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 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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Vincentian Vocabulary | Who We Are | Where We Serve | What We Do | Our History | Our Spirituality | Working Together | Youth | Research
1 June in History
1675: In Paris, the Priests of the Mission, installed in the lodgings located west of the chapel of des Invalides, inaugurated their duties with a great mission, which was completed on June 30.
1863: In Cuba, Fr Jerónimo Vila, superior and director of Daughters of Charity, took possession of the former convent of Our Lady of Mercy, in Havana. This started a good long time work. The church was repaired and enlarged becoming "One of the most remarkable temples of the universe", as the la Iglesia de la Merced periodical in Havana said in 1883, at the death of Fr. Vila.
1874: In Warsaw, Poland, died Fr. Duperrey, a victim of his dedication to the plagued .
1882: Fr Fiat, Superior General, erected Austrian Province of Salzburg of Daughters of Charity. This was the effect of union of Daughters of Charity with the community founded in 1836 in Schwarzach by siter Leopoldine de Brandis (whose cause is opened). Her community had 67 charity establishments.
1949: In El Biar, Algeria, died Fr. Jean Heynen . When he entered Internal Seminary in Paris coming from hi native Holland on September 7, 1900, he dreamed of going to China. Superiors, however, decided that he would be more useful in major seminaries. After obtaining academic degrees in Rome he participated in the Sicilian adventure. This adventure was taken on request of St. Pius X, the Pope who wanted Vincentians to take over seminaries in Southern Italy, which demanded a real transformation. Reforms introduced by Vincentians were not welcomed enthusiastically in many seminaries. Fr. Heynen first faced difficulties in Girgenti where he worked in for six years and where he returned after spending two years in Piazza. He left Sicily with broken heart when Vincentians had to abandon Italian seminaries because of World War I. He was moved to Constantine, Algeria. He stayed there until 1940 working in the same time in major and minor seminaries where he was responsible for discipline.
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.
- Vincentian Heritage People provides backgrounds of the lives of some of these people.
Some of those who follow Vincent's approach to proclaiming the Gospel are recognized at Saints and Blessed by the Church.
- Vincentian Family Saints offers more information on these people.
There are reminders in many places in France of the life of Vincent de Paul.
- Vincentian Heritage Places provides details of some of these places.
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
- Breath that Creates, Gives Life and Renews
Jesus, the Good Shepherd, has come so that his followers, his sheep, may have life and have it to the full. He passes on to them his breath.
- Full reflection: Pentecost Sunday, Year A-2023
- Emmanuel, That Is to Say, God-with-Us
Jesus, the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end, is Emmanuel, God-with-us. He is with us always.
- Full reflection: Ascension, Year A-2023
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.
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 MarÃa Romón Fuentes, C.M., Father John Rybolt was appointed to continue the work begun byJosé MarÃa 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.
Additional Technical Resources
Wikipedia article on "How to Edit"
Wiki Help http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:Contents
For information on how to write a great VincentWiki article visit http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:How_to_write_a_great_article
For a further understanding of what is good and bad about wikis visit the following links
Please also see User's Guide for usage and configuration help and documentation on customizing the interface
