In 1919, upon the return of Fr. Domenico from his captivity, he resumed his pastoral work at Coriano, in the vicinities of Rimini. There he also devoted his spiritual guidance to an orphanage for young girls. In 1920, he started the construction of a bigger edifice along the neighboring beach of Miramare and before the girls could move into the new residence, he completed it with the erection of a new church.
In 1925, however, the sisters, managing the orphanage were reassigned to other houses of their congregation, leaving to Fr. Domenico the total workload. He didn’t lose heart but perhaps inspired by the Blessed Virgin, he continued with the care of the young girls assigning to the eldest among them – who had already helped the Sisters with the household chores – to look after the small ones.
This method proved to be very satisfactory and most effective because these young girls became closer together and zealously concerned with the responsibilities assigned to them by their Father Director. Hence, in spite of his growing obligations, he was always available to them, inspiring them and providing them with their needs. Moreover, he trained them to be closer to the Blessed Virgin, guardian of the house and they asked her for enlightenment and strength as they would do to their real mother.
After a short period of time, the life of the institution assumed a normal pace. The young girls became so fond of the house and their activities that they decided to dedicate their lives to this mission, by consecrating themselves to God through the religious vows. Fr. Domenico, inspired by the Blessed Virgin Immaculate, invited the young girls to thoroughly meditate on their decisions and to ask the celestial mother the firmness to persevere in their plans and to faithfully pursue their vocation.
After a long period of spiritual preparation, through the advice and guidance of the local Bishop, the dream came true and a few years, the church counted a new religious congregation for women under the meaningful title of the “Sisters of Mary Immaculate.”
They started their mission under the untiring guidance of Fr. Masi and the protection of their heavenly Patroness. Since then, they have been spreading their messages throughout the world, first in Italy, then in other countries. The aim of the Sisters of Mary Immaculate is to bear witness to Christian charity through a special dedication to the poor, to the sick, and above all, to the abandoned youth and the aged destitute.
On February 27, 1960, the Congregation of the Sisters of Mary Immaculate was declared a Congregation of Papal Jurisdiction by Pope John XXIII.
Here in the Philippines, the Sisters of Mary Immaculate School is located at Fr. Domenico Masi St., Holiday Hills Subdivision, Brgy. San Antonio, City of San Pedro, Laguna.
