GRAY BROTHERS OF CHARITY. — Institute founded in Naples in 1859 by the Venerable Fr. Lodovico da Casoria. The first religious were laymen, without vows, bound to the founder by a spirit of charity, poverty, and obedience. Only later was the need felt for priests, which led the founder to modify the previous arrangements; thus the Congregation remained composed of priests and laymen, dedicated to the instruction and education of the children of the people.
Approved by the Holy See in 1896, it now has 10 houses with 81 religious.
BIBL.: A. Capecelatro, Vita del p. Ludovico da Casoria, Naples 1887; L. Fabiani, Vita del ven. Lodovico da Casoria, 4th ed., ibid. 1931.