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
28 September in History
1657 Louise writes to Vincent and in this letter we see the collaboration that existed between them in the governance of the two Congregations.
1658
Vincent writes to one of the superiors and this letter reminds uf of the phrase that was very common at one time "ex libris Congregationis Missionis". Vincent says: "I am surprised, Monsieur, that you are still urging me to send you your books, since I wrote you several times that it is contrary to the practice of the Company for anyone to have his own books, and still more to take a large number of them from house to house. I even told you that I am obliged to see to it that this Rule is observed."
1660
The funeral ceremonies of Vincent de Paul are celebrate in the Church of Saint-Lazare. Bishop Piccolomini, the Nuncio presides, six bishops assist, abbots, pastors of Paris, Bossuet, the archdeacon of Metz, the prince de Conti, nephew of the King, the presidents of the Parliament, the Duchess of Aiguillon, a large number of the volunteers of Charity, Daughters of Charity led by the newly named Superior General, Sister M. Chetif and a large number of the Missionaries. It is difficult to control the many people who wish to see the body of Vincent one more time. Pieces of his clothing and hair are cut as relics. Finally Vincent’s body is place in a lead coffin which is then placed inside a wooden coffin and placed in an open tomb inside the church.
1729
Celebration of the Beatification of Vincent de Paul. Once again the Bishops and noted personalities, the Volunteers of Charity, the Daughters of Charity and members of the Congregation of the Mission, with many of the faithful participate in this celebration. Order is maintained by thirty soldiers. The people respond to Vincent’s humility with signs of triumph.
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
- Commit to the Poor of Flesh and Blood
Jesus goes about doing good; he loves in deed and truth. He does not just commit to an ideology. St. Vincent is like him.
- Full reflection: Solemnity of St. Vincent de Paul 2023
- Admire the Thoughts and Ways of God
Jesus makes known to us God, who is good to all and has mercy on all he has made, and whose thoughts and ways we are to admire.
- Full reflection: Twenty-Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time, 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
