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
2 May in History
1612: In the afternoon, according to traditional ceremony, Vincent de Paul takes over Cure of Clichy, then a 600 person parish North East of Paris. According to the present map of Paris its territory could contain of 90% of 17th Quarter, 10% of 18th Quarter and small part of 9th Quarter. After a year, his spiritual director, Pierre de Bérulle, advised Vincent to become tutor in de Gondi family. He had performed his pastoral duties admirably, thereafter, whenever he cold, he had seen his good peasants of Clichy. Legally he was pastor of Clichy until 1626.
1648: Louise de Marillac sends a letter to Vincent de Paul where she said there were 43 Daughters at the Motherhouse and that now there was need to use their savings for acomodation of Old Sisters and those in the Seminary. She also asked for receiving the Daughters who would leave for the Hospital in Le Mans and equipping them for settlement there.
1659: Conference Vincent de Paul to Lazarists about mortification, explaining Articles 8 and 9 of Chapter II of the Common Rules.
1660: Returning for Rome to Paris Louis de Chandenier, Abbot of Tournus and great benefactor of the Congregation of the Mission, died in Chambery. As a nephew of Cardinal de la Rochefoucauld and thoroughly filled by fortune, he could had led the life of a brilliant courtier. After death of his uncle, he decided to leave Saint Sulpice seminary and move to Saint Lazare. He was one of those favored guests whom Vincent de Paul allowed to remain under Company's attention. Abbot of Tournus brought his attendance and fervor to the Tuesday conferences. Up to his abilities he was responsible for directing the mission preached in Metz for two and a half months from March 6, 1658. Louis de Chandenier has greatly helped Blessed Father. He offered, particularly its priory of Saint Pourçain, in the Diocese of Clermont, to cover the costs of pensions of ordained persons. The Abbot of Tournus was also interested in a very special seminary of Saint Charles. Refusing the bishoprics offered him, instead of caring properly and manage the Abbey of Tournus, in the vicinity of Macon, and villages which depended on it. Louis de Chandenier would have liked to be a member of the Mission. His humility was unworthy to judge, and Fr Vincent, who doubtlessly felt the nephew of Cardinal de la Rochefoucauld was a character too light for its "miserable Company", did not pressed. The Abbot of Tournus had this supreme joy of being admitted to the Congregation on his deathbed by Fr Thomas Berthe.
1806: Birth of St. Catherine Labouré at Fain-les-Moutiers.
1841: Three Daughters of Charity heading to Smyrne and three to Constantinople embarked the ship in Marseille. They joined another fifteen Daughters being there since 1839. In next to years, another fifteen Daughters of Charity will follow. And in 1842, nine Sisters will depart to Algeria.
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
- 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
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
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