An early promoter of Vincentian Family collaboration, Bl. Marco Antonio Durando fostered the propagation of the Marian Association of the Miraculous Medal among young people. The Association became a fertile ground for vocations; in only ten years, 260 young women of the area joined the Daughters of Charity. The increased numbers made possible the development of centers in Turin where the Daughters collaborated with the Ladies of Charity to provide service to the poor: orphanages, nursery schools, assistance for the sick, workshops for young women, and more.
In addition to being recognized for his holiness he founded a community dedicated to in-home hospice care for the dying as well as a school dedicated to preparing priests for service in the missions (think enculturation). His feast is celebrated on December 10. See also Vincentian Encyclopedia.
The Nazarene Sisters of the Passion, better known as the Nazarene Sisters, form a part of the Vincentian Family.
They were founded in Turin in 1865 by Fr. Marcantonio Durando, Visitor of the Vincentian Missionaries of Turin. The spirit of the institute is to serve those who suffer, as suffering members of Christ crucified, visiting their houses “ night and day” and helping to educate abandoned children. Later, thanks to the initiative of Father Giuseppe Archetto, the Order (affiliated since 1901 to the Daughters of Charity of Saint Vincent De Paul) was able to expand into mission territories.
For a sample of the work of the Nazarene Sisters he founded see this news story about their work in Madagascar with the inspiration of another, Vincentian Father Giuseppe Archetto, CM.
A Short Life of Blessed Marcantonio Durando (1801-1880)
The Unedited Collection of Letters of Blessed Marcantonio Durando
Litany of Marco Antonio Durando
Tags: Daughters of Charity, Durando, Ladies of Charity
