FRATELLI DI SANVINCENZO DE' PAOLI. - Religious congregation founded in Paris in 1845 by G. Le Prevost, for the purpose of promoting the spiritual, social, and professional welfare of workers.
Young priests entered the nascent institute: foremost among them was Enrico Planchat, called, because of his zeal, Venator animarum, killed in 1871 by the insurgents of the Paris Commune. In the Institute, laymen work alongside priests, both in administration and in the various charitable works, such as patronages for children, apprentices, young workers, orphanages, workers’ and military clubs, and professional organizations intended to restore the Christian social order. The promoter of professional activity was M. Maighen, through the creation of the Association of Catholic Workers’ Clubs. Definitively approved by Pio XI in 1924 and widespread in France and Canada, the Congregation has 250 religious in 30 houses.