Our History

The Origins of the Little Workers of the Sacred Hearts

The story of the Sisters, Little Workers of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary begins in Acri, Calabria, Italy in 1894. Monsignor Francesco Maria Greco, pastor of a poor but growing parish, saw that the children of his town were in desperate need of both secular and religious education. He appealed to several religious congregations for help, but none were able to come.

Rather than abandon his vision, Monsignor Greco turned to a faithful catechist, Raffaella DeVincenti, asking her to assist him in founding a new religious family. Together, they gave life to a congregation devoted to the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary, dedicated to prayer, service, and education. From those humble beginnings, the Piccole Operaie dei Sacri Cuori — the Sisters, Little Workers of the Sacred Hearts — were born.

Their mission was rooted in charity and carried out with a particular devotion to the poor. From their earliest days, the Sisters were entrusted with apostolates such as:

• Educating children in schools (nursery through university).

• Directing parish catechetical programs.

• Staffing orphanages and caring for the abandoned.

• Caring for the sick and elderly in hospitals, nursing homes, and private homes.

• Serving wherever the Church had need.

The congregation grew rapidly, spreading first throughout Calabria, then to Rome and northern Italy, and eventually beyond Europe. Over the last century, the Little Workers have established convents, schools, clinics and ministries in Argentina, Albania, India, and the United States, carrying the love of the Sacred Hearts to new corners of the world. Today, more than 400 Sisters serve globally, united in their charism and devotion.

The Emblem of the Order

The emblem of the Little Workers, designed by Father Greco in 1881, embodies their spirituality:

• Two Hearts: The Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, united in love and sacrifice.

• Flames: The fire of divine love — creative, redemptive, and sanctifying.

• Crown of Thorns: The shared suffering of Son and Mother, joining humanity to God’s saving love.

• “Taste and See”: An invitation to savor the sweetness of God’s love and the richness of His mercy.

• “Thy Kingdom Come”: The guiding vision of the Sisters’ work — to restore all things in Christ.

This emblem is not merely symbolic; it expresses the very heart of the Sisters’ identity. In every work of service, in every lesson taught, in every act of kindness, the Sisters live out the spirit of the Sacred Hearts.

Arrival in the United States

In 1948, the Sisters arrived in Stamford, Connecticut, bringing with them the same spirit of humble service and joyful presence that had marked their beginnings in Acri. They quickly became beloved in the local Catholic community, ministering in parishes, schools, and charitable works.

Over the years, the Sisters established nursery schools not only in Stamford, but also in Washington, D.C.; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and Riverdale, Maryland. They directed religious education programs, trained catechists, cared for the elderly, and guided the young. Everywhere they went, they left a mark of peace, joy, and faith.

Founding of Our Lady of Grace School

In 1962, answering the call of local families, the Sisters opened Our Lady of Grace Preschool and Kindergarten in Stamford. From its very first day, the school reflected the Sisters’ charism: a community where children are formed in mind, spirit, and heart.

For over sixty years, Our Lady of Grace has been a treasured Catholic institution in Stamford. Generations of children have passed through its doors, learning not only academics but also compassion, faith, and a love of God. Many alumni return as parents and even grandparents, entrusting their children to the same Sisters who once guided them.

The school’s reputation has always been one of joyful excellence:

• Academic programs that build strong foundations in literacy, math, science, and the arts.

• A faith-filled environment that nurtures prayer, virtue, and the Sacraments.

• A focus on kindness, empathy, and respect, teaching children to see and serve Christ in others.

• A close-knit community that feels like home.

Unlike many schools, Our Lady of Grace has always been sustained not by diocesan or government funding, but by the generosity of families and the tireless sacrifice of the Sisters. This independence has allowed the school to remain faithful to its mission and to offer one of the most affordable tuition rates in the community, a true labor of love.

A Beloved Legacy

Today, the Sisters continue their mission at Our Lady of Grace with the same humility and joy that inspired their founders. Their presence is woven into every classroom and every child’s life, making faith tangible and love visible.

The story of Our Lady of Grace is not just the story of a school. It is the story of a community transformed by the faithful presence of women religious who, for more than a century worldwide and more than sixty years in Stamford, have lived out their charism with courage, compassion, and joy.

Generations have been touched by their love.