The Sons of Holy Mary Immaculate (in Latin: Congregátio Filiórum Sanctæ Maríæ Immaculátæ; in Italian: Figli di Santa Maria Immacolata) is a male religious institute of pontifical right: the members of this clerical congregation is also known with the acronym SHMI or FSMI.[1]
History
The congregation originates from a pious union of three young devotees to the Immaculate Conception, founded in Genoa in 1861 by the priest Giuseppe Frassinetti (1804–1868), prior of Santa Sabina: the members of the fraternity, after a pilgrimage to the Santuario della Madonnetta, on 14 January 1866, they began to lead a common life and welcomed young aspirants to the priesthood into their home without the financial means to support their studies.[2]
The fraternity received new impetus from the direction of Antonio Piccardo, Frassinetti's successor, and the Sons of Holy Mary Immaculate was established as a congregation only on 8 December 1903.[2]
The institute, of pontifical right since 21 May 1904, received definitive approval from the Holy See on 4 June 1910 and its constitutions on 17 May 1931.[2]
Activities and apostolate
The religious of the congregation are dedicated to the education of youth and the promotion of religious vocations. They are also active in missionary work.[1]
In addition to Italy, they are present in Latin America (Argentina, Chile and Mexico), Poland, and the Philippines.[3] The general headquarters is in Rome.[1]