Which Catholic saint co-founded the Congregation of the Mission in 1625?

Saint Vincent de Paul co-founded the Congregation of the Mission in 1625.

Vincent de Paul was born in Pouy, France, in 1581 and became a priest. His pastoral work among rural communities convinced him that both poor people and poorly trained clergy needed sustained support. In 1625, he established the Congregation of the Mission, whose priests became known as Vincentians or Lazarists.

He also worked closely with Louise de Marillac, who helped organize the Daughters of Charity in 1633. That foundation is distinct from the Congregation of the Mission, although the two institutions developed in close partnership.

Vincent died in Paris in 1660 and was canonized by Pope Clement XII in 1737. Pope Leo XIII later declared him the patron saint of all charitable works. His feast day is September 27 in the Roman Catholic calendar.