PENITENTS of Orvieto, are an order of nuns, instituted by Antony Simoncelli, a gentleman of Orvieto in Italy. The monastery he built was at first designed for the reception of poor girls, abandoned by their parents, and in danger of losing their virtue. In 1662 it was erected into a monastery, for the reception of such as, having abandoned themselves to impurity, were willing to take up, and consecrate themselves to God by solemn vows. Their rule is that of the Carmelites.
These religious have this in peculiar, that they undergo no noviciate. All required is, that they continue a few months in the monastery in a secular habit; after which they are admitted to the vows.