Sisters of the Holy Face

[2] The congregation was founded in San Fior in Treviso Italy in 1930 by Blessed Maria Pia Mastena.

Maria Pia Mastena joined the Sisters of Mercy of Verona and obtained her teaching license, but after World War I left to become a Cistercian.

In 1930 she organized a small group called "Pious Rescue" which was aimed at assisting poor children and teaching them a trade.

[3] Despite the opposition from some local priests, the congregation was initially approved by the Bishop of Vittorio Veneto on December 8, 1936.

During World War II the sisters participated in relief activities for soldiers and victims of the conflict, feeding them free of charge.