History of our Institute
The Sisters Minor of Mary Immaculate (SMMI) is a religious Institute founded by Maria Elisabetta Patrizi, assisted by Fr. Elia M. Bruson, OFM Conv., in Rome on August 14, 1983. After 2 years, the Institute was canonically erected in the diocese of Rome as a public association of the faithful.
With the decree of June 18, 1993, the SMMI was erected as a religious Institute of diocesan right. The Institute was officially entrusted to the Friars Minor Conventual by the Order’s Father General thus, recognizing the sisters as members of the Franciscan family.
In August 2008, the SMMI celebrated their 25th anniversary in Rome, Italy. For health reasons, the foundress concluded her Generalate half way through her six-year term, and on August 2nd, 2008 her Vicar General became her successor. After the new Mother General's resignation from her position as General Superior, the Institute was assigned an Extraordinary Commissioner by Cardinal Augustino Vallini, Vicar General to the Holy Father. The Commissioner presently governs the Institute and is preparing the SMMI for a General Chapter.
Presently, the Sisters Minor of Mary Immaculate continue their work with the Militia of the Immaculata throughout the world and are committed to deepening their personal and communitarian religious formation for a greater fidelity to their particular spirituality and their mission in the Church.
With the decree of June 18, 1993, the SMMI was erected as a religious Institute of diocesan right. The Institute was officially entrusted to the Friars Minor Conventual by the Order’s Father General thus, recognizing the sisters as members of the Franciscan family.
In August 2008, the SMMI celebrated their 25th anniversary in Rome, Italy. For health reasons, the foundress concluded her Generalate half way through her six-year term, and on August 2nd, 2008 her Vicar General became her successor. After the new Mother General's resignation from her position as General Superior, the Institute was assigned an Extraordinary Commissioner by Cardinal Augustino Vallini, Vicar General to the Holy Father. The Commissioner presently governs the Institute and is preparing the SMMI for a General Chapter.
Presently, the Sisters Minor of Mary Immaculate continue their work with the Militia of the Immaculata throughout the world and are committed to deepening their personal and communitarian religious formation for a greater fidelity to their particular spirituality and their mission in the Church.