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
13 May in History
1622: The bishop of Soissons, Charles de Macqueville, at the request of Mrs. de Gondi, authorized the establishment of Confraternities of Charity in the villages of the barony of Montmirail, approved the settlement of these associations, delegated Vincent de Paul to make the establishment, and his own movement, granting indulgences to those who enter the Confraternities of Charity.
1644: Letter of Vincent de Paul to Fr. Bernardo Codoing, Superior in Rome, in which he said that he did not expect priestly vocations flourishing, except a few, and adolescents younger than twenty years in the seminaries.
1648: Fr Julien Guérin died in Tunis. He was the first priest of the Mission, whom Vincent sent to Barbary. He was born in 1605 in the diocese of Bayeux. Before entering the Little Company in the age of thirty-five, he led a Christian strong military life avoiding excesses and defects so common among people of war in that time. Since 1641, after a few months of stay in Saint-Lazare, Julien Guerin became responsible to rescue material and spiritual miseries of the poor in Lorraine. Accompanied by Brother Francillon, he arrived in Tunis on November 22, 1645. After several months of clandestine ministry, its evangelical goodness reached the heart of the Turks, whom he opened, consoled, preached, administered the sacraments, converted only Christians and schismatics but also Muslims and even the son of Bey of Tunis. He rescued slaves, and supported young women dyeing as martyrs of chastity. Fr Guérin died as a victim of his dedication to those affected by the plague. Thanks to benevolence of Bey of Tunis in November 1647 he receives authorization to bring another priest, Jean Le Vacher, to help him in his mission.
1941: Election of Mother Decq as Superioress General. The Sisters gathered in the chapel for this important event, but in the middle of the meeting, they had to move to the workroom of St. Joseph because bomb alarm. It was in the midst of the war.
1944: In the hospice in Fidenza ({Parma province,Italy) died sister Frazzi, a bombardment victim
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
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
