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]
| Congregation of the Sons of Holy Mary Immaculate | |
| Abbreviation: | SHMI, FSMI |
| Founder: | Venerable Joseph Frassinetti |
| Headquarters: | Via del Mascherone 55, 00176 Rome, Italy |
| Leader Title: | Motto |
| Leader Name: | |
| Leader Title2: | Superior General |
| Leader Name2: | Fr. Mario Roncella, SHMI |
| Leader Title3: | Patron Saints |
| Parent Organization: | Catholic Church |
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 January 14, 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 the 8th of December 1903.[2]
The institute, of pontifical right since 21 May 1904, received definitive approval from the Holy See on the 4th of June 1910 and its constitutions on the 17th of May 1931.[2]
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]