The Sisters of Our Lady of Sorrows were born in Coriano (Rimini), Italy, in 1839. From the beginning, at the time of the Foundress, Elisabetta Renzi, the sisters were called to open new communities in various regions of Italy, while remaining prevalently concentrated in the regions of Emilia Romagna and Marche.
Today, the Sisters of Our Lady of Sorrows have 19 communities where the sisters live and work in various educational ministries. In addition, they own 5 apostolic activities which are run by teams of qualified lay persons. The sisters are engaged in apostolates that are typical of the Congregation and operate schools, retirement homes for the elderly, homes for the disabled, homes for at risk and troubled youth, and centers of hospitality mothers and their children who are in need.