIDENCE (Mainz)
Founded in 1852 in Flörsheim (diocese of Mainz) by Bishop Wilhelm Ketteler. Purpose: education of youth and care for the sick. Decree of praise in 1923. They number 1474 sisters in 295 houses (Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., M, 40).86. SISTERS OF DIVINE PROVIDENCE (San Antonio, Texas)
Organized in 1930 as an auxiliary group of the house of Our Lady of Divine Providence in Houston by Mother Maria Philothea Thiry. Purpose: instruction and education of youth. Approval of the Institute and the Constitutions in 1939. They number 725 sisters in 82 houses (Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., A, 42).87. SISTERS OF DIVINE PROVIDENCE (Strasbourg)
Founded in 1783 in Molsheim (diocese of Strasbourg) by Fr. Kremp. Purpose: religious instruction of girls. Approval of the Institute in 1869; temporary approval of the Constitutions in 1909, definitive in 1928. They number 1904 sisters in 304 houses (Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., S, 11).88. SISTERS OF DIVINE PROVIDENCE (Alessandria): V. LITTLE SISTERS OF DIVINE PROVIDENCE.
89. SISTERS OF THE DIVINE WILL (Bassano, Vicenza)
Founded in Bassano del Grappa in 1873 by Gaetana Sterni. Purpose: care for the sick at home, in clinics, and hospitals. Decree of praise and temporary approval of the Constitutions in 1934, definitive in 1942. They number 400 sisters in 60 houses, all in Italy. General house in Bassano (Arch. d. Casa gener.).90. SISTERS OF THE ADORATION OF THE MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD OF O'FALLON (St. Louis). - Founded in 1857 in Gurtweil (Fribourg, Baden) by parish priest Hermann Kesseler and relocated to O'Fallon (Archdiocese of St. Louis, U.S.A.) due to the Kulturkampf. Purpose: Christian education of young women, secondary and vocational schools. Decree of praise in 1918, temporary approval of the Constitutions in 1929, definitive in 1938. They number 383 sisters in 51 houses (Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., L, 27).
91. SISTERS OF PERPETUAL ADORATION OF THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS (Lyon)
Founded in Grandris (Archdiocese of Lyon) in 1821. Purpose: reparation for the outrages Jesus receives in the Most Blessed Sacrament and apostolate of instruction and education of youth. Decree of praise in 1877, definitive approval of the Constitutions in 1900 and adaptation to the CIC in 1929. They have 120 sisters in 4 monasteries (Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., L, 36).92. SISTERS OF PERPETUAL ADORATION OF THE MOST BLESSED SACRAMENT, ASSIGNED TO THE WORKS OF POOR CHURCHES (Malines)
Founded in Brussels in 1857 by Anna de Meeus, developing from a pre-existing association to provide for the needs of poor churches. Purpose: perpetual adoration, retreats, provision for poor churches. Decree of praise and temporary approval of the Constitutions in 1867, definitive in 1872. They number 257 sisters (Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., M, 20).93. SISTERS OF PERPETUAL ADORATION OF THE MOST BLESSED SACRAMENT OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY OF GUADALUPE (Mexico)
Founded in Mexico City in 1808 by María Magdalena de la Encarnación. Purpose: perpetual adoration of the Most Blessed Sacrament; charitable activities toward the poor sick. Decree of praise in 1818; approval of the Institute and the Constitutions in 1828. They number 311 sisters in 15 houses (Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., M, 106).94. REPARATIVE ADORATION SISTERS (Paris)
Founded in Paris in 1848 by Théodelinde Dubouché (in religion Mother Marie-Thérèse). Purpose: contemplative life, assiduous prayer for the Church, perpetual adoration of the Most Blessed Sacrament in reparation for injuries against II. Temporary approval of the Constitutions in 1885, definitive in 1930. They number 10 houses with 300 sisters (Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., P, 10; Mons. d'Hulst, Vie de mère Marie Thérèse Dubouche, Paris 1880).95. SISTERS OF CHRISTIAN DOCTRINE (Bordeaux)
Founded in 1835 in Bordeaux by Abbé Supre, under the title of "Christian Association," which changed to the current name in 1838. Purpose: education of children and young women, care for the sick and elderly in hospitals and at home. Decree of praise in 1855; approval of the Institute in 1875, definitive approval of the Constitutions in 1947. They number 116 sisters in 30 houses (Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., B, 9).96. SISTERS OF CHRISTIAN DOCTRINE (Nancy)
Founded around 1700 by Canon Vatelot of Toul under the title of "Sisters of the Little Schools of Charity," changed to the current name in 1929. Purpose: teaching, care for the sick in hospitals and at home, social works, missions. Decree of praise in 1886; definitive approval of the Institute and temporary approval of the Constitutions in 1912, definitive in 1929. They number 2064 sisters in 321 houses (Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., N, 17).97. SISTERS OF CHRISTIAN DOCTRINE (Seville)
Founded in Seville in 1878 by Fr. Francisco García Fejero. Purpose: instruction and education of youth and teaching of catechism in parishes. Decree of praise in 1913; approval of the Institute and the Constitutions in 1926. They number 119 sisters in 15 houses, all in Spain (Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., S, 29).98. SISTERS OF CHRISTIAN DOCTRINE, called OF THE HOLY CHILDHOOD (Digne)
Founded in Manosque (diocese of Digne) in 1836 by a group of pious women under the guidance of the parish priest. Purpose: care for the sick at home and in nursing homes. Decree of praise in 1887; temporary approval of the Constitutions in 1896, definitive in 1911. They number 123 sisters in 22 houses (Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., D, 4).99. SISTERS OF FAITH (Dublin)
Founded in Dublin in 1857 by Miss Aulward and a group of ladies as a "charitable association," later transformed into a religious Congregation in 1860. Purpose: sheltering orphans and abandoned children at risk due to parental neglect or Protestant proselytism. Decree of praise in 1897, definitive approval of the Institute and the Constitutions in 1902 (Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., D, 5).100. SISTERS OF THE AGONY OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST (Albi)
Founded in Albi in 1868 by Lazarist A. I. Nicolle. Purpose: apostolate for the dying, education of children in catechism, workshops, oratories, orphanages, etc. Decree of praise in 1870; temporary approval of the Constitutions in 1934. They number 182 sisters in 26 houses (Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., A, 26).101. SISTERS OF THE MOTHER OF GOD (Tournai)
Founded in the 17th century by J. J. Olier. Dispersed by the Revolution of 1789, they were restored to new life by Sister Marie M. de Lezeau with some survivors. Purpose: education of youth. Decree of praise in 1869; temporary approval of the Constitutions in 1880, definitive in 1903. They number 8 houses with 150 sisters (A. Raimbert, Guide de vocation relig., II, Paris 1924, pp. 409-12).102. SISTERS OF THE SORROWFUL MOTHER (Rome): V. SISTERS OF OUR LADY OF SORROWS.
103. SISTERS OF MERCY (Dublin)
Founded in Dublin in 1831 by Mother Mary Catherine McAuley. Purpose: education of abandoned youth, care of the sick.103. SISTERS OF MERCY (Dublin). – Founded in Dublin in 1831 by Mother Mary Catherine McAuley. Purpose: education of abandoned youth, care of the sick, rehabilitation of fallen women, and preservation of those at risk. Decree of praise in 1835; approval of the Institute and Constitutions in 1841. The Institute is currently divided into many distinct and autonomous Congregations, all tracing their origin directly or indirectly from the original foundation in Dublin, either through the merging of existing houses or by sisters called elsewhere for new foundations. The various Congregations were established in ARDAGH (1920) with, now, 28 sisters; AUCKLAND (1923) with 155 sisters; BALTIMORE (1929) with 5,504 sisters; BATHURST (1908) with 162 sisters; BORDEAUX (1880) with 37 sisters; DROMORE (1878) with 53 sisters; DUNEDIN (1890) with 89 sisters; GLASGOW (1903) with 36 sisters; GOULBURN (1831) with 272 sisters; KILMORE (1915) with 60 sisters; MAITLAND (1831) with 171 sisters; MELBOURNE (1906) with 411 sisters; MONTREAL (1845) with 345 sisters; PITTSBURGH (1831) with 418 sisters; S. FRANCISCO (1854) with 321 sisters; S. JOHN OF NEWFOUNDLAND (1915) with 157 sisters; TRANSVAAL (1913) with 39 sisters (cf. anon., Mother Mary Catherine McAuley, Chicago 1926; Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., D, 12; S, 52, C).
104. SISTERS OF MERCY (Séez). – Founded in 1823 in Séez by Fr. Giovanni Bazin. Purpose: works of charity for the poor sick and abandoned children. Approval by the Holy See in 1943. There are 800 sisters in 50 houses (cf. L. Grenet, Au service des membres souffrants du Christ, Montlingen 1946; D. Aubry, Un bienfaiteur de l'humanité, Coutances 1949).
105. SISTERS OF MERCY (Dijon). – Following the model of the Sisters of Mercy already founded in 1607 in Louviers (diocese of Dijon), many other autonomous institutes of the same name emerged in the 18th and 19th centuries, all dedicated to the education of girls and the care of the sick: SISTERS OF MERCY OF PÉRIGUEUX (1747); of MOISSAC (1804); of BILLON (1806); of PARAMATTA (Sydney 1888). Others added various qualifications to the common name: SISTERS OF MERCY OF JESUS (Isigny 1644; Tréguier, 1654; Eu, 1655; Château-Gontier 1655); SISTERS OF MERCY OF THE SACRED HEART OF MARY (Blon 1842); SISTERS OF MERCY OF SAINT VINCENT DE PAUL (Paderborn 1842, with, now, 2,021 sisters).
106. SISTERS OF MERCY OF THE THIRD ORDER OF SAINT FRANCIS (Luxembourg). – Founded in 1847 in Luxembourg by Madame Dufang d'Aigremont. Purpose: education of youth and care of the sick, especially the poor in hospitals and at home, and the management of orphanages. Decree of praise and temporary approval of the Constitutions in 1912. They number 567 sisters in 44 houses (Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., L, 58).
107. SISTERS OF MERCY OF THE THIRD ORDER OF SAINT FRANCIS (Olmütz). – Founded in Opava (diocese of Olmütz) in 1884. Purpose: care of the sick in hospitals and at home, management of orphanages, and education of youth. Decree of praise and approval of the Institute in 1912. They number 805 sisters in 36 houses (Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., O, 8).
108. SISTERS OF MERCY OF SAINT CHARLES BORROMEO. – They are a branch of the Institute of the Sisters of Charity of Saint Charles Borromeo of Nancy, founded in 1652 for the care of the sick. The houses existing in the diocese of Prague, where they had been called by Archbishop Luigi Giuseppe von Schrenk, were established as an autonomous Congregation in 1837 and now number 1,282 sisters with 128 houses. The houses in the diocese of Breslau, where the Sisters of Prague had been called by Cardinal Archbishop Melchior von Diepenbrock, were erected as an autonomous Congregation in 1857 and now number 3,154 sisters in 289 houses. The houses in the diocese of Trier, where the Sisters of Nancy had been invited in 1811, became an autonomous Congregation in 1872; they now number 1,390 sisters in 66 houses (Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., B, 11).
109. SISTERS OF MERCY, DAUGHTERS OF CHRISTIAN CHARITY (Satu Mare). – Founded in 1837 by Monsignor Ham in Satu Mare (Hungary). Purpose: care of the sick in hospitals and at home; education of children in schools and orphanages. Approval in 1835. They number 1,200 sisters in 84 houses (Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., S, 65).
110. HOSPITALLER SISTERS OF MERCY (Rome). – Founded in 1821 by Princess Teresa Orsini Doria, Duchess of Gravina. Purpose: the care of the sick. They began their apostolate in the hospital of San Giovanni in Laterano and later in the hospital of San Gallicano. In 1934, they inaugurated a professional boarding school for religious nurses near the hospital of San Giovanni. Definitive approval in 1827. They have 12 houses, all in Italy.
111. SISTERS OF THE LOVE OF GOD (Zamora). – Founded in 1864 in Zamora by Canon Girolamo Mariano Usera y Alarcón. Purpose: teaching children, assisting the poor sick and the elderly, and serving in seminaries and ecclesiastical colleges. Decree of praise and temporary approval of the Constitutions in 1938. There are approximately 300 sisters in 20 houses (Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., Z, 74).
112. SISTERS OF THE NATIVITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN (Versailles). – Founded in 1818 by Anna Périer. Purpose: education of girls. They now number 66 sisters.
113. SISTERS OF THE NATIVITY OF OUR LORD OF THE THIRD ORDER OF SAINT FRANCIS (Barcelona). – Originally an "Association of Ladies," founded in Barcelona in 1731 by Dr. Dender to provide soup to the sick in hospitals, later to serve the sick at home. In 1856, the association became a religious Institute, aggregated to the Franciscan Order in 1907. Decree of praise and temporary approval of the Constitutions in 1909. They number 238 sisters with 25 houses (Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., B, 75).
114. SISTERS OF THE NATIVITY OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST (Ventimiglia). – Founded in 1813 in Crest (diocese of Valence, France) by Fr. Bartolomeo Enfantin and Giovanna di Croquoison de la Cour de Fiel. Purpose: education of girls of all social classes, but especially the poorest, through nurseries, boarding schools, orphanages, workshops, etc. Decree of praise in 1855; temporary approval of the Constitutions in 1874, definitive in 1888, revised according to the Codex Iuris Canonici in 1933. They number 200 sisters in 12 houses in Italy, France, and England. The General House is in Ventimiglia (Arch. d. Casa gener.).
115. SISTERS OF THE GUARDIAN ANGEL (Madrid). – Founded in Tuillan (diocese of Carcassonne) in 1839 by Fr. Luigi Ormières. Purpose: education of girls, especially of the working class, and care of the poor sick at home and in hospitals. Decree of praise in 1895; temporary approval of the Constitutions in 1934, definitive in 1942. They number 321 sisters in 30 houses (Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., M, 58).
116. SISTERS OF PENANCE OF THE THIRD ORDER OF SAINT FRANCIS (Pasto). – Originating from the monastery of Franciscan Tertiaries of Altstetten, called by the bishop of Puerto Viejo in Ecuador, then moving to Colombia and adopting an active life. Purpose: perpetual adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, education of young women, and care of the sick in hospitals. Decree of praise and temporary approval of the Constitutions in 1922. They have 35 houses with 340 sisters (Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., P, 81).
