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Written by Admin
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Tuesday, 08 December 2009 14:15 |
In 1861, Fr. Frassinetti instituted in his parish rectory the "Pious Union of the Sons of Holy Mary Immaculate," whose members were lay men consecrated to the Lord but living and working in the world. Their chief apostolate was supporting vocations for the priesthood in their spiritual and material needs. Little by little, a small community of young applicants started in the rectory a family-like community under the guidance of the venerable parish priest. In 1868, Frassinetti died and Fr. Antonio Piccardo took over the direction of the Pious Union. For over 40 years, hundreds of diocesan priests received their formation and material support from that small community.
In 1904, Pope St. Pius X gave the Pontifical approval to the Congregation of the Sons of Holy Mary Immaculate, whose charism was the caring for vocation, the educating of the youth, and the pastoral work.
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