VINCENTIAN STUDIES COURSE

BOQUERON, CHIRIQUI, PANA

JOHN P. PRAGER, C.M. 1995

VII. THE HISTORY OF THE C.M.

3. THE CRISIS: THE FRENCH REVOLUTION (1790-1843)

READINGS FOR THE TEACHER:

Carven, J., Napolean and the Lazarists, (The Hague: M. Nimhof, l973).

 Davitt, T., "Jean-Henri Gruyer," Colloque 4 (l981), p. 18-21.

 --, " Louis-Joseph François," Colloque 5 (l982), p. 24-38;also in Vincentian Heritage 5 (l984), p.65-84.

 --, Pierre-Rene Rogue," Colloque 3 (l981), p. 16-28.

 Etienne, J.B., Notices sur le Rétablissement de la C.M.après la Révolution de 1789, (Paris:l870).

Gonthier, J., Un Martyr de la Fidelité:Pierre-Rene Rogue, (Paris: l979).

 Herrera, p. 282-315.

 Misermont, L., Le Bienhereux François et les Martyres de St. Firmin, (Paris:l929).

 Perboyre, G., La Congrégation de la Mission pendant la Révolution Française et sous l'Administration des Vicaires Généraux(l788-1827)," Annales de la C.M. 72-78 (l907-l913)

 Prager, J.P., "EL Beato Pedro Renato Rogue y la Tradición Vicentina," CLAPVI 58 (l988 ), p. 67-75.

READINGS FOR THE NOVICES:

Carven, J., "The Vincentian Family and Napoleon," Vincentian Heritage 5 (l984), p. 43-62.

Poole, p. 347-414.

POINTS OF EMPHASIS:

1. The French Revolution and its aftermath had grave effects on the C.M. It accelerated the breakdown that had already begun.

2. In France the confreres were dispersed. Contacts between Paris and the rest of the C.M. were cut off.

3. The tension between the French and Italian C.M.'s came to a head in the divisions between the vicars general.

4. Many left the Congregation. No normal community life existed for more than forty years.

5. The Vatican had to finally step in and resolve the internal divisions. This did not settle all of the problems. The scandals of Fr. Nozo threatened to widen the divisions.

6. Despite the crisis, the Vincentian martyrs gave a testimony of fidelity.