118. SISTERS OF THE CATHOLIC APOSTOLATE (Pallottines). – Title of various Institutes that arose according to the needs of places and times, following more or less faithfully the rules PALLOTTA, ANTONIO (v.). Some are congregations, others secular institutes. The two main congregations are:
1. Roman Branch. – Founded in 1843 by the Blessed Pallotti in Rome. Until 1905, it was a congregation without vows. Purpose: the education of young women, cooperation in Catholic Action, and charitable works. It is spread across Italy, the United States, Brazil, and Argentina. There are 426 sisters in 53 houses ([M. Raimondi], La Congregazione delle S. dell'Apostolato Cat-
General Motherhouse of the Sisters of the Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ – Rome.
119. SISTERS OF THE APOSTOLATE OF THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS, called SISTERS OF THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS OF HAVANA (Havana). – Founded in Havana (Cuba) in 1891 by five devout promoters of the Apostleship of Prayer. Purpose: education of youth and propagation of devotion to the Sacred Heart. Decree of praise in 1908, temporary approval of the Constitutions in 1912. They number 150 sisters in 11 houses (Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., A, 35).
120. SISTERS OF THE PRESENTATION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN. – Originated in Cork (Ireland) in 1775 through the work of Nano (Honoria) Nagle. Purpose: care of poor and abandoned youth through schools and nurseries. Pius VII approved the Institute in 1791; in 1800, the Constitutions were approved, and the Institute was elevated to a regular Order with solemn vows and papal enclosure. Temporary approval of the new Constitutions in 1924, definitive in 1934. Over the years, houses in other regions separated from the original foundation and formed new independent institutions with their own superior generals: KILDARE (1932) with 183 sisters in 16 houses; MADRAS (1921) with 121 sisters and 12 houses; DUBUQUE (1875) with 167 sisters and 70 houses; KERRY (1932) with 237 sisters; MELBOURNE (1889) with 235 sisters and 26 houses; SAN FRANCISCO (1888) with 147 sisters and 12 houses; SIOUX FALLS (1890) with 235 sisters and 28 houses (Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., D, 11).
121. SISTERS OF THE PRESENTATION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY (Viviers). – Founded in 1796 in Montpézat by the Venerable Maria Rivier. Purpose: teaching and other works of spiritual and material assistance. Decree of praise in 1836. General motherhouse in Bourg-St-Andéol (diocese of Viviers). They number 1,791 sisters in 105 houses in France and America (Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., V, 66).
122. SISTERS OF THE PRESENTATION OF OUR LADY OF CASTRES (Albi). – Founded in Castres (diocese of Albi) in 1760 by Monsignor Jean Sébastien de Bassal as a religious association; later erected into a true religious Congregation with vows in 1840. Purpose: education of girls and care of the sick. Decree of praise in 1855; definitive approval in 1861. They number 90 sisters in 10 houses (Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., A, 10).
123. SISTERS OF PROVIDENCE (Gap). – A Congregation derived from a colony of Sisters of Providence of Portieux, invited in 1823 to Plan de Vitrolle (diocese of Gap), established as an autonomous Institute in 1838, and as a true Congregation with vows in 1843. Purpose: education of girls and assistance to poor sick. They number 622 sisters.
124. SISTERS OF PROVIDENCE (Gorizia). – Founded in Udine in 1845 by the Oratorian Luigi Scrosoppi. Purpose: exercise of charity toward one’s neighbor. Decree of praise in 1862; temporary approval of the Constitutions in 1871, definitive in 1891. They number 1,212 sisters in 85 houses, in Italy, Brazil, and Paraguay. General motherhouse in Gorizia (Arch. d. Casa general.; P. Colombara, Un apostolo della Carità. P. Luigi Scrosoppi, Bergamo 1929).
125. SISTERS OF PROVIDENCE (Langres). – Founded in Langres in 1802 by Abbé Leclerc and Mademoiselle Roger. They experienced remarkable growth and by 1900 numbered 700 sisters in 214 houses; however, the subversive laws of 1901–1903 led to the closure of many houses and the secularization of many sisters. Purpose: education of youth and care of the poor and sick in hospitals and at home. Decree of praise in 1844, definitive approval in 1858. They number 160 sisters in 37 houses (Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., L, 6).
126. SISTERS OF PROVIDENCE (Le Mans). – Founded in La Flèche (diocese of Le Mans) in 1804 by Mademoiselle Francesca Jamin, first as a religious association, which was later erected in 1828 into a true Congregation with vows. Purpose: education of girls and assistance to the poor and sick. They number 156 sisters.
127. SISTERS OF PROVIDENCE (Santiago, Chile). – Derived from a colony of Sisters of Providence of Montréal (Canada) who moved to Santiago, Chile, in 1853, and established themselves as an independent Institute in 1855. Purpose: education of youth and spiritual and temporal charitable activities. They number 151 sisters.
128. SISTERS OF PROVIDENCE (Troyes). – Founded in 1819 in Pargue (diocese of Troyes) by Abbé Boigegrain, transferred to Troyes in 1835. Purpose: instruction of youth and care of poor sick, especially in rural areas. Approval of the Institute in 1870. They number 88 sisters in 11 houses (Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., T, 14).
129. SISTERS OF PROVIDENCE OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION (Namur). – Founded in Namur in 1833 by Canon J. B. Viktor. Purpose: education of youth in schools, nurseries, and orphanages; assistance to the sick and prisoners. They number 1,479 sisters.
130. SISTERS OF PROVIDENCE OF PORTIEUX (St-Dié). – Founded in 1762 in Portieux (diocese of St-Dié) by the Venerable Jean Martin Moyé. Purpose: Christian education and care of poor sick, especially in rural areas. Decree of praise in 1859, temporary approval of the Constitutions in 1922, definitive in 1930. They number 1,663 sisters in approximately 214 houses (cf. Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., D, 22).
131. SISTERS OF PROVIDENCE OF ST-JEAN DE BASSEL (Metz). – Founded in St-Jean in 1762 by the Venerable Jean Martin Moyé; after the dispersion caused by the French Revolution, they reorganized in 1827, not only in Portieux but also in St-Jean de Bassel, though as an independent Institute. Purpose: education of youth, especially in rural areas, and care of the sick. Decree of praise and temporary approval of the Constitutions in 1931. They number 1,500 sisters in 300 houses (Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., M, 110).
132. SISTERS OF PROVIDENCE FOR ABANDONED CHILDHOOD (Piacenza). – Founded in 1921 in Piacenza by Monsignor Francesco Torta. Purpose: care and education of needy children. Decree of praise and temporary approval of the Constitutions in 1945. They number 130 sisters in 10 houses in Italy. General motherhouse in Piacenza (Arch. d. Casa gener.).
133. SISTERS OF THE PURITY OF MOST HOLY MARY (Majorca). – Founded in 1809 in Majorca by Bishop Monsignor Bernardo Nadal. Purpose: education of youth and social apostolate for women, especially workers. Decree of praise in 1901; definitive approval in 1925. They number 200 sisters in 20 houses (Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., M, 67).
134. SISTERS OF REPARATION (Milan): V. REPARATRICES OF THE SACRED HEARTS OF JESUS AND MARY.
135. SISTERS OF THE RESURRECTION OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST (Rome). – Founded in Rome in 1891 by the Servants of God Celina Chludzinska, widow Borzecka, and her daughter Hedwig. Purpose: education of youth, parish works, schools of all levels, and care of the sick in hospitals. Decree of praise in 1905, definitive approval of the Institute and Constitutions in 1923. They number approximately 1,000 sisters in 62 houses, in Italy, Europe, America, and Australia. General motherhouse in Rome (Arch. d. Casa gener.; cf. T. Kalkstein, Madre Celina Borzecka, Warsaw 1939, Italian ed., Rome 1941; id., Madre Edvige Borzecka, Warsaw 1939, Italian ed., Rome 1942).
136. SISTERS OF THE REUNION OF THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS (Bordeaux). – Founded in 1790 in Bordeaux by some devout women, in reparation for the outrages committed against the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Purpose: propagation of devotion to the Sacred Heart, education of girls, boarding houses for ladies. Approved by Pius VII in 1829 and by Pius IX in 1875. They number 98 sisters in 8 houses (Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., B, 33).
137. SISTERS OF THE HOLY FAMILY (Verona): V. LITTLE SISTERS OF THE HOLY FAMILY.
138. SISTERS OF THE HOLY FAMILY (Sherbrooke): V. LITTLE SISTERS OF THE HOLY FAMILY.
139. S. DELLA SACRA FAMIGLIA (Bergamo). - Founded in Comonte (diocese of Bergamo) in 1856 by the blessed Paola Elisabetta Cerioli, widow Buzzecchi Tossis. Purpose: to train orphans of peasant farmers in agricultural work, through schools and boarding facilities. The work is supported by the religious of the Holy Family, founded in Villecampagna di Soncino in 1865 by the same Blessed. Decree of praise in 1896, definitive approval in 1902. They number 292 sisters (cf. Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., B, 56; E. Federici, Suor Paola E. Cerioli, Comonte 1948).
140. S. DELLA SACRA FAMIGLIA (Bordeaux). - Founded in Bordeaux in 1820 by the servant of God Pierre-Bienvenu Noailles and approved by the Holy See in 1831. Initially, it consisted of seven distinct congregations, differing in habit and duties, bound only by a common rule. Decree of praise in 1841; temporary approval of the Constitutions in 1902. In 1903, when they received definitive approval, the seven original branches were reduced to four: Sisters of St. Joseph, Sisters of the Immaculate Conception, Sisters of Hope, and Missionary Sisters. They number 4,500 sisters in 260 houses in Italy and abroad (Arch. d. Casa gener.).
141. S. DELLA SACRA FAMIGLIA (Spoleto). - Founded in Cannaïola di Trevi (diocese of Spoleto) in 1888 by Monsignor Pietro Bonilli. Purpose: education of youth, especially the blind, deaf-mute, and orphans; care for the sick. Decree of praise in 1911; temporary approval of the Constitutions in 1932, definitive in 1941. They number 672 sisters in 115 houses in Italy and in Cyrenaica. General house in Spoleto (Arch. d. Casa general.).
142. S. DELLA SACRA FAMIGLIA (Verona). - Founded in Verona in 1816 by Leopoldina Naudet. Purpose: Christian education of young women. Definitive approval of the Constitutions in 1948. They number approximately 100 sisters in 23 houses (cf. Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., V, 7).
143. S. DELLA SACRA FAMIGLIA DEL SACRO CUORE (Paris). - Founded in Annecy in 1889 by Father Luigi Stefano Rabussier and Sister Maria Ignazia Melin. Purpose: catechetical apostolate in parishes. Decree of praise and temporary approval of the Constitutions in 1907, definitive in 1928 (cf. F. Casolini, Profilo della madre I. Melin, Roma 1947).
144. S. DELLA SACRA FAMIGLIA DEL TERZ'ORDINE DI SAN FRANCESCO, ISTITUTO «LEGA» (Modigliana). - Fo-
(courtesy of the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth)
Sisters - Mother Maria of Jesus the Good Shepherd Francesca Siedliska, foundress of the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth.
145. SISTERS OF THE HOLY FAMILY OF HELMET (Malines)
Founded in 1856 in Thielt (diocese of Bruges, Belgium) by some pious women, who later transferred the motherhouse to Helmet (diocese of Malines). Purpose: Christian education of young women. Decree of praise and temporary approval of the Constitutions in 1904, definitive in 1926. There are 120 sisters in 8 houses (Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., M, 47).146. SISTERS OF THE HOLY FAMILY OF NAZARETH (Rome)
Founded in Rome in 1875 by Francesca Siedliska. Purpose: reparation, works of charity in favor of abandoned children in hospitals and orphanages, education of youth in boarding schools, schools, kindergartens, etc. Decree of praise in 1896, temporary approval of the Constitutions in 1909, definitive in 1923. There are 2194 sisters with 126 houses in Italy, Europe, the United States, and Australia (cf. V. CAMISARDI, Francesca Siedliska, Roma 1903; anon., La Congr. delle S. F. di N. nel primo novantennio, Roma 1925).147. SISTERS OF THE HOLY FAMILY OF OUR LADY OF DELIVERANCE (Bayeux)
Founded in 1850 in Délivrance (diocese of Bayeux) by Fr. Saulet. Purpose: Christian formation and protection of young women, especially workers. Decree of praise in 1899; definitive approval of the Institute and the Constitutions in 1928. There are 10 houses with 150 sisters (Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., B, 58).148. SISTERS OF THE HOLY FAMILY OF VILLEFRANCHE (Rodez)
Founded in 1816 in Villefranche (diocese of Rodez) by St. Emilia de Rodat. Purpose: Christian instruction of the poor and assistance to orphans and the sick. Decree of praise in 1869, definitive approval of the Constitutions in 1875. There are 1250 sisters in 120 houses (Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., R, 20).149. SISTERS OF THE HOLY CROSS (Fort Wayne)
Derived from a colony of the Sisters of the Holy Cross, founded in Le Mans in 1841 by Fr. Basilio Moreau, who moved to the United States in 1843 and became an independent Congregation in 1869 through the intervention of the bishop of Fort Wayne. SUORE - S. Emilia de Rodat, foundress of the S. della S. Famiglia di Villefranche. Painting by Vauchelet - Villefranche-de-Rouergue, Mother House of the S. della S. Famiglia.Purpose: education of youth in schools, colleges, orphanages, and care for the sick in hospitals. They number 1,268 sisters.
150. S. DELLA SANTA CROCE DEL TERZ'ORDINE DI SAN FRANCESCO D'INGENBOHL (Chur). - Founded in 1844 in Altdorf (diocese of Chur, Switzerland) by Fr. Theodosius Florentini. Purpose: religious instruction and assistance to the poor and the sick. In 1856, it divided into two branches: 1) that of METZINGER; 2) that of INGENBOHL. The latter received pontifical approval in 1862. It numbers over 11,000 sisters in 1,500 houses divided into 12 religious provinces (cf. M. C. Rutischauer, M. Teresa Scherer, Rome 1941).
152. S. DELLA SANTA INFANZIA (Digne): V. DOTTRINA CRISTIANA.
153. S. DELLA SANTA INFANZIA DI GESÙ E MARIA (Metz). - Founded in Metz in 1807 by Bishop Mons. Jauffret and Madame Méyanès. Purpose: to restore religious principles in France and to carry out works of spiritual and corporal charity. Decree of praise in 1857, definitive approval of the Constitutions in 1888. They number approximately 1,000 sisters in 53 houses (Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., M, 49).
