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Chapter X: Vincent 1645-1649Thanks to the work of work of Rev. Rafael Villarroya, C.M. which Fr. Mitxtel Olabuegna, C.M. edited posthumously and Fr. Charles T. Plock CM who translated and provided the references to English langauge works (a time consuming work) we have here a reconstruction of events in the life of Vincent and Louise as well as excerpts from their letters during these years. (For further details see the Introduction to this work in Spanish.) Chapter X: 1645-1649
January 26: A house is established in LeMans (CCD:II:579, note 2) and the missionaries took possession of this house on the June 30 th (CC:II:585, note 11). January 27: Monsieur Louis Robiche died. He worked with the convicts on the galleys and on the Feast of the Epiphany was struck with the purple fever. He entered the Congregation on October 31, 1643 and died when he was 35 years of age (CCD:II:567-568; Annales [1930]). February 2: The Rougemont farm in the forest of Bondy was donated to Vincent by Adrien Le Bon (CCD:I:245-247 [Translator's Note: : I do not understand why this reference is given here but simply note it because it appears in the Spanish text]; CCD:II:598, note 2).
February 14: Vincent was at the side of Cardinal François de la Rochefoucauld during the final hours of his life (CCD:I:209; Conferences to the Daughters of Charity, On Inordinate Affection for Self [December 11, 1644], 159). April 15: Louis Machon dedicated Ten Meditations to Vincent de Paul (CCD:XIIIa:148-149). May 20: A house was established in Tunis and Julien Guerin and François Francillon arrived there on November 22 (CCD:II:638-639, note to letter #800; CCD:XIIIa:401-402). May: Monsieur Ducournau and Monsieur Robineau [a member of the Congregation since 1642] were Vincent's secretaries. The first letter of theirs that is preserved is one that is dated May 3, 1645 (CCD:II:567-570; OC:I:36 [Translator's Note: I have been unable to determine the corresponding page to the English edition so I simply cite the reference as it appears in the Spanish text]). June: The minor seminarians were moved to Saint-Charles [the Little Saint-Lazare]. The Collège des Bons-Enfants remained the major seminary and the residence for the priests. In 1707, this seminary will be recognized by the Archbishop as Saint-Fermin (CCD:II:585, note 12; CCD:III:4-7; CCD:IV:289-293; CCD:V:75-77; Coste [English edition] II:170-191). June 8: Julien de Fiesque, a priest at Saint-Sulpice opposed Jean-Jacques Olier, and with other priests took charge of the parish. Vincent intervened but was beaten (Mainart, III:438 [Translator's Note: I do not have access to this work so I simply cite the reference here as it appears in the Spanish text]). June 28: S. Martin dedicated the translation of Monsieur Granada work The Guide for Sinners to Vincent de Paul (OC:X:157 [This citation refers to Document #59 Dedicatoria de la Traduccion de Guia de Pecadores a San Vicente. I was unable to find this document in CCD:XIIIa or XIIIb. I simply give the reference here as cited in the Spanish text). July: The Orsigny farm had been bought but the payment had not yet been completed (CCD:II:590, note 5). July 6: Vincent obtained royal permission (February 20, 1644) to continue the rebuilding of the enclosure walls. This work was done the following year (CCD:II:589, note 3; CCD:II:606-607). July 7: Vincent intervened in the matter of having the Cathedral of Dax repaired and went directly to the Queen to obtain funding (CCD:II:566, note 1, 655-656 [Translators Note: This reference refers to a different building project and I do not understand why this reference is given here but simply note it because it appears in the Spanish text]). August 28: Vincent and some other priests of the Congregation joined the campaign against blasphemy and swearing and supported a book published by Jean-Baptiste Noulleau (CCD:XIIIa:344). September-October. The house in Genoa is established. The contract is finalized in 1647 (CCD:II:595; CCD:III:3, 161 [Translator's Note: Both of these references to volume III make no sense in this context but I simply note them because they appear in the Spanish text]; CCD:IV:255-256, 426-429). Vincent intervened in Arras on behalf of the Daughters of Saint-Inez. November 5: Louise-Marie de Gonzague-Nevera married Ladislas IV, king of Poland. The wedding was held in the Palais-Royal because Cardinal de Gondi would not allow the marriage to take place in the Cathedral of Notre-Dame unless he was the celebrant. Work was begun on the church of Saint-Sulpice and Val-de-Grâce. The first stone was laid on April 1 st , 1645. Previously the Benedictines of Bièvre had been established there (CCD:II:424, note 6). Back to topEstablishment of the house at Maule (CCD:II:667; SWLM:123) and at Crespières (CCD:II:667; SWLM:123). August 2: Foundation of the house at Saint-Denis. The Daughters took possession of this house on August 22 (CCD:II:598, III:423, note [this citation appears to be incorrect since it has nothing to do with the event under consideration. I simply cite it here as it appears in the Spanish text]; SWLM:123). August 22: The foundlings were placed in thirteen houses on the champ-Saint-Laurent, near Saint-Lazare (CCD:III:179, note 8; IV:177, 378; XIIIa:339-341; SWLM:123). August-September: The first petitions was presented to the Archbishop of Paris requesting his approval of the Daughters of Charity (CCD:II:599-604) and their Internal Rule (CCD:XIIIb:123-127; SWLM:738-743, 754-765; SL:752 [Translators note: SL:572 is a reference to document A64: Observaciones sobre la memoria adjunta a la solicitud presentada al Archobispo de Paris para obtener la aprobacion de la Compania, which I have been unable to find