SCHEPPERS, CORNELIUS VIKTOR. - Founder of the Brothers and Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy, b. at Malines on 25 Apr. 1802, d. there on 7 March 1877.
Ordained priest in 1832, the exercise of his ministry among youth opened his heart and mind to the two foundations which he wished to undertake for their salvation. In 1839 he began with that of the Brothers of Our Lady of Mercy, in order to devote themselves to all works of charity, with particular concern for prisoners and the mentally ill. To the schools, in fact, opened at Malines for poor children, there was soon added the care of prisons and penitentiaries (Vilvorde, Alost, Gand, Namur, etc.). Card. Pecci, the future Leo XIII, called the Brothers to Perugia, and Card. Manning to London. In Rome they were called in 1854 by Pius IX, who entrusted to them the direction of the reformatory of S. Sabina, to which other houses were soon added. In 1854 S. founded the parallel branch of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy, who care for girls through schools, homes for elderly women, and workshops.