154. S. DELLA SANTA UMILTÀ DI MARIA (Davenport). - Founded in Dommartin-sous-Amance (France) in 1855 by Fr. Giovanni Giuseppe Begal and transferred to Ottumwa, Iowa (diocese of Davenport, United States) in 1877. Purpose: instruction of youth and care for the sick in hospitals. Decree of praise in 1931; definitive approval of the Constitutions in 1944. They number 220 sisters in 30 houses (Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., D, 16).
155. S. DELLA SANTA VERGINE (Bois-le-Duc). - Also called S. di Gesù, Maria e Giuseppe, founded in Engelen (diocese of Bois-le-Duc) in 1822 as the "Institute of Christian Pedagogy." Purpose: education of youth through colleges and schools, works of charity through hospitals, dispensaries, homes for the elderly, visiting the sick at home, and missionary work. Definitive approval of the Constitutions in 1925. They number 2,306 sisters in 83 houses (Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., B, 98).
156. S. DELLA SANTISSIMA CROCE E PASSIONE (Salford). - Founded in 1851 in the diocese of Salford (England) by some pious women devoted to St. Paul of the Cross. Purpose: apostolate, especially in industrial areas and among factories; assistance to young working women. Approval of the Constitutions by the Sacred Congregation of Propaganda in 1887. They number 550 sisters in 50 houses (Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., S, 38).
157. S. DELLA SANTISSIMA PASSIONE E DI MARIA IMMACOLATA (Mexico). - Founded in Mexico City in 1895 by the Passionist Fr. Diego di S. Francesco. Purpose: to promote devotion to the Passion of Jesus, education of girls, and service in colleges. Decree of praise and temporary approval of the Constitutions in 1941. They number 20 houses with 150 sisters (Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., M, 140).
158. S. DELLA SANTISSIMA TRINITÀ (Madrid). - The Institute, established in Italy at the beginning of the 19th century and approved by the Holy See in 1828, spread widely in Spain, where it formed an autonomous congregation. Purpose: education of poor and ignorant girls. Definitive approval of the Institute and the Constitutions in 1900. They number approximately 22 houses with 130 sisters (Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., V, 110).
159. S. DELLA SANTISSIMA TRINITÀ (Valence). - Founded in Lyon in 1659 by Abbot de Morange, with the mother house in Valence since 1685, and reconstituted in 1824. Purpose: education of girls and care for the sick in civilian and military hospitals. They now number 936 sisters.
160. S. DELL'ASSUNZIONE (AGOSTINIANE DELL'ASSUNZIONE) (Liège). - Founded in Paris in 1839 by Anna Eugenia Milleret de Brou. Purpose: female education: boarding schools, orphanages, schools of all levels, retreats. Active and contemplative life together, nourished by liturgical prayer and Eucharistic worship. Decree of praise in 1855, temporary approval of the Constitutions in 1888, definitive in 1920. They number approximately 1,000 sisters in 37 houses (cf. anon., Une fondatrice de Congr. Relig., M. Marie Eugénie de Jésus, St-Étienne 1922).
161. S. DELL'ASSUNZIONE DELLA SANTA VERGINE (Nicolet). - Founded in 1853 in St. Grégoire de Nicolet (Canada) by parish priest Giovanni Harper and four young women of the parish: Leocadia Bourgeois, Giulia Héon, Matilde Leduc, Edvige Buisson. Purpose: Christian education of girls in schools and colleges. They number 1,234 sisters.
162. S. DELLA VERGINE FEDELE (Congregation of Our Lady of Charity of the Orphan Girls) (Bayeux). - Founded in La Délivrance (diocese of Bayeux) in 1831 by Countess Enrichetta de la Forestier d'Asseville. Purpose: to gather and educate poor girls in orphanages, boarding schools, youth clubs, and care facilities. Decree of praise in 1870, approval of the Institute and temporary approval of the Constitutions in 1890, definitive in 1904. They number 200 sisters in 12 houses (cf. A. Raimbert, Guide de vocat. relig., II, Paris 1924, pp. 500-505).
163. S. DELL'EDUCAZIONE CRISTIANA (Tournai). - Founded in 1817 in St-André d'Echauffour (diocese of Séez, France) by Fr. Luigi Martin Lafosse. Purpose: religious and civil formation of youth. The mother house was moved to Tournai. Decree of praise in 1893; definitive approval of the Institute and the Constitutions in 1921. They number 565 sisters in 32 houses (cf. A. Raimbert, Guide de vocation relig., II, Paris 1924, pp. 463-69).
164. S. DELLE POVERELLE (Bergamo). - Founded in Bergamo in 1869 by Fr. Luigi Palazzolo and Teresa Gabrielli. Purpose: care for orphans, the elderly, the sick, and the mentally disabled; assistance to emigrants; vocational schools, nurseries, and youth clubs. Decree of praise and temporary approval of the Constitutions in 1912, definitive in 1919. They number 1,202 sisters in 203 houses in Italy, France, Belgium, Switzerland, Luxembourg, and the Belgian Congo. General house in Bergamo (Arch. d. Casa general.; G. Belloli, Don L. M. Palazzolo, Bergamo 1936; L. Frigeni, Vita di S. M. T. Gabrieli, ibid. 1928).
165. S. DELLE SCUOLE CRISTIANE DELLA MISERICORDIA (St-Sauveur le Vicomte). - Founded in Cherbourg in 1806 by St. Maria Maddalena Postel, with the mother house in St-Sauveur le Vicomte (diocese of Coutances) since 1832. Institute parallel to that of the Fratelli delle Scuole Cristiane, following the same rules. Purpose: Christian instruction of young women through nurseries, schools of all levels, orphanages, boarding schools, and workshops. Definitive approval in 1901.
166. S. DELLE SCUOLE DEL TERZ'ORDINE DI SAN FRANCESCO D'ASSISI: V. INSEGNANTI.
167. S. DELLE SCUOLE DI NOSTRA SIGNORA (Budweis): V. POVERTÀ. DELLE SCUOLE DI NOSTRA SIGNORA (Budweis).
168. S. DELLE SCUOLE DI NOSTRA SIGNORA (Monaco): V. POVERTÀ. DELLE SCUOLE DI NOSTRA SIGNORA (Monaco).
169. S. DELL'ESPIAZIONE (ATONEMENT) (New York). - Founded in Graymoor (New York) on October 3, 1909, by Laurana Maria White, a convert from Anglicanism and former superior of an Anglican monastery. Purpose: to work for the conversion of the infidels and the reunion of Protestants with the Catholic Church. In 1921, affiliated with the Franciscan Order. Decree of praise in 1935. They number 125 houses (cf. anon., The Graymorian, Graymoor 1925; Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., N, 34).
170. S. DELL'IMMACOLATA (Genoa). - Founded in Genoa in 1876 by Fr. Agostino Roscelli. Purpose: instruction and religious formation of youth. Decree of praise in 1913, approval of the Institute and the Constitutions in 1942. They number 75 houses with 550 sisters (Arch. d. Congr. d. Relig., G, 38).
171. SISTERS OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION (Annecy)
Founded in Annecy in 1855 by Sister Maria de Mallient. Purpose: initially for the care of young Black girls, later for the instruction and religious formation of youth. Decree of praise in 1873; temporary approval of the Constitutions in 1883, definitive in 1926. They number 105 sisters with 14 houses (Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., A. 51).172. SISTERS OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION (Poitiers)
Founded in Niort (diocese of Poitiers) in 1854 by Fr. Francesco Donaziano Pécot. Purpose: education of youth and care for the sick. Decree of praise in 1879, approval of the Institute and Constitutions in 1902. They number 275 sisters with 19 houses (Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., P. 36).173. SISTERS OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION (São Paulo)
Founded in 1890 in Vigolo (State of Santa Catarina, Brazil) by the young Tyrolean Amabile Wisenmeister, under the guidance of the Jesuit Luigi M. Rossi. In 1895, they were established as an autonomous Congregation with their own Constitutions by the bishop of Paraná. Purpose: initially, the care of lepers; from 1895, the care of the sick and orphans. Decree of praise in 1933. They number 298 sisters in 40 houses, with the motherhouse in São Paulo (Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., P. 103).174. SISTERS OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION OF THE HOLY VIRGIN AND OF SAINT FRANCIS OF ASSISI (Veghel)
Founded in Veghel (diocese of Bois-le-Duc, Holland). Purpose: instruction of youth and care for the sick. Approval of the Constitutions in 1870. They number 36 houses with 1025 sisters (Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., B. 95).175. SISTERS OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION OF OUR LADY OF LOURDES (Monreale)
Founded in Cinisi (diocese of Monreale) by Carolina Santocanale. Purpose: education of youth in schools, workshops, and university boarding houses; hospital care. Decree of praise in 1942. They number 20 houses with 200 sisters (Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., M. 151).176. SISTERS OF THE IMMACULATE VIRGIN MARY (Breslau): V. POOR SISTERS OF THE IMMACULATE VIRGIN MARY.
177. SISTERS OF THE WORKER (Lille): V. LITTLE SISTERS OF THE WORKER.
178. SISTERS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT (Ariano Irpino)
Founded in Ariano Irpino in 1877 by Bishop Mons. Francesco Trotta and Mother Ernestina Giuseppina Arcucci. They derive from an ancient monastery of Benedictine Cassinese nuns, suppressed by the confiscatory laws of 1866, who later requested and obtained to be transformed into a Congregation of active life. Purpose: to promote the cult of the Holy Spirit; instruction through kindergartens and schools; assistance in orphanages, hospices, asylums, clinics, hospitals, and outpatient clinics. They number 120 sisters in 17 houses in Italy. General motherhouse in Ariano Irpino (Arch. d. Casa general.).179. SISTERS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT (Trier)
Founded in Marienhof (diocese of Trier) in 1857 by Fr. Filippo De Lorenzi. Purpose: care for the sick, including contagious patients, in hospitals and at home; care for orphans; instruction of girls in feminine work and for the direction of kindergartens. Decree of praise in 1910, definitive approval of the Constitutions in 1929. They number 643 sisters in 48 houses (Arch. d. Congr. d. Relig., T. 48).180. SISTERS OF THE PATRONAGE OF SAINT JOSEPH (Perugia)
Founded in Rome in 1884 by Mother Josepha Le Dieu de la Ruandière. Purpose: education and assistance of poor and abandoned children. Decree of praise in 1908, temporary approval of the Constitutions in 1923, definitive in 1933. They number 618 sisters in 70 houses. General motherhouse in Perugia (Arch. d. Casa general.).181. SISTERS OF THE POOR CHILD JESUS (Ruremonda)
Founded in Aachen, first as a pious association in 1837, then as a true religious Congregation in 1848 by Clara Pey. Purpose: instruction of children and youth in kindergartens, boarding schools, orphanages, elementary, middle, and high schools; definitive approval in 1888. They number 2066 sisters.182. SISTERS OF THE MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD (Cincinnati)
Founded in Graubünden (Switzerland) around 1835 by the widow Anna Maria Brunner and her son, Fr. Francesco. Purpose: to propagate devotion to the Most Precious Blood of Jesus; care for the poor, the sick, and abandoned girls. In 1850, the Institute moved to America. Approval of the Institute and decree of praise in 1936. They number 620 sisters in approximately 60 houses (Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., C. 107).183. SISTERS OF THE MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD OF MONZA (Milan)
Founded in Monza in 1876 by Maria Bucchi and several of her companions, who joined the Canossian Sisters and were constituted by the superior into a group of Canossian Tertiaries. After 20 years, they became an autonomous congregation with the current title. Purpose: education of girls in boarding schools, public and private schools, day and evening vocational schools, summer colonies, and retreats. Decree of praise in 1942, temporary approval of the Constitutions in 1934, definitive in 1942. They number 550 sisters in 82 houses in Italy, Switzerland, and Brazil. General motherhouse in Monza (Arch. d. Casa general.).184. SISTERS OF THE PUREST HEART OF MARY (Portalegre)
Founded in 1843 in Vienna by M. Barbara Maix and transferred by her to Brazil in 1848, where the motherhouse of Portalegre was established. Purpose: education of youth, especially orphans. They number 311 sisters.185. SISTERS OF THE RETREAT (Vannes): V. DAUGHTERS OF THE HOLY VIRGIN "SISTERS OF THE RETREAT" (Vannes).
186. SISTERS OF THE ROSARY OF JERUSALEM (Jerusalem)
Founded in 1880 by Fr. D. Tannus of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem. Purpose: to assist the priests of the patriarchate in parishes and missions, also through schools, boarding schools, and orphanages. They number over 100 sisters in approximately 25 houses.187. SISTERS OF THE SACRED HEART OF THE INCARNATE WORD (Rome)
Founded in Palermo in 1884 by Sister Carmela di Gesù (Francesca Paola Prestigiacomo). Purpose: instruction and education of young women: boarding schools,(Courtesy of the Superior General)
SISTERS - Leper hospital entrusted to the Sisters of the Holy Spirit - Abung-Uband (Cameroon).
boarding schools, orphanages, schools, etc. Decree of praise in 1901, definitive approval of the Constitutions in 1941. There are 19 houses with 298 sisters (Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., P, 56).
189. SISTERS OF THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS OF HAVANA (Havana): V. SISTERS OF THE APOSTOLATE OF THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS CALLED SISTERS OF THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS OF HAVANA.
