Christian Cyclopedia

RC sisterhoods (communities, institutes, or socs. for women) not treated in separate arts. (see, e.g., Benedictines; Joseph, Sisters of St.) include (1) Sisters of the Good Shepherd (popular name for Sisters [or the Religious] of Our Lady of Charity of the Good Shepherd). Founded 1641 Caen, Fr., by J. Eudes* to help delinquent girls and young women. (2) Cong. of the Little Sisters of the Poor. Founded 1839 St. Servan, on the N coast of Fr., to care for elderly, esp. those who are poor. (3) Soc. of the Holy Child Jesus. Founded 1846 Derby, Eng., for educ., esp. of girls. (4) Felician Sisters. A papal institute of the 3d Order Regular of St. Francis* of Assisi, known also Sisters of St. Felix of Cantalice (Capuchin lay brother; 1515–87; b. Cantalice, It.; patron of children and infirm). Founded 1855 Poland to care esp. for poor girls and aged women. (5) Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Two orders by this name: (a) Founded 1845 Monroe, Michigan Stress the apostolate of teaching. (b) Founded 1850 Quebec, Can. Stress rehabilitation of wayward girls and Christian educ. of youth. See also Brotherhood and Sisterhood; Servites.