in the English Edition of the Spiritual Writings of Louise de Marillac; therefore, I simply cite the reference as it appears in the Spanish text]). November 13: Foundation of the house at Serqueux in Seine-Maritime. Vincent had formerly gone there to its mineral springs for his health (CC:III:369, note 4, IV:455, note 2; SWLM:123). Back to topThe devil uses every means possible to attack a soul at this moment of passage, and strength of mind may still remain although the body may be weakened (CCD:II:572). It is said that this is choosing the worse of two evils, which are "confidence" and the uselessness of children (CCD:II:583). There are certain persons who are like millstones turning without any wheat; they catch fire and burn down the mill (CCD:II:588). Please look over the memorandum and give your comments. I have left out many things that I could have said about you. Let us leave it to Our Lord to say to everyone while we ourselves remain hidden (CCD:II:598). I have no doubt that you will always find new reasons for refining, regulating, setting things right, as well as doing and undoing.... It took God several days to create the world and He preserves it only by orderly changes and mutations (CCD:II:631). A strong stomach digests everything and a weak one turns sour everything it takes in and sometimes vomits it. How good it is to digest matters between God and ourselves (CCD:II:633). The way to avoid having a Visitor make a lot of rules is to act in such a way that he encounters very few faults (CCD:II:516). In those places where Superiors have sufficient humility and zeal, the visitation works wonders (CCD:II:672). Back to topI urge all ... to be very courageous especially in perfecting themselves in the practice of true humility, gentleness, obedience, cordiality and support for one another (SWLM:123). I entreat you [Monsieur L'Abbè De Vaux] to urge all our sisters to strive to overcome excessive spiritual sensibility. In order to do so, they must resist when at times God tries them by permitting temptation to get the better of their weakness and timidity so that they find it difficult to communicate with the person whom they are fortunate enough to have as their director (SWLM:124-125). O my dear Sisters, it is not enough to be engaged in the service of the poor in a hospital, although this is a blessing which you will never be able to esteem enough. What is necessary is to have the true and solid virtues which you know are essential in order to carry out well the work in which you are so happy to be employed. Without that, my Sisters, your work will be almost useless to you (SWLM:129-130). Our Little Company has never been so weak..... I do not know whether or not it is your long absence from us, but we are doing badly. I most humbly beg your Charity to remember the suggestion I made to you for a weekly conference attended by one of your priests (SWLM:132). Back to topJanuary 26: Vincent presented a petition to Parliament requesting permission to take possession of the house of Noël Bonhomme (CCD:XIIIa:356-357). March: Monsieur Portail began his visits to the houses in France. Vincent gave him some advice (CCD:II:621-623). April: Monsieur Almeras visited the houses in Italy, passing through Marseilles and Annecy. He would remain in Rome until 1651 (CCD:II:631; SWLM:202-203). April 2: The parish at Richelieu was joined to the house that was administered by the Congregation in that town. May 14: The house in Algiers was established (CCD:III:24). Monsieur Nouelly and Monsieur Jean Barreau were appointed to this mission. Monsieur Barreau filled the post of French Consul there. Vincent gave them advice (CCD:II:673-679; XIIIa-344-345). The Duchess of Aiguillon had obtained this position for Monsieur Lambert on July 5 (CCD:XIIIa:346-347). June 22: The Great Council authorized the secularization of Saint-Méen Abbey. This decision encountered many problems (CCD:III:12, note 8; III:53, note 2 and 3; III:322). July: King Louis XIV placed the Hospital in Marseilles under his protection. A resolution concerning this establishment are drawn up in 1648 (CCD:XIIIa:365-367; [Translator's Note: The Spanish text gives 1648 as the date in which this resolution are drawn up, yet the citation in the English CCD gives 1650 as the date --- I simply note here the difference in dating this document]). August-November: Vincent petitioned the Archbishop of Paris to approve the establishment of the Daughters of Charity (CCD:III:59-62). October 23: Hortus Pastorum et Concionatorum written by Jacques Marchant was dedicated to Vincent de Paul by Michel Alix (CCD:XIIIa:152-154). November: Establishment of the house in Ireland. The confreres arrived in the Diocese of Limerick in 1647 (CCD:II:556-557; III:90-91; 137-138). November 13: Monsieur Edme Jolly entered the Congregation (CCD:IV:234, note 1). November 20: The Archbishop of Paris approved the establishment of the Congregation of the Daughters of Charity and their Rule (CCD:XIIIb:131-138; III:132, note 2; 178-179, note 7). ----- The Obligations of Children to their Parents written by C. Aubert was dedicated to Vincent de Paul (OC:X:163 [Translator's note: Document #64 Dedicatoria a San Vicente del Libro de Carlos Aubert Sobre los Deberes de los hijos con sus padres y madres, does not appear in the English translation of this volume. Therefore I simply give the reference as it appears in the Spanish text]). ----- The retreats for the Ordinands were expanded to include those who were to receive Minor Orders. This brought on certain economic difficulties. ----- The enclosure at Saint-Lazare was built. ----- Vincent bought land near Orsigny and a third of the house of Nicole Mallard [widow of M. Dupuis] (Translator's note: since no reference