190. SISTERS OF THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS OF RAGUSA (Syracuse)
Founded in Ragusa in 1889 by Sister Maria Schininà. Purpose: assistance to youth in orphanages, schools, workshops, nurseries, etc.; shelters for the disabled and hospitals. Decree of praise and temporary approval of the Constitutions in 1936, definitive in 1946. They number 354 sisters in 40 houses, all in Italy. General house in Ragusa (Arch. d. Casa general.).191. SISTERS OF THE SACRED HEART OF MARY IMMACULATE (Montpellier)
Founded in 1831 in Béziers (diocese of Montpellier) by Abbé J. Gailhac, to which new life was given in 1849 by the widow Curé. Purpose: education of youth in boarding schools, orphanages, schools, etc. They number 950 sisters in approximately 50 houses (Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., M, 30).192. SISTERS OF THE SAVIOUR AND OF THE HOLY VIRGIN (Limoges)
Founded in La Souterraine-Creuse (diocese of Limoges) in 1834 by Giuseppina du Bourg (in religion Mother Maria of Jesus). Purpose: education of young women in schools, workshops, and orphanages; care of the sick in clinics and hospitals. Decree of praise in 1872, approval of the Institute and temporary approval of the Constitutions in 1891, definitive in 1904. They number 273 sisters in 27 houses (Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., L, 31).193. SISTERS OF THE MOST HOLY CHILD JESUS AND OF THE HOLY FAMILY (Palermo)
Congregation formed in 1931 by the union of the "Collegi di Maria" of Sicily (almost all founded in the 1700s) through the work of His Eminence Cardinal Luigi Lavitrano, Archbishop of Palermo. Purpose: education of girls. Decree of praise and temporary approval of the Constitutions in 1934, definitive in 1944. They number 930 sisters in 45 houses in Italy. The general house is in Palermo (Arch. d. Casa gener.).194. SISTERS OF THE MOST BLESSED SACRAMENT (Autun)
Founded in Mâcon in 1732 by Fr. Luigi Agut. Purpose: care of the sick and education of youth. Decree of praise in 1914; definitive approval of the Institute in 1918 and of the Constitutions in 1919. They number 51 houses with 210 sisters (Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., A, 44).195. SISTERS OF THE MOST BLESSED SACRAMENT (Budweis)
Founded in 1887 in Budweis by C. M. Sebasta. Purpose: education of youth, care of the sick and the poor. Decree of praise in 1933, definitive approval of the Constitutions in 1948. They number 10 houses with 120 sisters (Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., B, 127).196. SISTERS OF THE MOST BLESSED SACRAMENT (Lafayette)
Sisters originally belonging to the Congregation of Perpetual Adoration founded in Paris in 1658 by the Servant of God Catherine de Bar, who moved to Louisiana (United States) in 1827 and established themselves as an autonomous Congregation in Lafayette (diocese of New Orleans) in 1892 under the present title. Purpose: education of youth in colleges, schools, academies. Decree of praise in 1928, definitive approval of the Constitutions in 1935. They number 13 houses with 190 sisters (Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., L, 79).197. SISTERS OF THE MOST BLESSED SACRAMENT (Valence)
Founded in 1815 in Romans (diocese of Valence) by Fr. Vigne. Purpose: adoration of the Most Blessed Sacrament, Christian education of girls, and assistance to the poor and the sick. Decree of praise in 1863, definitive approval of the Constitutions in 1885. They number 21 houses with 180 sisters (Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., V, 18).198. SISTERS OF THE MOST BLESSED SACRAMENT AND OF CHARITY (Bourges)
Founded in Bourges in 1662 by Fr. Antoine Moreau. Purpose: education of youth. Decree of praise in 1863; aggregated to the Augustinian Order in 1730. They number 204 sisters in 35 houses (Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., B, 17).199. SISTERS OF THE MOST BLESSED SACRAMENT FOR INDIANS AND NEGROES (Philadelphia)
Founded at the end of the 19th century. Purpose: from the beginning, they had a particular missionary character, working to spread the Catholic faith among the Indians and Negroes of America. Decree of praise in 1897, approval of the Institute and of the Constitutions in 1907. They number 45 houses with 450 sisters (Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., F, 19).200. SISTERS OF THE MOST HOLY SAVIOUR (Strasbourg)
Founded in 1849 in Niederbronn (diocese of Strasbourg) by Elisabeth Springer. Purpose: assistance to poor sick people in hospitals and at home. Decree of praise in 1924. They number 5,300 sisters in 686 houses, divided into 5 religious provinces (Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., S, 4).201. SISTERS OF THE MOST HOLY SAVIOUR OF SAINT BRIDGET (Rome)
Founded in Rome in 1911 by Maria Elisabetta Hesselblod, adopting the ancient Rule and reviving with modern adaptations the Order of the Most Holy Saviour founded by St. Bridget around 1340. Purpose: contemplative life for the conversion of non-Catholics. Decree of praise in 1940. They number 171 sisters in 7 houses (Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., R, 88).202. SISTERS OF THE HOLY CHILD JESUS AND OF SAINT MAURUS (Paris)
Founded in 1662 in Paris by Fr. Nicolas Barré of the Minims as an association of lay teachers (since institutes of sisters without enclosure were not yet admitted) and established as a religious Congregation in 1866. Purpose: instruction of the children of the people in schools of every kind. They number over 3,000 sisters in 61 houses (cf. H. de Grezes, Hist. de l'Inst. des Ecoles charitables du St-Enfant Jésus, Paris 1894; anon., Congr. des Soeurs du St-Enfant Jésus, dites Dames de St-Maur, Lyon 1950).203. SISTERS OF THE HOLY NAME OF JESUS (Warsaw)
Founded in 1887 in Nowa Miasto (diocese of Warsaw) by Francesca Witkowska. Purpose: assistance to female factory workers with schools, family homes, nurseries, dormitories, etc. Decree of praise in 1923. They now number, after the political events of the war, 215 sisters in 16 houses (Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., V, 84).204. SISTERS OF THE HOLY NAME OF JESUS OF THE THIRD ORDER OF SAINT DOMINIC (Toulouse)
Founded in Toulouse in 1804 by a nun from a suppressed institute, approved by the Holy See in 1870 and affiliated to the Third Order of Saint Dominic in 1886. Purpose: education of young women. They number 8 houses with 180 sisters (Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., T, 15).205. SISTERS OF THE THIRD ORDER OF SAINT DOMINIC: V. NANCY.
206. SISTERS OF THE THIRD ORDER OF SAINT DOMINIC OF THE CONGREGATION OF SAINT CATHERINE OF SIENA (Louisville)
Founded in 1822 in Louisville by Fr. Thomas Wilson, O.P. Purpose: instruction and education of youth. Decree of praise in 1915. They number 68 houses with 700 sisters (Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., L, 62).207. SISTERS OF THE THIRD ORDER OF SAINT FRANCIS (Peoria)
Founded in the diocese of Saint-Louis (Missouri) in 1888 by Sister Maria Pacifica Forrestal, of the Institute of Franciscan Tertiaries of Dubuque. Purpose: care of children, orphans, and the elderly. Decree of praise and pontifical approval in 1934. They number 367 sisters in 12 houses (Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., P, 9).208. SISTERS OF THE THIRD ORDER OF SAINT FRANCIS (Pittsburgh)
Sisters originally from the Institute of Tertiary Sisters, founded in Philadelphia in 1855 by the bishop, who, having moved to Pittsburgh, established themselves as an autonomous Congregation. Purpose: instruction of youth, assistance to the sick and the elderly in shelters. Definitive approval of the Constitutions in 1890. They number 32 houses with 611 sisters (Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., P, 73).BIBL.:
For general information on religious congregations of women, see the works cited under Religiose, Congregazioni di and Monache; for individual congregations, the respective entries in this Encyclopedia. For historical and canonical aspects, see also: Heimbucher, Die Orden und Kongregationen der kath. Kirche, Paderborn 1933-34; Schaefer, De religiosis, Roma 1940; Creusen, Religieux et religieuses, Bruxelles 1940; Cocchi, Commentarium in Codicem iuris canonici, Roma 1938-40; Vermeersch-Creusen, Epitome iuris canonici, Roma 1949.
A. Mercati
209. SISTERS OF THE THIRD ORDER OF ST. FRANCIS OF CHRISTIAN CHARITY (Vienna). – Founded in Vienna in 1848 by a group of young women engaged in hospital service and enrolled in the Third Order of St. Francis. Purpose: care of the sick in hospitals and at home. Decree of praise in 1914; definitive approval of the Constitutions in 1934. There are 830 sisters in 17 houses (Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., V, 69).
210. SISTERS OF THE THIRD ORDER OF ST. FRANCIS OF PENANCE AND CHARITY (Milwaukee). – Founded in 1849 at St. Francis (Archdiocese of Milwaukee) by several young women who had emigrated to the United States from Germany. Purpose: education of children, including the blind, mute, and disabled. In 1900, they were aggregated to the Franciscan Third Order; decree of praise and approval of the Institute in 1911. There are 86 houses with 830 sisters (Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., M, 85).
211. SISTERS OF THE THIRD ORDER OF ST. FRANCIS OF DILLINGEN. – The monastery of Dillingen dates back to 1241, and the Sisters had a kind of conservatory there, though under papal enclosure. In 1446, the monastery was destroyed, but the Sisters rebuilt it and expanded their purpose, dedicating themselves to the education of youth without derogating from enclosure. They were released from enclosure after the Kulturkampf and thus able to expand elsewhere. Approval of the Constitutions in 1950 (Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., A, 85).
212. SISTERS OF THE THIRD ORDER OF ST. FRANCIS OF OLDENBURG (Indianapolis). – Founded in 1851 at Oldenburg (Archdiocese of Indianapolis) by Sister Maria Teresa Genoveffa Hackelmeier. Purpose: education of children and young girls in nurseries, orphanages, and parish schools. Decree of praise and temporary approval of the Constitutions in 1891, definitive in 1899. In 1898, the Institute was aggregated to the Order of Friars Minor. There are 93 houses with 842 sisters (Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., I, 8).
213. SISTERS OF THE THIRD ORDER OF ST. FRANCIS IN CLINTON (Davenport). – Founded in 1868 by the bishop of Louisville (Kentucky) with three young women first sent to the Franciscan Sisters of Oldenburg to initiate them into religious life. Purpose: Christian education of youth. In 1907, they were aggregated to the Third Order of St. Francis; decree of praise and temporary approval of the Constitutions in 1923; definitive in 1931. There are 273 sisters in 31 houses (Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., D, 14).
214. SISTERS OF THE THIRD ORDER OF ST. FRANCIS IN GLEN RIDDLE (Philadelphia). – Founded in 1855 at Glen Riddle (Pennsylvania, U.S.A.) by Monsignor Giovanni Nepomuceno Neumann, bishop of Philadelphia. Purpose: education of youth in schools of all levels and hospital work. Aggregation to the Third Order of St. Francis in 1914; approval of the Institute and Constitutions in 1907. There are 1,600 sisters in 123 houses, divided into 4 religious provinces (Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., F, 21).
215. SISTERS OF THE THIRD ORDER OF ST. FRANCIS UNDER THE TITLE OF ST. BERNARDINE OF SIENA (Reading, Philadelphia). – Founded in 1894 at Reading (Archdiocese of Philadelphia) by Sister Veronica Grzdowka of the Franciscan Sisters of Zakirin in Galicia, who had come to America. Purpose: education of youth in schools and orphanages; aggregation to the Third Order of St. Francis; decree of praise and temporary approval of the Constitutions in 1933, definitive in 1941. There are 800 sisters in 90 houses, divided into 3 provinces and 1 religious vice-province (Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., F, 34).
216. SISTERS OF THE REGULAR THIRD ORDER OF ST. FRANCIS (Augsburg). – Founded at Dillingen (Diocese of Augsburg) in 1241 by Count Hartmann IV of Dillingen-Kyburg and his son Hartmann V, bishop of Augsburg. Only in 1628 were they constituted as a regular Order; transformed into a religious Congregation in 1923. Purpose: education of youth in schools of all levels, direction of institutes, and care of the sick; since 1937, formation of teachers for Church service. Decree of praise in 1943. There are 2,334 sisters in 199 houses (M. Lioba Schreyer, Die Gesch. der Franziskanerinnen, Dillingen s. d.).
217. SISTERS OF THE REGULAR THIRD ORDER OF ST. FRANCIS OF THE CONGREGATION OF OUR LADY OF LOURDES (Winona). – Institute formed in 1877 by the Sisters of St. Francis of the Congregation of Mary Immaculate, existing in Minnesota, who separated from their original community and constituted an autonomous organism. Purpose: education of youth, care of orphans, and assistance to the sick. Decree of praise and definitive approval in 1912. There are 603 sisters with 55 houses (Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., V, 71).
218. SISTERS OF THE INCARNATE WORD AND OF THE MOST BLESSED SACRAMENT (Corpus Christi)
The Institute, as a Congregation of pontifical right, arose only in 1931 from the union of two monasteries of nuns of the Incarnate Word and of the Most Blessed Sacrament, existing in the Diocese of Corpus Christi. Purpose: education of youth and conversion of the infidels. There are 11 houses with 114 sisters (Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., C, 115).219. SISTERS OF CHARITY (Dublin)
Founded in Dublin in 1816 by Maria Aikenhead. Purpose: care of the sick and assistance to the poor. Definitive approval of the Institute and Constitutions in 1833. There are 560 sisters in 35 houses (Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., D, 18; anon., La rév. mère Mary Aikenhead, Tours 1927).220. SISTERS OF CHARITY (Leavenworth)
Founded in 1812 near Kansas City (Diocese of Leavenworth). Purpose: Catholic teaching and care of the sick and orphans. Decree of praise and approval of the Constitutions in 1915. There are 650 sisters in 72 houses (Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., L, 60).221. SISTERS OF CHARITY OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION OF IVREA (Ivrea)
Founded at Rivarolo Canavese (Diocese of Ivrea) in 1817 by the Servant of God Antonia Maria Verna. Purpose: education of girls and children in schools, boarding schools, and orphanages; assistance to the poor and the sick; other works of social assistance, including in missions. Decree of praise in 1901; temporary approval of the Constitutions in 1835, definitive in 1904. There are 2,500 sisters in 293 houses, in Italy and abroad. General house in Ivrea (Arch. d. Casa general.; A. Perotti, La vita e l'opera della serva di Dio, madre A. M. Verna, Firenze 1938).222. SISTERS OF CHARITY OF THE INCARNATE WORD (Galveston)
Founded in 1866 by Monsignor Dubuis, bishop of Galveston, and by three young women trained in religious life with the Sisters of the Incarnate Word of Lyon, who left for America in 1867. Purpose: care of the sick in hospitals. Decree of praise in 1912; definitive approval of the Constitutions in 1916. There are 21 houses with 475 religious (Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., G, 37).223. SISTERS OF CHARITY OF MARY IMMACULATE (St. John). – Founded in 1845 at St. John (Canada) by
(per cortesia della Superiore Generale)
SUORE - Church of the Sisters of Charity of Lovere.
