From its humble beginnings in Acri, the work of the congregation spread rapidly throughout Calabria to Rome and northern Italy. Founded in charity and with a particular devotion to the poor, the congregation became actively involved in several apostolates: education (nursery school, kindergarten, elementary school, high school, university and catechetics); the staffing of orphanages and parish ministries; social work; and the care of the aged and infirmed in hospitals and nursing homes.

 

In October 1948, nine Sisters left Calabria to begin a new apostolic mission in the United States. They came specifically to Stamford, CT to expand their catechetical work, namely the formal education and spiritual development of young children and adolescents. Upon their arrival, the Sisters staffed Saint Basil’s Preparatory School as well as the Bishop’s chancery.

 

With God’s help, the Sisters eventually established two educational institutions in Stamford: Our Lady of Grace Nursery School and Kindergarten in 1962 and Villa Divino Amore Nursery School in 1989. Both of these facilities have provided a much needed service to the local community, particularly benefitting the children of working parents. For over 50 years, over 5,000 children have been educated in the loving and nurturing environment that the Sisters provide.  

 

The Little Workers of the Sacred Hearts have gone on to establish nursery schools in Philadelphia, PA, Washington, DC and Riverdale, MD.  Internationally, they have opened convents across Italy and established missionary houses and novitiates in Argentina, Albania and India.

 

In 2000, the Little Workers of the Sacred Hearts established a Formation House in Stamford - a residence dedicated to the spiritual development of candidates wishing to join the congreation.  This facility also serves as a gathering place for special religious education programs and summer activities for area teens.