is given to this fact I have simply translated the Spanish text and so while buying one third of a house seems strange to me, yet that is what the Spanish text says). -----A proposal was made to send missionaries to Salé in Africa (CCD:III:4-7; 32-33; 40; II:678). February 14: One of the Daughters was in grave danger when a house in the neighborhood of Saint-Germain collapsed (Conferences of Vincent de Paul to the Daughters of Charity, On the Love of our Vocation and on Helping the Poor, February 14, 1646, p.214-225) May 2: Louise gave an accounting of the finances of the Motherhouse of Saint-Denis (SWLM:145). June: Monsieur Portail visited the house at Le Mans (SWLM:141). June 1: The Daughters left for Le Mans. This mission, however, was not successful. (CCD:II:623-624, 641, 655, note 5; SWLM:145). June 28: First council meeting of the Daughters of Charity. The members of the Council were: Julienne Loret and Elisabeth Hellot. During this meeting the structure of the meetings was discussed as well as the idea of having a parlor in the house [without a grille, since they were not religious] (CCD:II:656; XIIIb:240-242, 249). July: Vincent thought it appropriate that some of Sisters visit the sisters of the parishes in Paris about every eight or ten days (SWLM:154-155). August: Michel Le Gras became gravelly ill and Vincent sent two Daughters of Charity to care for him (SWLM:164-165). Establishment of the Daughters of Charity at Fontainebleau (SWLM:139; CCD:III:21). August 8: Louise traveled with six Sisters to Nantes. They left on July 26 th and arrived on August 8 th and there took possession of the Hospital Saint-Rene (SWLM:172-179). November 20: Episcopal approval was given to the Daughters of Charity. This document was not registered with Parliament and with time this document was lost (CCD:IV:276-277). Back to topThe maxim of the Company is to prefer to suffer a loss rather than go to court. That is true, and I ask God to grant you the grace of being very faithful to the practice of this maxim (CCD:III:42). Let us not be so little attached to God's service that we yield to a useless fear which may cause us to abandon the task God has given us (CCD:III:44). The heart of your affair is the intention of the pure glory of God (CCD:III:47). It is not so important for us to live a long time as to continue in the vocation to which God has called us (CCD:III:97). We can fall into excess in the practice of the virtues and that excess is sometimes a greater evil than the failure to practice them. There are persons, and I know some, who find sensual and shameful pleasure in that sort of thing (CCD:III:123). Obedience is the soul of your soul (CCD:III:123). The demon can bark but he does not bite; he can frighten you but not harm you (CCD:III:139). Louise's Letters: 1646I beg you [Vincent de Paul] most humbly to do me the charity of remembering our entire Little Company, sinful and hard of heart as we are, at the holy altar tomorrow so that the most holy will of God may be accomplished in us (SWLM:142-143). I am disposed to discontinue this personal devotion.... [My intention here was] to ask God, through the Incarnation of His Son and the prayers of the Blessed Virgin, for the purity necessary for the Company of the Sisters of Charity and for the steadfastness of this Company in keeping with His good pleasure (SWLM:140). I think what leads me to visit various places is the mistrust I have of the qualifications of our sisters caused by my bad example and the little effort I put into their guidance. Since my words surpass my deeds.... I am only repairing the faults I have committed earlier (SWLM:143). It is not enough simply to be willing to go wherever they [the Daughters] are sent. They must be willing to remain where obedience has placed them until obedience removes them (SWLM:148). I believe that His goodness gave you the grace not to be bored with nothing to do, since it does not matter that we are not doing something. It is enough that God knows that we are all ready to work whenever He wishes (SWLM:151). Be careful.... not to form any close relationships with the Ladies of Charity so that you do not begin to waste a lot of time (SWLM:151). I leave you so that you may conform yourselves entirely to the most holy will of God by the pact that we all made together never to complain about the guidance of Divine Providence, but to abandon ourselves entirely to it (SWLM:153). I know that she [Sister Anne] has a tendency to appear the know-it-all, the scholar, the deeply devout woman, not to mention the little saint. She behaves this way everywhere, with the Ladies as well as with the poor, and she likes to say a great number of humble things which apparently bring her praise. There is much evil in this. Nonetheless, I intend only to speak of natural dispositions, and I hope that grace will draw some good from it (SWLM:162). Prepare to receive a good reprimand for all your cowardice. Do you think that I want to accept as mine a heart which gives in to its fears and imaginings so much that it will seem to come across as novel? I declare to you that if it does not give more to Divine Providence than you say it does, and does not stop listening so closely to its apprehensions, I do not want it (SWLM:165). Louise speaks about here journey to Nantes (SWLM:172-179). Do not permit anything to take place which even slightly draws the Company away from the direction which God has given to it. You can be sure that immediately it would not long be what it is. The sick poor would not longer be helped (SWLM:187). It seems to me that when I allow myself to be absorbed by my apprehensions, which put me in the same state as actual affliction, I need to be guided with more severity (SWLM:188). The