224. SISTERS OF CHARITY OF OUR LADY OF GOOD AND PERPETUAL SUCCOUR (Rome)
Founded in Mauritius in 1850 by Carolina Lenferna de Laresle (in religion, Sister Maria Agostina). Purpose: education of youth through schools and boarding houses, care of the sick, especially in mission lands where they run several leprosaria. Decree of praise and temporary approval of the Constitutions in 1876, definitive in 1882. They number 550 sisters in 67 houses (anon., Cenni biografici di madre Maria Agostina, Rome 1902).225. SISTERS OF CHARITY OF SAINT CHARLES BORROMEO (Ruremonda)
Founded in Batavia (Maastricht, Holland) by Maria Elisabetta Gruyters in 1837. Purpose: works of assistance. Approved by the Sacred Congregation of Propaganda in 1856 and revised by the bishop of Ruremonda in 1897, the Constitutions received temporary approval in 1902, definitive in 1911. They number 1,895 sisters with 45 houses (Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., R, 52).226. SISTERS OF CHARITY OF SAINT BARTHOLOMEA CAPITANIO AND SAINT VINCENZA GEROSA (Brescia)
Founded by the two Saints in Lovere (diocese of Brescia) in 1832. They are also called Sisters of Maria Bambina due to the Institute’s particular veneration of the Most Holy Infant Mary. Purpose: instruction and education of youth, works of charity in hospitals, clinics, dispensaries, and nurseries in Europe and in the missions. Approval of the Institute in 1840. They number 7,500 sisters in 560 houses, divided into 15 religious provinces (cf. anon., L'Istituto delle S. di Carità, 5 vols., Venice 1933).227. SISTERS OF CHARITY OF SAINT MARY (Turin)
Founded in Turin in 1871 through the work of Sister Maria Luigia Clarac, formerly a religious of the Daughters of Charity. After turbulent early years, to the extent that in 1910 the Holy See disavowed the Institute, it was nonetheless declared diocesan by the archbishop of Turin in the same year. Purpose: particular devotion to the Most Holy Eucharist and perpetual adoration, with works of assistance especially toward prisoners and working women. Decree of praise and approval of the Constitutions in 1934. They number 300 sisters in 50 houses in Italy and abroad. Motherhouse in Turin (Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., T, 75).228. SISTERS OF CHARITY OF SAINT VINCENT DE PAUL (Cincinnati)
Founded in 1808 in Emmitsburg by Elizabeth Ann Seton. Purpose: instruction of youth in schools of every grade, especially in the parochial schools she founded, charitable activity in hospitals, shelters, etc. After the founder’s death, they divided into 7 distinct and independent branches, though bound by common traditions. Decree of praise in 1930, definitive approval of the Constitutions in 1939. They number 1,075 sisters (cf. R. Ricciardelli, Vita della Serva di Dio Elisabetta Seton, Rome 1929; V. SETON).229. SISTERS OF CHARITY OF SAINT VINCENT DE PAUL (Halifax)
Branch separated from the Sisters of Charity, who, having founded a house in Halifax, formed an autonomous Congregation. Purpose: instruction of youth. Pontifical approval in 1856. They number 1,359 sisters in 79 houses (Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., H, 1).230. SISTERS OF JESUS CRUCIFIED (Meaux)
Founded in 1928 by Abbot J. Gaucheron with Susanna Wrotnowska. Purpose: to foster and assist religious vocations. Decree of praise and temporary approval of the Constitutions in 1950. They number 94 sisters in 4 houses (Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., M, 167).231. SISTERS OF JESUS OF THE THIRD ORDER OF SAINT FRANCIS (Lyon): V. PICCOLE SISTERS OF JESUS OF THE THIRD ORDER OF SAINT FRANCIS.
232. SISTERS OF JESUS AND MARY (Rome)
Founded in Lyon in 1818 by Claudina Thevenet. Purpose: instruction and education through schools of every grade, including vocational schools for housewives and working women, workshops, boarding houses; cooperation in parish works. Approval of the Institute and the Constitutions in 1848. They number 2,100 sisters in 75 houses (Lar. Gamas, M. Maria di S. Ignazio, Rome 1929).233. SISTERS OF JESUS, MARY, JOSEPH (Bois-le-Duc) V. SISTERS OF THE HOLY VIRGIN (Bois-le-Duc).
234. SISTERS OF JESUS THE REDEEMER (Lyon)
Founded in 1915 in Lyon by Jane Rousset. Purpose: instruction of young women on scientifically modern foundations. Decree of praise in 1923. They number 17 houses with 200 sisters (Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., L, 84).235. SISTERS OF LORETTO AT THE FOOT OF THE CROSS (Louisville)
Founded in 1812 near Louisville (United States). Purpose: Christian education of young women, especially in parochial schools, and spiritual and material assistance to the sick and the poor. Approval of the Constitutions in 1907. They number 67 houses with 1,050 sisters (Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., L, 65).236. SISTERS OF MARY OF NAZABETH (Palencia)
Originating within the Pious Union known as Los Sagrados Calvarios and more commonly as the Three Maries, founded in the diocese of Seville in 1910 on the initiative of Bishop Emmanuele Gonzales-Garcia. After his death, the Institute was erected as a religious Congregation without vows, within which lives the Association of Mary Help of Christians, living in the world as religious. Purpose: adoration of the Most Blessed Sacrament in abandoned churches and dissemination of good press. They number 100 sisters in 10 houses (Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., P, 128).237. SISTERS OF MARY AND JOSEPH (Limoges)
Founded in 1805 in Dorat (diocese of Limoges) by Elisabeth Duplex. Purpose: assistance to female prisoners and to women released from prison. They number 279 sisters in 22 houses (Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., L, 19).238. SISTERS OF THE MOST HOLY CONSOLING MARY (Milan)
Founded in 1893 by Father Arsenio, a Capuchin, and Mother Maria Cecilia Bruni. Purpose: education of youth and care of the sick. Decree of praise in 1915; temporary approval of the Constitutions in 1929; definitive in 1943. They number 1,234 sisters in 124 houses in Italy, France, China, and North Africa (Arch. d. Casa gener.).239. SISTERS OF MERCY (Perth)
Founded in Perth (Ireland) at the beginning of the 19th century. Purpose: education of youth and care of the sick. The individual houses were independent, and in 1841 approval was granted by the Sacred Congregation of Propaganda Fide. The archbishop of Perth united the 4 existing groups in his diocese (Victoria Square, Burbury, Coolgardy, Saint Brigid) into a single Congregation, which received approval of the Constitutions in 1940. They number 20 houses with 266 sisters (Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., P, 6).240. SISTERS OF NAZARETH (Westminster): V. POOR SISTERS OF NAZARETH.
241. SISTERS OF OUR LADY (Namur)
Founded in the diocese of Amiens in 1804 by Blessed Julia Billiart. Purpose: free religious and civil education of poor girls. Decree of praise in 1844, definitive approval of the Constitutions in 1921. They number 3,891 sisters in 161 houses (Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., N, 4).242. SISTERS OF OUR LADY (Rome)
Branch separated from the Sisters of Our Lady of Namur, founded in 1804 by Blessed Julia Billiart, established as an autonomous Congregation in 1850 in Coesfeld (Germany). Purpose: education of youth and works of spiritual and corporal mercy. Decree of praise and temporary approval of the Constitutions in 1855, definitive in 1900. They number 3,238 sisters in 282 houses in Italy, Europe, America, India, and Indonesia. Motherhouse in Rome (Arch. d. Casa gener.; Unter dem Banner Unserer Lieben Frau, Herausg. von den Schwestern U. L. Frau, Kühlen 1925).243. SISTERS OF OUR LADY OF AMERSFOORT (Utrecht)
Founded in Amersfoort (diocese of Utrecht) in 1822 by Father Mattia Wolff, S.J. Purpose: exercise of works of spiritual and corporal mercy, especially education of youth. Definitive approval of the Institute and the Constitutions in 1870. They number 1,154 sisters in 50 houses (Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., U, 6).244. SISTERS OF OUR LADY OF THE APOSTLES (Venissieux, Rhône). – Founded in Lyon in 1875 by Fr. Augustin Planque. Purpose: to cooperate in the missionary apostolate of the Fathers of the African Missions, through schools, hospitals, and clinics. Decree of praise in 1904; temporary approval of the Constitutions in 1912, definitive in 1928. The Institute is flourishing and has numerous missions, especially in Africa (G. Goyau, Les Soeurs de Notre-Dame des Apôtres, Paris 1936).
245. SISTERS OF OUR LADY OF GOOD AID (Lyon). – Founded in 1835 in Lyon. Purpose: care of the sick in hospitals and at home. Decree of praise in 1891, temporary approval of the Constitutions in 1933. There are 11 houses with 182 sisters (Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., L, 48).
246. SISTERS OF OUR LADY OF CALVARY (Cahors). – Founded in 1835 in Granat (diocese of Cahors) by Fr. Pierre Bonhomme. Purpose: care of the poor and the sick in hospitals and at home. Decree of praise in 1911, definitive approval in 1927. They number 387 sisters in 38 houses (Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., C, 58).
247. SISTERS OF OUR LADY OF CARMEL (Florence). – Founded in Florence in 1852 by Maria Scrilli (in religion, Maria Teresa of Jesus). Purpose: reparation to the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary, education of young girls from the people; works of mercy: hospitals, prisons, etc. Decree of praise and temporary approval of the Constitutions in 1933, definitive in 1940. They number 168 sisters in 31 houses in Italy and the United States. General house in Florence (Arch. d. Casa general.).
248. SISTERS OF OUR LADY OF CHARITY OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD (Angers). – Founded in 1835 by St. Mary of St. Euphrasia Pelletier, superior of the Refuge of Angers, who obtained from Gregory XVI that all houses dependent on Angers and those that would be founded thereafter would have a superior general. They number approximately 10,000 sisters in more than 360 houses (cf. G. Bernoville, Ste M. E. Pelletier, Paris 1945).
249. SISTERS OF OUR LADY OF CHARITY, known as OF THE
250. SISTERS OF OUR LADY OF COMPASSION (Marseille). Founded in 1843 in Marseille by the Jesuit Fr. Barthès. Purpose: care for the sick and the elderly, education of youth with shelters for wayward girls. Decree of praise in 1880, definitive approval of the Constitutions in 1924. They number 138 sisters in 14 houses.
251. SISTERS OF OUR LADY OF COMPASSION (Toulouse). Founded in 1817 in Toulouse by Abbé Ganigan and Mother Jeanne-Marie Deschaux, former superior of the Good Shepherd. The various houses, initially independent, were united in 1912. Purpose: education of youth in colleges, orphanages, and workshops. Decree of praise and approval of the Constitutions in 1935. They number 167 sisters in 20 houses (Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., T, 74).
252. SISTERS OF OUR LADY OF CONSOLATION (Tortosa). Founded in Tortosa in 1849 by a group of pious women under the guidance of Fr. G. B. Gil. Purpose: education of youth in schools and colleges, care for the sick in clinics and hospitals. Decree of praise in 1888; approval of the Institute and the Constitutions in 1907. They number 708 sisters in 78 houses (Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., T, 29).
253. SISTERS OF OUR LADY OF THE CROSS (Grenoble). Founded in 1833 in Murinais (diocese of Grenoble) by Adèle de Murinais. Purpose: education of girls, especially the poor, and care for the sick. Decree of praise in 1911, definitive approval of the Constitutions in 1920. They number 195 sisters in 25 houses (Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., G, 35).
254. SISTERS OF OUR LADY OF MERCY (Bois-le-Duc). Founded in Tilburg in 1852 by three pious young women under the guidance of Fr. Giov. Zurwijsen, later bishop of Bois-le-Duc. Purpose: instruction of youth and care for the sick. Approval of the Constitutions in 1844, of the Institute in 1848. They number 4,129 sisters in 110 houses (Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., B, 106).
255. SISTERS OF OUR LADY OF MERCY (Cloyne). Founded in Cloyne, Ireland, in 1827, approved by the Sacred Congregation of Propaganda in 1841. The various houses, initially independent, were united in 1916 into a single Institute, approved in 1924. Purpose: care for the sick, the poor, and the elderly. They number 240 sisters in 7 houses (Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., C, 77).
256. SISTERS OF OUR LADY OF MERCY (Laval). Founded in Laval in 1816 by Teresa Agata Roudeaux and the Jesuit Fr. C. Lauon. Purpose: re-education of fallen women. Decree of praise in 1878. The houses in Poland separated in 1922 to form a distinct institute with its general house in Warsaw. They number 134 sisters in 6 houses (Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., L, 38).
257. SISTERS OF OUR LADY OF THE PRESENTATION OF MANOSQUE (Digne). Founded in Manosque (diocese of Digne) in 1818 by Fr. I. Courbon as a pious association, transformed into a religious Congregation by Fr. G. Preval. Purpose: to make reparation for offenses against the Church; contemplative life and educational activity for youth in colleges. They number 38 sisters in 2 houses (Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., D, 3).
258. SISTERS OF OUR LADY OF PROVIDENCE (Blois). Founded in Blois in 1829 by the bishop of the city, Mons. A. Fabre, and Miss Delille. In 1836, the "Young Economists," directed by Fr. Thoré and dedicated to the art of embroidery, joined this Congregation. The house was erected as a regular religious community in 1939. Purpose: education of youth in nurseries, orphanages, and schools; care for the sick at home and in clinics; and for the elderly in hospices. Decree of praise and approval of the Constitutions in 1936. They number 86 sisters in 11 houses (Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., B, 129).
259. SISTERS OF OUR LADY OF THE ROSARY (Buenos Aires). Founded in Buenos Aires in 1895 by Fr. Giuseppe Americo Orzali. Purpose: education of poor rural youth, care for the sick in hospitals; management of prisons and preservation houses for women. Decree of praise in 1931. They number 366 sisters in 26 houses (Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., B, 126).
260. SISTERS OF OUR LADY OF THE ROSARY AND PONT DE BEAUVOISIN (Grenoble). Founded in Le Pont de Beauvoisin (diocese of Grenoble) in 1831 by Elisabeth Giraud. Purpose: instruction and education of youth through schools of all levels and care for the sick in clinics and hospitals. Decree of praise in 1897, approval of the Institute and the Constitutions in 1937. They number 315 sisters in 39 houses (Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., G, 25).
261. SISTERS OF OUR LADY OF THE SACRED HEART (Moncton). In 1923, the Sisters of Charity of the Immaculate Conception, founded in Saint-Jean (Canada), obtained permission to form an autonomous Congregation under the present name. They number 183 sisters in 15 houses (Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., G, 61).
262. SISTERS OF OUR LADY OF THE HOLY ROSARY (Rimouski). Founded in Rimouski in 1874 by Elisabeth Turgen. Purpose: Christian instruction in parish schools. Initially without vows, they adopted the form of a religious Institute with vows in 1879. Decree of praise and temporary approval of the Constitutions in 1927, definitive in 1935. They number 659 sisters in 68 houses (Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., R, 64).
263. SISTERS OF OUR LADY OF SION (Paris). Founded in Paris in 1843 by Théodore and Alphonse Ratisbonne and Mrs. Stoulhen. Purpose: education of young women, preferably converts; expiation and prayer for Israel. Since 1936, the branch of the Handmaids of Our Lady of Sion has existed, dedicated to direct apostolate among Jews. Approval in 1874. They number 2,000 sisters in 50 houses (cf. Les religieuses de N.-D. de Sion, Paris 1923; M. de Sion, Un désir de Marie, ibid. 1946).
