Vincentian Encyclopedia

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What is the Vincentian Encyclopedia?

It is a collaborative effort to create a Vincentian encyclopedia of articles and other information useful for those who follow Vincent, Louise and their spiritual companions: a resource for those who are part of the Vincentian family and for others seeking reliable information on people, topics, and organizations related to the Vincentian family.

Featured Article

St. Vincent de Paul

St. Vincent dePaul

Vincent had a passion for the poor and a genius for networking and organizing others to meet the full range of needs, both material and spiritual, of those who live on the margins of society.

St. Vincent DePaul (1581-1660) was not only the founder of the Congregation of the Mission (Vincentians) but also the Daughters of Charity, the Confraternities of Charity and Ladies of Charity (1617).

A man of deep faith and enormous creativity, he is known as the "father of the poor" and "Universal Patron of Charity". His contributions to the education of priests and services for the poor shaped our church's role in the modern world.

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28 March in History


1659: Conference of Vincent de Paul for Missioners about gentleness. During the conference he evaluated meaning of Article II of the common Rules.

1699: In Sant Lazare, Fr. Nicholas Pierron, fourth Superior General issued a circular in which he explains breve of pope Innocent XII condemning the Fenelon's book «Explication des Maximes des Saints». This book is concerned on quietism. By the occasion Fr Pierron reminded, that the Congregation should stay away from dangerous innovations.

1805: In Saint Cloud, Napoleon Bonaparte signed decree in which Congregation of the Mission, Society of Overseas Missions and Society of Holy Spirit were put under discreet direction of Great Chaplain of the Empire, Cardinal Joseph Fesche. Napoleon accepted report of his minister for religious cult, Portalis in which Portalis suggested sending of three Lazarists to China and in which he demanded to refund their journey up to Macao.

1897: In Motelieu, France, Sister Louise Lequette died. She was 35th Superioress General from 1872 to 1878. After second triannual term she went to fund a mission in Ethiopia. On October 28, 1878 she embarked the boat in Suez among six other Daughters and 600 other pilgrims from Mecca. Two days later they continued their journey on mules and after another ten days arrived to Keren. She was 61 then. On December 8 first sick peoples were served in the mission. Every morning, accompanied by young girl as interpreter Mother Lequette visited poor people in the are and in the afternoons she taught catechism. Unfortunately because of persecutions and when sister where chased she was forced to return from Ethiopia in 1884.

1968: Mother Suzanne Guillemin, D.C., superioress general and former auditor at Vatican II dies.

Other Dates

Vincentian People, Places and Ideas


Many people in the Society and Church of Vincent de Paul's time had an influence on his life and work.

Some of those who follow Vincent's approach to proclaiming the Gospel are recognized at Saints and Blessed by the Church.

There are reminders in many places in France of the life of Vincent de Paul.

Vincent and Louise were masters in fostering collaboration among groups that normally had little contact.

Former Superior General, Fr. Robert Maloney, CM often pointed out how the circle of poverty is increasing.

He reminded people that more than ever we need to expand the "circle of solidarity" and often invited us to be creative especially in reaching out to the young.


Reflection for Sunday Readings


Clothe Ourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ

Jesus lets us know that God calls us all to his kingdom. Besides, Jesus shows us how to clothe ourselves with him, so we may be of those whom God chooses.

Full reflection: Twenty-Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A-2023


Dare the Wise and Learned to Be Truthful

Jesus is the sign of contradiction. He brings to light what we harbor in our hearts. He cannot but dare us to be truthful.

Full reflection: Twenty-Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A-2023


Reflections' Library

Getting to Know the Vincentian Family

In the more than 300 years since Vincent and Louise died many have been inspired to walk in their footsteps. Collectively they are known as the Vincentian Family. The following section is devoted to information about what is common and unique in the ways these people walking in the "way of Vincent."

Vincentian-Setonian Researchers

The Congregation of the Mission history project described below is but one example of what the followers or Vincent and Louise are studying and writing about. Many others are researching and writing.

  • Vincentian-Setonian Researchers is the place for people to describe the work they are engaged in and the kind of things they would find helpful in their work.

Other Uses of this resource

How to post news of your Vincentian ministry

Following this link will take you to a list of Vincentian ministries.

As this encyclopedia grows in viewership your organization will receive additional visibility if it is listed here.

Using this site to collaborate on a document

Consider yourself as a member of a committee charged with writing an article on Vincentian formation.

Vincentian Formation

History of the Congregation of the Mission Project

Fr. John Rybolt, CM, and others are currently writing a projected five volume history of the Congregation of the Mission.

The project began in 1992. Upon the death of José María Romón Fuentes, C.M., Father John Rybolt was appointed to continue the work begun byJosé María Romón Fuentes, C.M., and Luigi Mezzadri, C.M.

This began in 2004, resulting first in an outline of the entire work, divided into four volumes: Vol. III: From the French Revolution to 1843; Vol. IV: 1843-1878; Vol. V: 1878-1915; Vol. VI: 1915-1984. We conclude at 1984, it being the year of approval of the new Constitutions.

The following segments are the first in a series of articles concerning the history of the Congregation following the French Revolution.



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