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Roman Catholic organizations inspired by the life and work of Saint Vincent de Paul are known as the Vincentian Family. Vincent de Paul was a French Roman Catholic priest who is known for having dedicated himself to serving the poor. He is venerated as a saint in both the Catholic Church and the Anglican Communion, and was canonized in 1737. Born in the village of Pouy, in the Province of Guyenne and Gascony, in southwestern France, he grew up among the poor. His initial interest in the priesthood was to establish a lucrative career and to obtain a benefice, allowing himself to rise out of poverty, retire early and support his family. However, he soon became persuaded that this was wrong, and that he must instead devote his life to serving the poor. He founded the Confraternities of Charity in 1617, which was comprised of women who joined together for the work of organized charity. In 1620, the Confraternity of Charity for men was established, which is now known as the International Association of Charity. The Congregation of the Mission was founded in 1625. In 1633, the Daughters of Charity was established, and the Ladies of Charity came about in 1635. The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul, an international voluntary organization of the Church, was founded in 1833. Other members of the Vincentian Family include the Sisters of Charity Federation, the Vincentian Marian Youth, the Miraculous Medal Association, and the Lay Vincentian Missionaries. Each of these religious congregations and lay associations either recognize Saint Vincent de Paul as their founder or inspiration, share in a common mission of evanglizing and serving the poor, as well as a common lifestyle and form of service to the poor, and a common spirituality. These Catholic organizations are often thought of as being one body, although many of them are autonomous organizations within the Church, because they share a common goal and are frequently serve in cooperative missions.

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Congregation of the Mission

Daughters of Charity

Sisters of Charity Federation

Vincentian Marian Youth

 

 

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