PRETI DELLA MISERICORDIA. – A congregation of missionary priests initially called the “Society of Missions of France,” founded by Fr. G. B. Rauzan (1757–1847) in Lyon in 1808 with the aim of countering the painful effects of the French Revolution and restoring religious life through missions in various centres of France.
The work of these missionaries was soon sought by several French bishops, alarmed by the damage wrought upon souls by anti-religious propaganda. Suppressed by Napoleon, the congregation was able to resume its activity in 1814 under Rauzan’s leadership, and he and his confreres continued their apostolic work until 1830, when another revolution forced them to suspend II. Rauzan then went to Rome, where he remained for three years drafting the rules of his institute. These were approved by Gregory XVI on 18 February 1834. After the founder’s death, the congregation spread—despite persecutions—throughout Europe and America. Today it maintains an international college in Rome, houses in Canada, the United States, and France. The members take vows of chastity, obedience, and stability, as well as a promise of evangelical poverty. They devote themselves not only to missions but also to parochial ministry and the education of youth.