Holy See published a decree about the theory of two Leaders, i.e., about the equality of Peter and Paul. On May 8, Parliament opposed this decree, but on May 13 the King settled this question by giving his approval to this decree which had been published without state approval by the Nuncio Bagno (CCD:III:73-75). March 15: Vincent, at the request of the Secretary of the Propagation of Faith, Bishop Ingoli, approved in principle the nomination of Monsieur Lambert as Coadjutor Bishop of Babylonia [even though Vincent stated that "losing this person is like plucking out one of my own eyes or cutting off my arm"] (CCD:III:168-169; 188-189). May: The war in Ireland created many hardships for the mission: Ormond, the Viceroy of Ireland, handed over Dublin to the English troops on July 28 th . General Presto was conquered at the battle in Dugan, and General Trim and Trade in Kockanus. The Catholic population was persecuted in Munster. General Ichiquin brutally repressed the independent Catholic uprising [Eugene O'Neil was part of this movement] (CCD:III:194, 274). June 26: Jean Barreau was imprisoned and also became very ill. Monsieur Nouelly died on July 22 nd of the same disease. Monsieur Lasague and Monsieur Diepp are sent to Algiers [they died in 1648 and 1649 respectively]; Monsieur LeVacher arrived there in 1651 (CCD:III:218-224; see Pastor , XXX, 146 [Translator's Note: I do not have access to this work so I simply cite the reference as it appears in the Spanish text]). September 3: Vincent requested the Archbishop of Paris to unite the priory of Brière-le-Château to the Congregation. His request was denied (CCD:III:234-235). October: Vincent planned to establish a house in Burglosse, in the Diocese of Daz. This plan, however, was not realized until 1706 (CCD:III:245). October 4: Several steps were taken to obtain Pontifical approval for vows for the members of the Congregation of the Mission (CCD:III:246-248). November 22: Jean Le Vacher arrived at Tunis. He left Paris on August 28 th and became ill in Marseilles (CCD:III:252). A new bridge in Caqmbio, Paris was inaugurated. This bridge replaced the old one that had been destroyed in 1621. Back to topMay 30: Vincent told the Daughters that they had received Episcopal approval and read to them the Rule which the Daughters promised to practice faithfully (CCD:III:179, note, 7; Conferences to the Daughters of Charity, On the Rules, May 30, 1647, p. 275-294). June 26: The Daughters established a work at Montreuil-sur-Mer at the hospital that was founded by Comte Charles de Lannoy. The hospital was closed in 1650. The Sisters were counseled with regard to their relationship with Comte de Lannoy (CCD:III:208-209; OC:X:168 [Translators Note: Document 67: La Marquesa de Vieuville Contra Vincent de Paul was not found in the English edition, volume XIII; therefore, I simply note here the reference as it appear in the Spanish text]; SWLM:189). June 7: A house was established at Bicêtre for the foundlings (SWLM:239; CCD:III:423, note 3; XIIIb:423-424). September 24: Pope Innocent X issued a Brief in which he bestowed his blessing on the Daughters of Charity At the request of Madame de Herse, the Daughters of Charity established a house at Chars. When the de Herse family moved to Luynes these lands were given to the Oratorians who had Jansenist leanings. This created many problems for the Daughters who ultimately closed the house in 1657 (SWLM:228, note 2; CCD:III:298; XIIIb:310). Anne of Austria requested Pope Innocent X to place the Daughters of Charity under the care of Vincent de Paul and his successors (CCD:XIIIb:141-142). Back to topGrace has its small beginnings and its progress (CCD:III:157). Anyone who does not act in this spirit [trust in God], no matter how competent he may be, will never succeed either for himself or for others (CCD:III:159). Trust in God is the strength of the weak and the eye of the blind (CCD:III:159). The [houses] that have more men do not [necessarily] produce the most fruit (CCD:III:164). We should not want the Company to be talked about and esteemed for its extension (CCD:III:171). Although the contemplative life is more perfect than the active life, it is not, however, more so than one which embraces at the same time contemplation and action, as does yours (CCD:III:173). Your thought of entering the Carthusians is leading you [Claude Dufour] to sacrifice certainty for uncertainty, and causing you to mistake a point of view for inspiration, and weariness for anxiety (CCD:III:180). When the Sister Servant flatters them [the Sisters], she is treating them like children or sick persons (CCD:III:183-184). Grace imitates nature in many things, making them ugly and unpleasant, but with time she perfects them.... Who would have thought that our puny Company, which is only a miserable specimen of the others in the Church, would do what God is pleased to accomplish through it (CCD:III:191-192). The Church has enough solitaries, and too many useless ones, and even more who tear her apart. Her great need is evangelical men who work to purge, enlighten, and unite her to her Divine Spouse CCD:III:204). We are no less obliged to give our missions gratis than the Capuchins are obliged to live on alms (CCD:III:251). This house [in Marseilles] is the most difficult one we have because of the extraordinary diversity of its works (CCD:III:260). Louise's Letters: 1647Be on your guard that the sweetness of the people's approval and the consolation of your frequent conferences and communications doe not take root in your mind so that you construe the change as the purity of intention needed for the service of God. That could be detrimental for you in the event that Divine Providence changes you from this place