Sons of Holy Mary Immaculate
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]
| Congregátio Filiórum Sanctæ Maríæ Immaculatæ (Latin) | |
 The coat of arms of the Congregation: the white lily, arrow, ash tree, golden crown, and blue horizon with the words ''MONSTRA TE ESSE MATREM" and "ITER PARA TUTUM". | |
| Abbreviation | SHMI, FSMI |
|---|---|
| Formation |
|
| Founder | Venerable Joseph Frassinetti |
| Founded at |
|
| Headquarters | Via del Mascherone 55, 00176 Rome, Italy |
Motto | Monstra Te esse Matrem. Iter para tutum. (Latin for 'Show Yourself to be a Mother. Prepare a Safe Way') |
Superior General | Fr. Mario Roncella, SHMI |
Patron Saints | |
Parent organization | Catholic Church |
| Website | www |
History
[edit]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
[edit]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]