264. SISTERS OF SAINT-AIGNAN (Orléans): V. EUCHARIST, known as SOEURS DE SAINT-AIGNAN.
265. SISTERS OF SAINT BERNARDINE OF SIENA IN READING (Philadelphia): V. SISTERS OF THE THIRD ORDER OF SAINT FRANCIS UNDER THE TITLE OF SAINT BERNARDINE OF SIENA (Reading, Philadelphia).
266. SISTERS OF SAINT CHARLES (Lyon). Founded in 1680 in Lyon by Fr. Charles Demia. Purpose: education of youth and care for the sick at home. Decree of praise and temporary approval of the Constitutions in 1921, definitive in 1930. They number 1,095 sisters in 110 houses (Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., L, 70).
267. SISTERS OF SAINT DOMINIC OF THE CONGREGATION OF SAINT CECILIA (Nashville). Founded in Nashville (United States) in 1860 by five Dominican sisters of the Institute of Saint Mary of Somerset (Ohio). Purpose: education of youth of both white and black races. Affiliation with the First Order of Dominicans in 1913. Decree of praise in 1939. They number 132 sisters in 12 houses (Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., N, 49).
268. SISTERS OF SAINT FELIX OF THE THIRD ORDER OF SAINT FRANCIS (Cracow). Founded in Warsaw in 1855 by Fr. Beniamino Szimanski, Capuchin. Purpose: instruction of youth. In 1864, the motherhouse moved to Cracow due to persecution by the Russian government. Decree of praise in 1874; temporary approval of the Constitutions in 1899, definitive in 1907. They number 4,360 sisters in 315 houses (Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., C, 28).
269. SISTERS OF SAINT PHILIP NERI (Barcelona). Founded in Mataró (diocese of Barcelona) in 1859 by Fr. Mario Castener. Purpose: education of young women, especially the poor, in colleges and Sunday catechism classes; houses of spiritual exercises for ladies. Decree of praise in 1870; temporary approval of the Constitutions in 1914, definitive in 1929. They number 138 sisters in 11 houses (Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., B, 37).
270. SISTERS OF SAINT FRANCIS (Aachen): V. POOR SISTERS OF SAINT FRANCIS.
271. SISTERS OF SAINT FRANCIS OF ASSISI, commonly known as DE LA TOUR PITRAT (Lyon). Founded in 1813 in Lyon by
271. SISTERS OF SAINT FRANCIS OF ASSISI, commonly called DE LA TOUR PITRAT (Lyon)
Founded in 1813 in Lyon by Anna Rollet, under the name "Congregation of the Lyonnais Sisters of the Third Order of Saint Francis." Purpose: education of girls, management of orphanages and nursery schools; care of the sick in hospitals, clinics, dispensaries, maternity homes, etc. Decree of praise in 1891; approval of the Constitutions in 1934. They number over 300 sisters in 32 houses (Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., L, 47).272. SISTERS OF SAINT FRANCIS OF PERPETUAL ADORATION (Paderborn): V. POOR SISTERS OF SAINT FRANCIS OF PERPETUAL ADORATION.
273. SISTERS OF SAINT FRANCIS DE SALES (Padua)
Founded in Ponte di Brenta (diocese of Padua) in 1740 by the priest Domenico Leonato. Purpose: perpetual adoration and education of poor families. In 1751, they moved to Padua in a locality called Vanzo by order of Cardinal Rezzonico, later Pope Clement XIII, hence the name "Conservatory of the Virgins of Vanzo"; then, in 1811, to Santa Croce, also in Padua. Decree of praise in 1911, temporary approval of the Constitutions in 1917, definitive in 1933. They number 515 sisters in 88 houses, all in Italy. General house in Padua (Arch. d. Casa general.).274. SISTERS OF SAINT JOHN THE BAPTIST (BAPTISTINES) (Rome)
Founded in 1878 in Angri by the Servant of God Alfonso Maria Fusco and Maddalena Caputo. Purpose: education of youth and care of poor sick. Decree of praise in 1917; temporary approval of the Constitutions in 1927, definitive in 1935. They number 664 sisters in 65 houses (cf. anon., Il servo di Dio A. M. Fusco, Rome 1939; anon., La Congr. delle S. di S. Giovanni Battista, ibid. 1948).275. SISTERS OF SAINT JOHN THE BAPTIST AND SAINT CATHERINE OF SIENA, called VERGINI MEDEE (Genoa)
Founded in Genoa in 1594 by Medea Ghigliana Patolani, under the direction of Father Bernardino Lannoni, S.J. Until 1920, the members of the Institute took only the vow of chastity; in that year, the Institute was erected as a religious Congregation with the three vows. Purpose: education of youth of civil condition in schools, nurseries, boarding schools; recently also management of hospitals. They number 82 sisters in 10 houses (Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., G, 68).276. SISTERS OF SAINT JOHN OF GOD (Ferns)
Founded in Wexford (Ireland) in 1871 by Bishop Thomas Furlong of Ferns. Purpose: instruction of girls and assistance to the sick. They number 503 sisters.277. SISTERS OF SAINT JOSEPH
Originated in Le Puy-en-Velay on 15 October 1650 through the work of the Jesuit J. P. Medaille and Bishop Henri de Maupas, for religious teaching. They spread very rapidly to other dioceses of France, were dispersed by the Revolution, then reconstituted, continuing their initial work and developing according to new needs, opening schools of every level, not only in France but also in other regions. The various independent houses in the following years united into autonomous religious congregations with the approval of the Holy See, and under the name of Sisters of Saint Joseph new religious Congregations also arose: in Annecy (1883) with 630 sisters; Buenos Aires (1882) with 261 sisters; Chambéry (1812) with 2248 sisters; Clermont-Ferrand (1810) with 559 sisters; Concordia (1884) with 565 sisters; Philadelphia (1836) with 1671 sisters; Gap (1853) with 205 sisters; Gerona (1865) with 326 sisters; Goulburn (1888) with 131 sisters; Lansing (1889) with 504 sisters; Lyon (1808) with 1718 sisters; Maitland (1856) with 345 sisters; Pinerolo (1828) with 373 sisters; Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne (1822) with 900 sisters; Tarbes (1843) with 524 sisters; Turin (1821) with 510 sisters; Toronto (1851) with 426 sisters; Trier (1889) with 171 sisters; Bordeaux (1840) with 146 sisters.278. SISTERS OF SAINT JOSEPH (Aosta)
A colony of the Sisters of Saint Joseph of Lyon, who moved to Aosta in 1831 at the request of the bishop and were erected as an autonomous Congregation in 1845. Purpose: education of youth in schools, boarding schools, orphanages, colleges, refuges for endangered girls, workshops, factories; assistance in hospitals and shelters. Decree of praise and temporary approval of the Constitutions in 1928; definitive in 1934. They number 202 sisters in 37 houses. General house in Aosta (Arch. d. S. Congr. di Relig., A, 63; S.-B. Vuillernin, Les soeurs de St-Joseph d'Aoste, Aosta 1891).279. SISTERS OF SAINT JOSEPH (Cuneo)
Founded in Cuneo in 1831 by Canon Giovanni Battista Manassero. Purpose: education and instruction of youth in schools, boarding schools, nurseries; instruction of deaf-mute boys and girls; care of the sick; also in missions. Decree of praise and temporary approval of the Constitutions in 1938, definitive in 1948. They number 594 sisters in 80 houses in Italy, Switzerland, and the Belgian Congo. General house in Cuneo (Arch. d. Casa gener.).280. SISTERS OF SAINT JOSEPH (Mexico)
Founded on 19 December 1872 by the priest José Vilaseca. On 25 May 1903, the Holy See granted the decree of praise and approval. On 21 December 1907, the Constitutions were approved ad tempus, and definitively on 27 February 1920. Purpose: Christian instruction and education of girls, especially in mission areas. They number 650 sisters in 62 houses. The general house is in Mexico City (Arch. d. S. Congr. di Relig., M, 56).281. SISTERS OF SAINT JOSEPH (Susa)
Founded in 1871 in Ulzio (and transferred to Susa in 1875) by Rosalia Renacco, in religion Mother Giovanna Francesca di Chantal. Purpose: education of girls; care of the sick, including in missions. Decree of praise in 1939; definitive approval of the Constitutions in 1940. They number over 100 sisters in 25 houses, all in Italy. General house in Susa (Arch. d. Casa general.).282. SISTERS OF SAINT JOSEPH (Fort-Wayne): V. SISTERS OF THE THIRD ORDER OF SAINT FRANCIS (Fort-Wayne).
283. SISTERS OF SAINT JOSEPH OF THE APPARITION (Marseille)
Founded in Gaillac (diocese of Marseille) in 1832 by St. Emilia de Vialar. Purpose: education of youth and charitable activities, especially care of the sick. Decree of praise in 1842; temporary approval of the Constitutions in 1862; definitive in 1910. In Burma, the "Congregation of the Carian Sisters" consists of about a hundred indigenous religious belonging to the Sisters of Saint Joseph of the Apparition. They number 1600 sisters in 130 houses (cf. L. Pecchiai, S. Emilia de Vialar, Rome 1951, pp. 192-202; A. Stocchetti, S. Emilia de Vialar, ibid. 1951).284. SISTERS OF SAINT JOSEPH called OF THE HOLY FAMILY (Montpellier): V. SISTERS OF THE HOLY FAMILY (Montpellier).
285. SISTERS OF SAINT JOSEPH OF THE THIRD ORDER OF SAINT FRANCIS (Lviv)
Founded in Lviv in 1882 by four pious women of the Franciscan Third Order. Purpose: care of the sick, shelters for the elderly, education of youth in schools and nurseries. Aggregated to the Order of Capuchins in 1922. Approval of the Institute in 1925. They number 272 sisters in 27 houses (Arch. d. S. Congr. di Relig., L, 49).286. SISTERS OF SAINT JOSEPH OF CARONDELET (Saint-Louis)
In 1936, at the request of Monsignor Rosati, Bishop of Saint-Louis (United States), six sisters of the Institute of Saint Joseph of Le Puy moved there to found the first American house of the Institute, which became the center of a new institution and gave rise to other houses, which later became independent: Buffalo (1854), Rochester (1864), Concordia (1883), La Grange (1889). In 1912, at the request of the Bishop of Sacramento, nine sisters from the house of La Grange founded a new house in Eurelta, which became the motherhouse of the group located in the dioceses of Los Angeles and San Diego, later moved to Orange. Main purpose: teaching and education of youth in schools of every type. They number 3143 sisters in 185 houses (Arch. d. S. Congr. di Relig., L, 81).287. SISTERS OF SAINT JOSEPH OF CLUNY (Paris)
Founded in Chalon-sur-Saône in 1806 Javouhey (v.). Purpose: education of youth and care of the sick, including lepers, tuberculosis patients, and those with contagious diseases. Decree of praise in 1899. They number 3160 sisters in 275 houses (Arch. d. S. Congr. di Relig., B, 8; F. De La Place, Vie de la vén. mère A.-M. Javouhey, Apôtre des Noirs, Paris 1929).288. SISTERS OF SAINT JOSEPH OF MOÛTIERS (Tarentaise)
In 1827, a community of Sisters of Saint Joseph of Le Puy, established in Moûtiers (diocese of Tarentaise) and having spread to other dioceses, formed an autonomous group. Purpose: education of youth, care of the poor at home and in hospitals. Decree of praise and temporary approval of the Constitutions in 1911, definitive in 1922. They number 815 sisters in 85 houses (Arch. d. S. Congr. di Relig., T, 49).289. SISTERS OF SAINT JOSEPH OF SAINT-VALLIER (Valence)
After the French Revolution, some surviving sisters of the Institute founded in 1683 at Le Puy took refuge in St-Vallier (diocese of Valence), opening a pharmacy to aid the poor. As the number of sisters grew, a new Institute was created in 1827. Purpose: teaching and care of the sick. Definitive approval of the Institute in 1875. They number 205 sisters in 22 houses (Arch. d. S. Congr. di Relig., V, 36).290. SISTERS OF SAINT LOUIS OF MANAGHAN (Clogher)
Founded near Toulouse in 1842. In 1921, the houses in Ireland united into a single autonomous Congregation with the general house in Managhan (diocese of Clogher). Purpose: education of girls in schools of all levels. Decree of praise and approval of the Constitutions of the new Irish Congregation in 1926, definitive in 1934. They number 416 sisters in 19 houses (Arch. d. S. Congr. di Relig., C, 82).291. SISTERS OF SAINT ALOYSIUS GONZAGA (Alba)
Founded in La Morra (diocese of Alba) in 1815 by the priest Giovanni Rubino. Purpose: to offer themselves in a spirit of immolation for the Pope, the needs of the Church, and the salvation of souls. Some of these sisters separated in 1870 and made another foundation in Maramana (diocese of Acqui); but in 1938, the two institutions merged into one, and Pius XI approved their Constitutions. They number 56 sisters in 4 houses (Arch. d. S. Congr. di Relig., A, 73).292. SISTERS OF SAINT PAUL-ANGELICHE (Milan): V. ANGELICHE DI SAN PAOLO.
293. SISTERS OF SAINT BRIGID (BRIGIDINES) (Kildare)
Founded in Kildare (Ireland) in 1807 by the bishop of the diocese, Delany. Purpose: instruction of youth and charitable works. Decree of praise in 1858; temporary approval of the Constitutions in 1895, definitive in 1907. They number approximately 600 sisters in 37 houses (Arch. d. S. Congr. di Relig., K, 2).294. SISTERS OF SAINT CATHERINE OF SIENA OF THE THIRD ORDER OF SAINT DOMINIC (Evreux)
Founded in the diocese of Autun in 1854 by Mother Saint Dominic, and transferred in 1878 to the diocese of Evreux. Purpose: contemplative and active life for the apostolate among souls. Decree of praise in 1864; approval of the Constitutions in 1879. They number 268 sisters in 23 houses (Arch. d. S. Congr. di Relig., A, 13).295. SISTERS OF SAINT CLOTILDE (Paris)
Founded in Paris in 1821 by Fr. J. B. Rauzan with the sisters of the destroyed monastery of Saint Aura. Purpose: education of youth. Decree of praise in 1877; approval of the Constitutions in 1925. They number 164 sisters in 8 houses (Arch. d. S. Congr. di Relig., P, 34; P. Leflon, Qu'est qu'une religieuse et Clotilde?, Paris 1947).296. SISTERS OF SAINT DOROTHY OF FRASSINETTI (Rome): V. MAESTRE DI SANTA DOROTEA.