to one where these satisfactions are not found (SWLM:192). We must be entirely Gods; and in order to be truly His, we must rid ourselves of self-seeking (SWLM:197). I hope from God's goodness that all the little differences which have surfaced will help us to perfect ourselves and will show the Daughters of Charity how humble, submissive and attached to the exact practice of their Rule they must be. Without these virtues we are like an unstrung rosary (SWLM:199). It is truly unfortunate that there are persons to be feared in the house (SWLM:201). It seems that the perfection that God asks of the entire Company rests on your [Monsieur Portail] charitable advice and guidance (SWLM:202). Our entire poor Company is in a state of great sorrow, astonishment and fear at the loss of our sister [Marguerite Tourneton who had just left the Company of the Daughters of Charity]. Each one is murmuring secretly for no one dares speak about it. I await the return of your Charity so that you will let them know how they should regard this change (SWLM:205). I assure you, Sisters, that if we were not powerfully helped by our good God, and if good people did not do their best for us, we would have great reason to be concerned about our infidelities (SWLM:206). Your must work faithfully, observe the Rule and follow the advice of your Superiors. All must be done with gentleness of heart and humility, as we consider the interests of those with whom we are working rather than our own or even those of the Company. We were taught thus by our Most Honored Father after he learned it from the Son of God (SWLM:208). Even if we were to be in a place for only a week, we should work there as if it were to be for our entire lives (SWLM:209). What reason have we not to humble ourselves when we see that we have become the subject of gossip and scorn for all the people of Nantes.... [all because] of our attachment to our self love and personal satisfaction (SWLM:212). Tell our sisters that the people of Nantes are clamoring against them more than they know, and in important matters. However, it is the evil one playing these games that he will not win provided they gather together and unite near the Cross, like chicks under their mother's wing when the owl lies in wait (SWLM:213). Our sisters in Montreuil are doing marvelously well, by the grace of God (SWLM:215). I am a bit fearful about the acclaim you are receiving from all sides.... If you believe that this is coming from God, how obliged you are to humble yourselves! If it is from the devil, how fearful you must be! Ask God to make good use of it either way (SWLM:222). Remember that it is the poor that you serve, that it is their money you are using, and that you must save every sou as a matter of conscience (SWLM:222). My poor health continues. It occurred to me that our good God wishes me to make use of these ups and downs in order to tell your Charity of the inconstancy of my passions upon which I am so dependent (SWLM:223-224). Let us always adore and love the guidance of Divine Providence, the true and only security of the Daughters of Charity (SWLM:226). I urge you to accept the poor, whenever possible (SWLM:230). May God be blessed for the true harmony and holy peace which exist among you. This is necessary in order to live as Christians. As Daughters of Charity we have an even stronger reason to live in this way (SWLM:230). I must admit that I am very much at peace when I know that our sisters have the happiness of the direction of our most honored Fathers [the priests of the Mission in Richelieu] (SWLM:232). It is not a matter of my believing you [Sister Elisabeth Martin] have nothing to do; I cannot imagine your being content in that. However, it is a good thing to know that while practicing charity you take time to think of your perfection. This you can do by observing your little Rule. Interior acts can also accomplish this to the same or to a greater extent than exterior ones. Among such interior acts are forbearance, cordiality, gentleness and the mortification of our passions, one of the most dangerous of which is melancholy (SWLM:232). The Ladies should advice the patients to confess only sins they may have previously forgotten or held back.... sins committed against God and their neighbor. If the Ladies can, they should have them recite the Acts of Faith, Hope and Charity. The Ladies should also spend a lot of time in preparing those who are recovering to make resolutions to live as good Christians (SWLM:233). You know, Monsieur Vincent, that at the beginning of this work it was proposed that the temporal goods of said Company would return to the Mission if it came to fail through malfeasance. These goods would then be used in instructing the country people (SWLM:234). February-Marcy: Vincent asked the Queen to not allow the presentation of " Andromeda" [Translator's Note: I believe this refers to a theatrical presentation] in Cormeilles-en-Parisis. It was Lent and there was much scarcity and hunger in the city. The King was ill. In 1650 this work was presented and notice of this fact was made in August.
March 22: A young man from Madagascar was baptized at Saint-Lazare (CCD:III:282). April: The seminary at Marseilles was opened. It was closed in 1659 but reopened in April of 1956 and closed again in 1959 (CCD:III:267, note 3). May 21: This mission in Madagascar was established. Monsieur Nacquart and Monsieur Gondree leave on May 21 st for the mission and arrive there on December 4 th (CCD:III:278-283, 286-290, 538-567). The mission is formerly begun on July 20 th (CCD:XIIIa:361; Conferences of Saint Vincent de Paul to the Missionaries, Repetition of Prayer, November 15, 1656, p.353-354; Repetition of Prayer, August 30, 1657, p.386-387). Authorization for Charles Nacquart and Nicolas Gondrée to travel to Madagascar was given on March 30, 1648 (CCD:XIIIa:358) and faculties were granted to them in 1650 (CCD:XIIIa:363). May 25: Julien Guérin died in Tunis (CCD:III:349). A meeting was held in Saint-Lazare to draw up the document concerning the Five Proposals of Jansenism. Those present: Vincent de Paul, Nicolas Cornet, Jacques Charton, Jacques Pereyret, and Jean Corqueret. June 25: Vincent took opposition to the book De la Fréquente communion and wrote Monsieur Jean Dehorgny on this matter (CCD:III:321ff, 329, 358-367). August 26: The war of the Fronde began and the Royal Court fled to Rueil on September 13 and returned on October 31 (CCD:III:356, note 2; SWLM:257). December 20: Seigneur de Fargis, Charles d'Angennes, the French Ambassador to Spain (1620-1626) died. On January 1, 1626 he signed the Treaty of Monçon. He was married to Madeleine de Silly, Madame de Gondi's sister, and became Comte de la Rochepot. He entered the Congregation of the Mission on December 31, 1647 (CCD:III:389, note 6). The Propagation of Faith offered Vincent the mission territory of Arabia (CCD:III:333). During an Assembly of the Ladies of Charity it was decided to continue the work with the Foundlings (CCD:XIIIb:423-424). J.-B. De la Place dedicated his book to Vincent de Paul (CCD:III:334). A house was established at Treguier (CCD:III:270, 447). A house was established at Agen with Monsieur Delatre (CCD:II:322; CCD:III:372). Back to topJune-July: Monsieur Lambert visited Angers and Nantes (SWLM:234, 244). September 4: Mathurine Guérin entered the Company of the Daughters of Charity [The English translation gives September 12, 1648 as the date of entrance --- I used here the date as given in the Spanish text but note the difference here]. She was named Superioress General on four occasions (CCD:III:421, note 9). October: Sister Élisabeth Turgis died (SWLM:235, 263, 264-265). December 8: Sister Barbe Bailly pronounced her vows. She was the first Sister that we know of who pronounced her vows yearly. She renewed her vows annually until 1956 when she pronounced perpetual vows which were then renewed yearly (SWLM:657; CCD:VII:408; VIII:214). Back to topTry to let them see that you are only developing in them the sign of Himself that God has left on them (CCD:III:280). I believe the trouble caused in religious Order by the Brothers arises from the fact that they are kept in too lowly a position (CCD:III:319). The practice of patience, humility, and exact observance of the Rule is the true sign of our perseverance (CCD:III:329). It is no wonder that you are tempted; on the contrary, it would be strange it you were not, because our life is nothing but temptation, and no one is exempt from it (CCD:III:342). Without disorders there would be no rules (CCD:III:343). The difficulties they thought to escape did not lie in what they left behind but in their own illusions, since one's state of mind remains the same everywhere, for want of correcting it by constant mortification (CCD:III:344). Sometimes God allows Communities to fall into such desolation that it seems all is lost, but afterwards he raises them up to a better state than before (CCD:III:385). Back to topSince you have nothing to do, or at least very little, you truly have reason to humble yourself. Make up for it by frequent acts of virtue and....by exact observance of your Rule.... God will ask you for an account of the time He has given you for this. Your time for working will soon be past because of your age.... Since you are with a young sister, you are obliged to be an example to her (SWLM:238-239). Remember well this practice of ours of earning our living through work.... God did not relieve us of the need to earn our bread simply to give us a life of ease. He did so in order that we might work even harder in imitation of his Son (SWLM:239). It would be most dangerous for our Company to aspire to such learned teaching, not only because our self-interest is so inclined toward vanity, but because we must fear speaking erroneously (SWLM:239-240). I know the difficulties that you are all experiencing, but I also know that it is the yoke of the Lord, and that He Himself has the goodness to render it gentle and sweet for those who bear it for his love (SWLM:243). During Lent Monsieur Thibault was with you, and before that you had written to Monsieur Vincent. Since then, you have written to Monsieur Lambert. Now then, all these responses and consolations are worth more to you [Sister Barbe Angiboust] than twelve letters from me (SWLM:244). Regarding moving to another apostolic assignment: We must belong to God in a very different way. And who are we to want to choose our paths ourselves? Let us leave that to God.(SWLM:249). It seems that you [Sister Anne] told me something about using wine. In the name of God, do not get into the habit of doing so. Insofar as I know you, I believe it would be quite harmful to you (SWLM:250). Since you are Daughters of Charity in name, and since you know that true charity loves and endures everything, even the worst contradictions and repugnances, I hope that all of you practice this (SWLM:252). In the name of God, my dear sisters, be most courageous in working toward your perfection. Forget your home and your relatives so that you may live in peace in the place where God was pleased to [be] reveal[ed] to you through holy obedience (SWLM:255). It is not enough to visit the poor and to provide for their needs; one's heart must be totally purged of all self-interest, and one must continually work at the general mortification of all the senses and passions (SWLM:260-261). We must continually have before our eyes our model, the exemplary life of