297. SISTERS OF SAINT DOROTHY OF CEMMO DI CAPO DI PONTE (Brescia)
Founded in 1842 in Cemmo di Capo di Ponte (diocese of Brescia) by Mother Annunciata Cocchetti of Rovato. Purpose: education of youth of all social classes. Decree of praise and temporary approval of the Constitutions in 1934, definitive in 1941. They number 300 sisters in 63 houses, all in Italy. General house in Cemmo di Capo di Ponte (Arch. d. Casa general.).298. SISTERS OF SAINT HEDWIG (Breslau)
Founded in Breslau in 1848 by the priest Roberto Spike. Purpose: care of endangered youth. Decree of praise in 1872. They number 735 sisters in 85 houses (Arch. d. S. Congr. di Relig., B, 21).299. SISTERS OF SAINT AGNES (Milwaukee)
Founded in 1870 in Fond du Lac (diocese of Milwaukee) by Mother Maria Agnese Hozotte, under the guidance of Fr. Francesco.(per cortesia delle S. di S. Marta in Chiavari)
Msgr. Tommaso dei Marchesi Reggio, Archbishop of Genoa, delivers the Constitutions to the Sisters of St. Martha in Chiavari (10 Jan. 1900). Painting preserved in the Mother House.
300. SISTERS OF SAINT AGNES (Meaux)
A new Congregation begun in 1844 by the Augustinian Sisters of the hospital of Meaux, which was closed in the same year. Purpose: care of the sick at home and education of youth. Decree of praise in 1891; approval of the Institute and the Congregation in 1904. They number 205 sisters in 8 houses (Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., M, 52).301. SISTERS OF OUR LADY OF THE ANGELS OF THE THIRD ORDER OF ST. FRANCIS (Angers). - Founded in Angers in 1871 by Fr. Crisostomo Pattau, Capuchin. Purpose: education of youth in schools and colleges, care of the sick in clinics and hospitals. Decree of praise in 1875, definitive approval of the Institute and the Constitutions in 1925. They number 513 sisters with 19 houses (Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., A, 25).
302. SISTERS OF OUR LADY OF THE THIRD ORDER OF ST. FRANCIS (St. Louis). - Founded in St. Louis in 1872 by Catherine Berger (Sister Maria Ottilia) with some sisters from the Institute of the Handmaids of the Sacred Heart, which had become extinct in 1870. Purpose: care of the sick, especially the poor, in hospitals; protection of young working women. Decree of praise in 1892; definitive approval in 1909. In the same year, aggregation to the Franciscan Order. They number 522 sisters in 15 houses (Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., L, 71).
303. SISTERS OF OUR LADY OF NAMUR (Namur)
Founded in Namur by Fr. Nicolas Muisart in 1834. Purpose: education of youth in boarding schools, day schools, vocational schools, and schools of domestic economy. Decree of praise in 1908, temporary approval of the Constitutions in 1914. They number 825 sisters with 51 houses (Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., N, 24).304. SISTERS OF SAINT MARIANNA OF JESUS (Riobamba)
Founded in 1873 in Riobamba (Ecuador) by Mercedes Molina. Purpose: Christian education of girls, especially orphans; protection of girls at risk in shelters and refuges; care of female prisoners. Decree of praise in 1895. They number 703 sisters in 18 houses (Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., R, 36).305. SISTERS OF SAINT MARTHA (Antigonish)
Founded in 1900 by Msgr. John Cameron, Bishop of Antigonish (Canada). Purpose: education of youth, care of the sick and the elderly. Decree of praise and temporary approval of the Constitutions in 1931. They number 280 sisters in 22 houses (Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., A, 66).306. SISTERS OF SAINT MARTHA (Rome)
Founded in Ventimiglia in 1895 by Bishop Msgr. Tommaso Reggio. Purpose: care of the sick in hospitals, clinics, and at home; education of youth in schools, orphanages, rehabilitation centers; assistance in parish works, management of services in seminaries. Decree of praise and temporary approval of the Constitutions in 1928, definitive in 1935. They number 429 sisters in 56 houses in Italy and Chile. Mother House in Rome (Arch. d. Casa gener.).307. SISTERS OF SAINT ANDREW (Tournai)
They trace their origins to the Hospital Sisters of St. Andrew, founded in Cambrai in the 12th century; gathered in 1837 after the French Revolution in Tournai, where they owned a house, by Mother Serafina Hanvarlet and reconstituted as a new Congregation. Purpose: care of the sick. Approval of the Institute in 1857. They number 314 sisters.308. SISTERS OF SAINT ANDREW (Poitiers): V. CROSS, called SISTERS OF SAINT ANDREW.
309. SISTERS OF SAINT ANNE OF PROVIDENCE (Turin)
Founded in Turin in 1834 by the Marquise of Barolo. Purpose: education of girls from the working class through schools, shelters, and workshops. Approval of the Constitutions in 1841. They number 569 sisters in 110 houses (Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., T, 5).310. SISTERS OF SAINT ANNE OF LACHINE (Montréal)
Founded in Vaudreuil (diocese of Montréal) in 1850 by Esther Sureau (Mother Mary Anne). Purpose: education of youth, care of the sick in hospitals and shelters. In 1864, the Mother House was transferred to Lachine. Decree of praise in 1863; approval of the Institute and the Constitutions in 1884. They number 3500 sisters in 127 houses (Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., M, 18; Le Canada ecclésiastique, Montréal 1950, pp. 914-22).311. SISTERS OF SAINT ANTHONY OF PADUA (Mercedes)
Founded in Mercedes (Argentina) in 1889 by Maria Antonia Cerini. Purpose: care of the sick and education of youth. Decree of praise and temporary approval of the Constitutions in 1937, definitive in 1945. They number 142 sisters in 19 houses (Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., P, 109).312. SISTERS OF SAINT ZITA (Lucca)
Founded in 1882 by the Servant of God Elena Guerra. Purpose: education of poor youth. Decree of praise in 1911; approval of the Institute and temporary approval of the Constitutions in 1923. They number 102 sisters in 12 houses (cf. P. Scavizzi, Elena Guerra, Apostola dello Spirito Santo, Lucca 1939).313. SISTERS OF SAINT THOMAS OF VILLANOVA (Paris)
Founded in Lamballe in 1658 by Fr. Angelo Le Proust, Augustinian. However, only in 1670 did the sisters take the religious habit, profess vows, and adopt their own Constitutions. Purpose: to assist poor sick people and dedicate themselves to abandoned children. Decree of praise in 1860; approval of the Institute and the Constitutions in 1875. They number 809 sisters with 110 houses (Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., P, 9).314. SISTERS OF SAINT VINCENT DE PAUL called SERVANTS OF THE POOR (Ghent)
Founded in Ghent in 1823 by the Baroness of Gysegenn and erected as a religious Congregation in 1829. Purpose: education of youth in missions, care of lepers and contagious patients. Decree of praise in 1860; approval in 1875. They number 712 sisters in 115 houses (Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., G, 5).315. DOMINICAN SISTERS OF THE CHILD JESUS (Orléans): V. LITTLE DOMINICAN SISTERS OF THE CHILD JESUS.
316. DOMINICAN SISTERS OF THE LITTLE HOUSE OF DIVINE PROVIDENCE (Genoa): V. PROVVIDENZA.
317. DOMINICAN SISTERS OF THE PERPETUAL ROSARY (Camden): V. ROSARIO.
318. DOMINICAN SISTERS OF THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS (Tournai): V. DOMENICANE DEL SACRO CUORE DI GESÙ.
319. DOMINICAN SISTERS OF THE MOST HOLY ROSARY (Mondovì)
Founded in Mondovì in 1844 by Bishop Msgr. Tommaso Ghiardi and Mother Angelica Manfredini. Purpose: education of girls; care of the sick and the poor. Decree of praise and definitive approval in 1933. They number 300 sisters in 34 houses, in Italy, Turkey, and Argentina. Mother House in Mondovì (Arch. d. Casa general.).320. DOMINICAN SISTERS OF SAINT SIXTUS THE OLD (Rome): V. DOMENICANE DI SAN SISTO VECCHIO.
321. DOMINICAN SISTERS OF SAINT CATHERINE OF SIENA (Nurses) (Auch): V. DOMENICANE DI SANTA CATERINA DA SIENA (Guardamalati).
322. DOMINICAN SISTERS OF SAINT MARY (New Orleans): V. DOMENICANE DI SANTA MARIA.
323. DOMINICAN SISTERS OF WEST MAITLAND (Maitland): V. MAITLAND.
324. DOMINICAN TEACHING AND NURSING SISTERS OF SAINT CATHERINE OF SIENA (Rome): V. CATERINA DA SIENA.
325. SISTERS DAUGHTERS OF THE MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS (Yokohama)
Founded in 1920 by Sister Teresa Illerhaus, formerly a member of the Congregation of the Servants of the Holy Spirit, in the Apostolic Prefecture of Niigata (Japan). Purpose: to gather Japanese girls to assist the apostolate of missionaries through social, charitable, and educational works. Temporary approval of the Constitutions in 1949.326. FRANCISCAN SISTERS (Montpellier)
Founded in 1860 in the diocese of Montpellier by J. V. Jalbert and M. Jvares de Signalac, and aggregated to the Order of Friars Minor in 1920. Purpose: education of girls and care of the sick in hospitals and clinics. Decree of praise and temporary approval of the Constitution in 1930. They number 160 sisters in 20 houses, all in France (Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., M, 113).327. S. FRANCESCANE ANGELINE (Turin): V. FRANCESCANE ANGELINE.
328. S. FRANCESCANE DEGLI AFFLITTI (Warsaw): V. FRANCESCANE DEGLI AFFLITTI.
329. S. FRANCESCANE DELLA BEATA MARIA VERGINE AIUTO DEI CRISTIANI (Cartagena, Colombia). - Founded by seven Franciscan tertiary sisters of Maria Ausiliatrice of Alstittes (Switzerland), summoned by Monsignor Pietro Schumacher, Bishop of Portoviejo (Ecuador) in 1888. They took refuge in Cartagena (Colombia) due to the persecution of 1895 and established themselves as an autonomous Institute. Purpose: education of youth and care for the elderly and the sick. Approval of the Institute in 1926. They number 294 sisters in 25 houses (Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., C, 81).
330. S. FRANCESCANE DELLA FAMIGLIA DI MARIA (Lviv). - Founded in 1856 in Lviv by Archbishop Monsignor Sigmund Felinski and immediately aggregated to the Order of Friars Minor. Purpose: education of youth; care for the sick in hospitals and at home. Decree of praise and temporary approval of the Constitution in 1913. They number 756 sisters in 127 houses, all in Poland (Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., L, 53).
331. S. FRANCESCANE DELLA SACRA FAMIGLIA (Dubuque): V. SACRA FAMIGLIA.
332. S. FRANCESCANE DELLA SACRA FAMIGLIA (Trier): V. SACRA FAMIGLIA.
333. S. FRANCESCANE DELL'IMMACOLATA (Palagano-Modena): V. FRANCESCANE DELL'IMMACOLATA.
334. S. FRANCESCANE DELL'IMMACOLATA CONCEZIONE DI LONS-LE-SAUNIER (Saint-Claude): V. FRANCESCANE DELL'IMMACOLATA CONCEZIONE DI LONS-LE-SAUNIER.
(Courtesy of the S. Francescane Insegnanti)
Mother House of the Franciscan Teaching Sisters - Rome.
336. SISTERS FRANCISCANS OF OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL HELP (St. Louis): V. FRANCESCANE DI NOSTRA SIGNORA DEL PERPETUO SOCCORSO.
337. SISTERS FRANCISCANS OF SAINT GEORGE THE MARTYR IN THUINE (Osnabrück): V. FRANCESCANE DI SAN GIORGIO MARTIRE IN THUINE.
338. SISTERS FRANCISCANS OF SAINT CUNEGONDE (Chicago): V. FRANCESCANE DI SANTA CUNEGONDA.
339. SISTERS FRANCISCANS OF SAINT MARY OF THE ANGELS OF WALDBREITBACH (Trier): V. FRANCESCANE DI SANTA MARIA DEGLI ANGELI DI WALDBREITBACH.
340. SISTERS FRANCISCANS OF ALL SAINTS (Florence): V. FRANCESCANE D'OGNISSANTI.
341. SISTERS FRANCISCAN TEACHERS (Rome)
Founded in 1888 in Slatiňany near Chrudim (Czechoslovakia) by Bishop Roman Sebastian Zängerle. Purpose: education of youth in boarding schools, schools, workshops, orphanages; care for the sick in hospitals, etc. Decree of praise and temporary approval of the Constitutions in 1932, definitive in 1950. They number 629 sisters in 39 houses in Italy and abroad (another 27 confiscated by the communist government). General house in Rome (Arch. of the General House).342. SISTERS FRANCISCAN MISSIONARIES OF MARY (Rome): V. FRANCESCANE MISSIONARIE DI MARIA.
343. SISTERS FRANCISCAN MISSIONARIES OF SAINT JOSEPH (Salford): V. FRANCESCANE MISSIONARIE DI SAN GIUSEPPE.
344. SISTERS FRANCISCANS known as LITTLE SISTERS OF THE ORPHANS (Belley): V. FRANCESCANE dette PICCOLE SUORE DEGLI ORFANI.
345. SISTERS JAPANESE OF THE VISITATION (Tokyo)
Founded by Father Alberto Breton, who, having traveled from Japan to California, called some young Japanese women there in 1915 to assist their compatriots who had emigrated. After Father and the young women returned to Japan, they established the Congregation of the Visitation in Tokyo in 1925, and in 1937 moved the Mother House to Fukuoka. Temporary approval of the Constitutions in 1942, definitive in 1950. They number over 100 sisters.346. SISTERS JOSEPHINES OF CHARITY (Vic)
Founded in Vic (Spain) in 1877 by Caterina Corominas y Augustin. Purpose: care for the sick in hospitals and at home. Decree of praise and temporary approval of the Constitutions in 1901, definitive in 1909. They number 227 sisters in 21 houses, all in Spain (Arch. of the S. Congr. of Relig., V, 80).347. SISTERS JOSEPHINES OF THE MOST HOLY TRINITY (Plasencia)
Founded in 1866 in Plasencia by the priest Eladio Mozas Santamera. Purpose: education of youth and care in orphanages and shelters. Decree of praise and temporary approval of the Constitutions in 1933. They number 99 sisters in 15 houses, all in Spain (Arch. of the S. Congr. of Relig., P, 57).348. SISTERS GRAY (Montreal): V. SISTERS OF CHARITY vulgo SISTERS GRAY.
349. SISTERS NURSES OF OUR LADY HELP OF CHRISTIANS (Montpellier)
Founded in Montpellier in 1845 by the priest Andrea Soulas. Purpose: care for the sick at home. Decree of praise and temporary approval of the Constitutions in 1868, definitive in 1882. They number 459 sisters in 52 houses (Arch. of the S. Congr. of Relig., M, 28).350. SISTERS NURSES OF THE SORROWFUL MOTHER (Como)
Founded in Como in 1850 by Giovanna Franchi. Purpose: care for the sick in nursing homes and clinics, and during the day at home. Decree of praise and temporary approval of the Constitutions in 1935, definitive in 1942. They number 200 sisters in 9 houses, all in Italy. General house in Como (Arch. of the General House).351. SISTERS TEACHERS OF THE HOLY CROSS OF THE THIRD ORDER OF SAINT FRANCIS IN MENZINGEN (Basel): V. INSEGNANTI DELLA SANTA CROCE DEL TERZ'ORDINE DI SAN FRANCESCO IN MENZINGEN.
352. SISTERS TEACHERS OF OUR LADY OF COLOCZA (Colocza): V. COLOCZA.
353. SISTERS MAGDALENS (PENITENTS OF SAINT MARY MAGDALEN) (Turin)
Founded in 1833 in Turin by the Marquise Giulia Falletti di Barolo, née Colbert. Purpose: reparation and re-education of girls at risk. Definitive approval of the Constitutions in 1846. They number 33 sisters in 7 houses in Italy. General house in Turin (Arch. of the General House; A. Biancotti, Un'eroina della carità, la Marchesa Giulia di Barolo, Turin 1939).354. SISTERS TEACHERS OF SAINT DOROTHY (Venice): V. MAESTRE DI SANTA DOROTEA.
355. SISTERS TEACHERS OF SAINT DOROTHY, DAUGHTERS OF THE MOST SACRED HEARTS (Vicenza): V. MAESTRE DI SANTA DOROTEA, FIGLIE DEI SACRATISSIMI CUORI.
356. SISTERS MARCELLINES (Milan): V. MARCELLINE.
357. SISTERS MARISTS OR OF THE CONGREGATION OF MARY
Founded by the Servant of God C. J. Colin in Belley in 1826. Purpose: education of young women, shelter for those at risk, and spiritual exercises for women. Decree of praise in 1864, approval of the Institute in 1884, temporary approval of the Constitutions in 1931, definitive in 1951. They number 542 sisters in 38 houses, many of which are in mission territories, where they assist the Marist Fathers. The General House is in Belley (Arch. of the S. Congr. of Relig., B, 19; L. Falletti, Il ven. G. C. Colin, Rome 1913).358. SISTERS MERCEDARIANS (Aix): V. MERCY.
359. SISTERS MERCEDARIANS OF THE MOST HOLY SACRAMENT
Founded in Mexico City in 1910 by Sister Maria del Rifugio di Aguilar. Purpose: education of youth and their formation in Eucharistic worship. Decree of praise and temporary approval of the Constitutions in 1948. They number 263 sisters in 52 houses, all in Mexico. The General House is in Mexico City (Arch. of the S. Congr. of Relig., M, 142).360. SISTERS MINIMS OF THE SORROWFUL MOTHER (Bologna): V. MINIME DELL'ADDOLORATA.
361. SISTERS MINIMS OF THE SACRED HEART OF MARY (Rodez): V. MINIME DEL SACRO CUORE DI MARIA.
362. SISTERS MINIMS OF OUR LADY OF SUFFRAGE (Turin): V. MINIME DI NOSTRA SIGNORA DEL SUFFRAGIO.
363. SISTERS OF MERCY OF SAINT GERARD (Milan)
Founded in 1891 in Monza by the priest Luigi Talamoni and Maria Biffi, widow Levati. Purpose: care for the sick, especially the poor, at home; other educational and welfare works in clinics, shelters, orphanages; parish works. Decree of praise and temporary approval of the Constitutions in 1942, definitive in 1949. They number 260 sisters in 45 houses in Italy and Switzerland. General house in Monza (Arch. of the General House).364. SISTERS MISSIONARIES OF THE QUEEN OF THE APOSTLES (Vienna)
Founded in Vienna by the priest Theodor Innitzer, later cardinal archbishop of Vienna. Purpose: to cooperate in the spread of the faith in pagan countries, especially in India, with works of health care and teaching. Temporary approval of the Constitutions in 1949. They number over 200 sisters.365. SISTERS MISSIONARIES OF THE SOCIETY OF MARY (St-Foy-lès-Lyon)
In 1865, some young women from Jonzieux began a religious society under the name "Sisters of the Third Order of Mary," which was later better organized in St-Brieuc in 1881 through the work of Marie Adèle Troussel des Groues (Sister Marie of the Cross) and took the current name. In 1887, they settled in St-Foy-lès-Lyon under the jurisdiction of the Superior General of the Marists. Temporary approval of the Constitutions in 1931, definitive in 1952 (cf. anon., Sœurs missionnaires de la Société de Marie. Essai sur nos origines, Paris 1941).366. SISTERS MISSIONARIES OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION (Montreal): V. MISSIONARIE DELL'IMMACOLATA CONCEZIONE.
367. SISTERS MISSIONARIES OF THE HOLY SPIRIT (Paris)
Founded in Paris in 1923 by Monsignor Alexandre Le Roy, Superior General of the Fathers of the Holy Spirit. Purpose: to work in missions. Temporary approval of the Constitutions in 1929, definitive in 1943. They numbered several hundred sisters.368. SISTERS MISSIONARIES OF THE MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD (Aarle Rixtel): V. SANGUE.
369. SISTERS MISSIONARIES OF OUR LADY OF AFRICA (Saint-Charles, Birmandreis): V. MISSIONARIE DI NOSTRA SIGNORA D'AFRICA.
370. SISTERS OBLATES OF THE HOLY SPIRIT (Lucca): V. ZITA.
371. S. ORSOLINE DI SAN GIROLAMO (Bergamo) : V. ORSOLINE GEROSOLIMITANE, DETTE DI GANDINO.
372. S. ORSOLINE DI SOMASCA (Somasca di Vercurago, Bergamo) : V. ORSOLINE DI SOMASCA.
373. S. OSPITALIERE DI NOSTRA SIGNORA DELLA CARITÀ (Dijon) : V. OSPITALIERE DI NOSTRA SIGNORA DELLA CARITÀ.
374. S. OSPITALIERE DI SANTA ELISABETTA (Luxembourg). - Founded in 1672 in Luxembourg. Purpose: care for the sick and needy through health facilities, nurseries, schools, orphanages, and now also missionary apostolate. Decree of praise and temporary approval of the Constitutions in 1922, definitive in 1931. They number 651 sisters in 54 houses (Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., L, 52).
375. S. OSPITALIERE E ISTITUTRICI DEL TERZ'ORDINE DI SAN FRANCESCO, known as FRANCESCANE DI CALAIS (Arras) : V. OSPITALIERE E ISTITUTRICI DEL TERZ'ORDINE DI SAN FRANCESCO, known as FRANCESCANE DI CALAIS.
376. S. OSPITALIERE INSEGNANTI DI MARIA IMMACOLATA (Bourges). - A small community known as the Dame S. dell'ospedale, established in Bourges at the beginning of the 19th century, erected as a religious Institute by the archbishop in 1826. Purpose: care for the sick and education of youth. Decree of praise in 1850, approval of the Institute and temporary approval of the Constitutions in 1934, definitive in 1942. They number 85 sisters in 11 houses (Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., B, 45).
377. S. PASSIONISTE DI SAN PAOLO DELLA CROCE (Florence). - Founded in 1872 in Castel di Signa (diocese of Florence) by Monsignor Giuseppe Fiammetti. Purpose: re-education and education of youth. Decree of praise and temporary approval of the Constitutions in 1931, definitive in 1939. They number 425 sisters in 46 houses in Italy and Brazil. General house in Castel di Signa (Arch. d. Casa gener.).
378. S. POVERE BONARRENSI DI SAN GIUSEPPE (Buenos Aires). - Founded in Buenos Aires in 1882 by some religious from the monastery of Le Puys, constituted as an autonomous Congregation. Purpose: care for the sick and schools for youth. Decree of praise in 1903; approval of the Institute and the Constitutions in 1913. They number 321 sisters with 25 houses, all in Argentina (Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., B, 61).
379. S. POVERE SCOLASTICHE DEL TERZ'ORDINE DI SAN FRANCESCO (Linz). - Founded in Voeklabruck (diocese of Linz) in 1842 by Father Sebastiano Schwarz. Purpose: care for the sick in clinics and hospitals, education of youth in schools and colleges. Decree of praise in 1929; approval of the Institute and the Constitutions in 1938. They number 973 sisters in 62 houses (Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., L, 77).
380. S. RIPARATRICI DEI SACRI CUORI DI GESÙ E MARIA (Milan): V. RIPARATRICI DEI SACRI CUORI DI GESÙ E MARIA.
381. S. RIPARATRICI DEL SACRO CUORE (Naples): V. RIPARATRICI DEL SACRO CUORE.
382. S. SACRAMENTINE (Bergamo): V. SACRAMENTINE.
383. S. SALESIANE DEI SACRI CUORI (Lecce): V. SALESIANE DEI SACRI CUORI.
384. S. SALESIANE DEL S.MO CUORE DI GESÙ (Cartagena): V. SALESIANE DEI SACRI CUORI.MO CUORE DI GESÙ.
385. S. SCOLARE DEL TERZ'ORDINE DI SAN FRANCESCO (Hallein). - Founded in Hallein (diocese of Salzburg) in 1723 by Maria Teresa Zechner, initially as a pious association with common life, then in 1754 constituted as a true religious Congregation with vows. Purpose: education of girls in primary, secondary, and higher schools and in boarding schools; charitable works with orphanages and institutes for the deaf-mute. Pontifical approval in 1819. Among the various branches, some were erected as independent Institutes.
386. S. SCOLARE DEL TERZ'ORDINE DI SAN FRANCESCO (Vienna). - A colony of the S. del Terz'ordine di S. Francesco, founded in 1723 by M. Teresa Zechner, called from Hallein to Vienna in 1845 by Empress Carolina Augusta. The various houses subsequently founded in the Archdiocese of Vienna were erected as an independent Congregation in 1853, taking the current name. The Institute was aggregated to the Order of Friars Minor in 1904. Purpose: education of girls. Decree of praise and temporary approval of the Constitutions in 1923, definitive in 1931. They number 218 sisters in 18 houses (Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., V, 79).
387. S. SCOLARE DEL TERZ'ORDINE DI SAN FRANCESCO (Milwaukee). - Founded in Milwaukee in 1873 by Mother Maria Alessia, coming from the house of Linz of the same Congregation, who went to the United States at the invitation of Monsignor M. Henny, bishop of Milwaukee. Purpose: schools and hospitals. Approval by the S. Congr. of Propaganda in 1900, definitive by the S. Congr. of Religious in 1908. They number 2128 sisters in 35 houses (Arch. d. S. Congr. di Relig., M, 83).
388. S. SCOLARE DI GRAZ DEL TERZ'ORDINE DI SAN FRANCESCO (Eggenberg). - Founded in Eggenberg near Graz (diocese of Seckau) in 1841 by the bishop of Seckau, Monsignor Romano Sebastiano Zaengerle, and by Miss Antonia Lampl. Purpose: instruction and education of youth. Temporary approval of the Constitutions in 1929, definitive in 1937. They number 494 sisters in 46 houses (Arch. d. Congr. d. Relig., S, 1).
389. S. SCOLASTICHE DEL TERZ'ORDINE DI SAN FRANCESCO (Rome). - Founded in 1888 in Slatiňany, near Chrudim (diocese of Hradec Králové, Czechoslovakia) by Sister M. M. Giacinta Zahalka, coming from the homonymous Congregation of Graz. Purpose: education of youth with all types of schools, including specialized ones; institutes for the blind and disabled, orphanages, missionary stations; hospitals and shelters for the elderly. Decree of praise and temporary approval of the Constitutions in 1932, definitive in 1950. They number 629 sisters, 59 houses, in Italy, Europe, North and South America (in addition to 27 houses confiscated by the communist regime). The general house was transferred to Prague in 1910, then to Rome in 1945 (Arch. d. Casa gener.).
390. S. SCOLASTICHE DEL TERZ'ORDINE DI SAN FRANCESCO DI MARIBOR (OF CHRIST THE KING) (Rome). - A colony of the S. Scolare del Terz'ordine di S. Francesco of Eggenberg, called to Maribor (diocese of Lavant) in 1864 by Bishop Antonio Martino Slomšek, then erected as an independent Congregation in 1869 by Bishop Giacomo Massimiliano Stepischnegg. Purpose: education of girls in schools of all levels; care for the sick in hospitals and at home; domestic service in colleges and seminaries. Decree of praise and temporary approval of the Constitutions in 1922, definitive in 1931. They number 951 sisters in 55 houses (in addition to the 65 in Yugoslavia) in Italy and abroad (Arch. d. S. Congr. d. Relig., L, 78).
391. S. SERVE DEI POVERI DEL BOCCONE DEL POVERO (Palermo): V. BOCCONE DEL POVERO, S. DEL.
392. S. SERVE DI MARIA RIPARATRICE (Adria): V. SOCIETÀ DI MARIA RIPARATRICE.
393. S. SERVE DI MARIA SANTISSIMA ADDOLORATA (Florence): V. ADDOLORATA.
394. S. STABILITE NELLA CARITÀ DI GESÙ BUON PASTORE (Florence). - Founded in Florence in 1589 by Father Vittorio dell'Ancisa and Maria Triboli. In 1612 they adopted strict enclosure; suppressed in 1810, they were reunited in 1816 by Mother Sandrucci in the Conservatory of Monticelli. From 1878 they passed to active life. Purpose: education of youth in boarding schools, nurseries, schools, and workshops. Definitive approval in 1951. They number 70 sisters in 10 houses in the dioceses of Florence and Pisa. General house in Monticelli (Arch. d. Casa General.).
395. S. VINCENZINE DI MARIA IMMACOLATA (Turin). - Founded in Lanzo Torinese in 1858 by the Venerable Federico Albert. Purpose: education in nurseries, orphanages, schools; hospitals. They number 200 sisters in 15 houses in Italy. General house in Lanzo Torinese (Arch. d. Casa gener.).
Vincenzo Cusumano - Silverio Mattei -
SUOVETAURILIA: V. ROMA, IV. Religione dei Romani (coll. 1125-33).