Jesus Christ. We are called to imitate his life, not only as Christians, but as peing our difficulties. However, it cannot go on like this! (SWLM:269). I fear, Monsieur [L'Abbè de Vaux] that the sisters are becoming overly sensitive to their interior feelings and that they are too used to introspection. I beg you most humbly to take the trouble to look into this and into the way in which it can be avoided. The fault is more dangerous in our Company that it would be in religious communities (SWLM:267). January 13-14: Vincent left Paris and traveled to Saint-Germain-en-Lye where the Queen had taken up residence. There he spoke with the Queen and asked her to dismiss Mazarin for the good of the people. On this trip he encountered several difficulties: in Clichy he was attacked by the people but one of the assailants recognized him; in Neuilly, where the Seine had flooded its banks, Vincent courageously forded the river on his horse. He remained in Saint-Germain for three days but his mission was unsuccessful (CCD:III:393, note 1). January: Six hundred soldiers, lodged at Saint-Lazare, pillaged and plundered the house. On the 11 th of January four soldiers began to guard the house but on the 18 th , under the pretext of searching the house, it was once again pillaged. On the 18 th a squadron of soldiers began to guard the house. Because of this situation the number of personnel had to be reduced (CCD:III:394, note 4, III:402-402, III:409, note 3). January 17: Vincent began a journey of almost 600 kilometers and visited the houses of the Congregation. From Saint-Germain he went to Villepreux (CCD:III:392, note 1, 393). The farm at Orsigny was in danger of being attacked and so Vincent took and sheep and cattle and two horses to Frenneville (CCD:III:397-398, 409, note 3, 413). February 4: Vincent was in Freneville. He had planned to stay there for two or three days but because of the cold and the snow he was forced to remain there for more than a month. He took advantage of the situation to give a mission to the people. While he was there, the farms of Freneville were attacked and so Vincent took the sheep and cattle and horses to a fortified town near Etampes and then traveled to Orleans (CCD:III:395-396, note 1, 412-413). February: Monsieur DuCoudray died in Richelieu (CCD:III:409, 414). March 2: Vincent arrived at the house en Le Mans after having passed through Orleans [January 25]. He remained at Le Mans for 15 days (CCD:III:408, 412-413). March 19: Vincent arrived at Angers where he visited the Daughters April 18: Vincent arrived at Nantes and remained there for ten days. Visited the Daughters (CCD:III:425). May 11: On April 29 th Vincent left for Lugon and arrived in Richelieu on May 11 th . Here Vincent fell ill and Brother Alexander traveled from Saint-Lazare to Richelieu to take care of him. The Duchesse d'Aiguillon sent Vincent a coach and two horses to travel back to Paris. Peace had been restored to this city (CCD:III:428, 428-432). May 23: Monsieur Gondrée died in Madagascar (CCD:III:434). June 13: Vincent returned to Paris. Indeed, the Archbishop and the Duchesse d'Aiguillon had requested that he return. He saw the carriage as his "ignominy" (CCD:V:344) and his infamy (CCD:XIIIb:309, 472 [Translator's note: I do not understand why these references are given here but simply note them because they appear in the Spanish text]) (CCD:III:447, note 3, III:451, III:431, note 4). France began to receive help in her restoration efforts after the war (CCD:III:471, note 1). July 1: Nicolas Cornet summarfized and condemned the Five Propositions of Jansenism. He brought his objections to the Sorbonne but he was not attended to there. July 24: Because of an outbreak of the plague in Marseilles, the galley slaves were moved to Toulon where they remained for fifteen years. One of the confreres from the house ministered to the prisoners. The plague also forced the seminary to be closed until 1656. Monsieur Brunet and M. de la Coste died as a result of this disease (CCD:III:465-467). August 15: Ireland: Cromwell arrived in Dublin to confront the rebellion. Ireland had declared itself a monarchy. This repression placed great fear into the spirits of Monsieur Duiguin and the English Patriarch, and they both returned to France (CCD:III:478; see Pastor , XXX:154 [Translators Note: I do not have access to this work in Spanish and so I simply note the reference as it appears in the Spanish text]. December 25: A Jubilee Year began in Rome Bishop Ingoli, the Secretary of the Propagation of Faith died. Bishop D. Massari succeeded him. The Prefect of the same Congregation was A. Barberini, [except for the time that he was in voluntary exile in Fracne from September 28, 1645 to July 14, 165?]. During his absence, he was replaced by L. Capponi. On his return to Rome, however, he took over his position and remained there until his death in 1671. Back to topMarch 19-24: Vincent visited the Sisters at Angers and was greatly consoled during his stay with them (CCD:III:417-418, 424). During this visit his horse fell on him and one of the priests who was traveling with him saved his life (CCD:III:419, note 3). This confrere left the Congregation but later Vincent would, in thanksgiving for having been saved, readmit him (CCD:V:337 [Translator's note: I do not understand why this reference is given here but simply note it because it appears in the Spanish text]). March: The houses in Saint-Denis and Bicêtre were closed by Conde's soldiers (CCD:III:417-418; SWLM:277). The foundlings were moved to Paris, to the Motherhouse and to Le Pitie Hospital (CCD:III:418, 423, 431). April 18: Vincent visited the Daughters at Nantes. They were confronting many problems and Vincent offered them some advise (CCD:III:215; XIIIb:143-144). April May: The Daughters withdrew from the house in Issy (SWLM:278, note 6) and Louise visited the houses in Paris (SWLM:278). May-June: The older children returned to Bicêtre (CCD:IV:177, note 4); but left again in 1650 [a question is raised about this fact and the date] CCD:IV:193-194; SWLM:317). August 28: Louise visited Liancourt (CCD:III:517-518 [Translator's note: I do not understand why this reference is given here but simply note it because it appears in the Spanish text]; SWLM:299). September: Monsieur Portail returned from Rome and bring "authentic" medals for the Sisters (SWLM:326). December: An extraordinary meeting was held to discuss the economic situation of the foundlings (SWLM:301-303; CCD:XIIIb:420-423). Louise's son was appointed bailiff of Saint-Lazare [he left this position in 1656 and died in 1696] (CCD:III:432, note 5). During this same month [December] Louise, together with other members of the Marillac family, looked for a way to marry her son. They sought the help of the Atichy family, who in a certain sense were responsible for his economic situation (CCD:III:328-330 [Translator's note: I do not understand why this reference is given here but simply note it because it appears in the Spanish text]). Back to topIt is not expedient to put the wheat in the Saint-Lazare granaries up for sale. It is better to lend it at interest to God by distributing it as alms to the poor (CCD:III:392). This is a passing cloud; the day will come when the Company will have a greater credibility and support, and those who can do good for it will have greater charity for it than they do now (CCD:III:448) God thinks about you enough and looks after the affairs of your soul while you lok after those of your vocation (CCD:OOO:459) We should in no way be surprised at little misunderstanding that arise. The angels and the Apostles had their differences, and Our Lord permits this both inside and outside the Communities for a greater good (CCD:III:462). Purging the Company in this way is an act of mercy Our Lord is grant it and will be one of the first things Our Lord will let you see in heaven (CCD:II:472) God allows us to go from bad to worse when we leave the state in which He has placed us (CCD:III:476) If you believe the contrary [and want to leave the Community], at least leave only by the same door through which you enter the Company. That door is a spiritual retreat (CCD:III:476). I am delighted that you are opposed to giving money for the success of this affair [the question of vows] and that you want to leave the outcome to Providence alone (CCD:III:478). I admit that it is difficult for our Brothers to keep their temper when they are so overworked; we have some elsewhere who do little and complain a great deal and try the patience of their superiors.... forbearance brings about [change] better than reproofs (CCD:III:480). What makes me doubly grateful to God .... is the fidelity of your heart, which bends and stands firm in accordance with the Divine good pleasure (CCD:III:481). The poor, who do not know where to go or what to do, who are suffering already and who increase daily, are my burden and my sorrow (CCD:III:492). Scandal often does as much harm to the listeners as to those who devise it, even if it were to do no other harm that disturb the mind, as it does, and give rise to temptation to speak or write about it to others (CCD:III:499). You must regulate your [work] according to your possibilities and take on only as much as you can handle (CCD:III:499). The poor food being served there is having a harmful effect on bodies and minds (CCD:III:501). Our business is to gain heaven; everything else is a sheer waste of time (CCD:III:503). Since this is the work of the Holy Spirit rather than that of men, who can say thing but not move the person, we shall pray to God for that (CCD:III:510). [The correction of a young person] will probably take a long time because of the impetuosity of his age and his vivacious spirit, but be patient! These very things should cause us to bear with him gently, in the hope that the idle dreams of presumption and the force of desire usually found in young people will diminish with age (CCD:III:510). Where there is no suffering, there is little merit (CCD:III:510). In a family people see only the special reasons that concern it; we see not only these but also the general reasons why orders must be given (CCD:III:524). The road to dissension lies open when subjects criticize what Superiors do.... I admit that it is most annoying to be criticized in this way because persons inclined to that never judge things objectively but according to what they are themselves (CCD:III:524). Back to topWe must continually pray for our entire Company so that each of us will die well (SWLM:273). I beg you, my dear sister [Sister Jeanne Leptintre], to tell Sister Jeanne and the others not to speak of the past. This only discourages some of the sisters (SWLM288). Work at being in peace in the midst of your troubles and concerns. Await with total submission the order and guidance of Divine Providence. One day we will both praise God for this persecution (SWLM:290). It is more than a little disheartening for us to spend so much time and so many years in testing and forming our sisters only to have them taken from us by weakness. So long as God is glorified by it, nothing else matters (SWLM:293-294). How just it is, my dear Sisters, not to allow yourselves to be carried off in all directions (SWLM:296). These are daring spirits, capable of much evil. That is why they are to be pitied. My thought is that this misfortune befalls them because of their boldness in receiving the sacraments with these bad dispositions (SWLM:299). |
