Vincentian Encyclopedia
From VincentWiki
Vincentian Encyclopedia is devoted to material related to St. Vincent de Paul, a 17th century priest whose influence is still being felt today through the more than 2 million people who are inspired by him and serve in various organizations generally known as the Vincentian Family.
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Vincentian Encyclopedia
What is this Vincentian Encyclopedia?
- Still in its embryonic stages this 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 sometimes commonly refered to as the "Vincentian family". It will contain articles related to Vincentian spirituality and information about the various groups they founded. As such it is an encyclopedia created "by" and "for" the Vincentian Family.
- The uniqueness of this project lies in the fact that it will be a collaborative effort of many people using technology which is rapidly changing the way content is created on the web. This as yet little known software allows large numbers of people to work collaboratively on a web site. The best known example at present is "Wikipedia", a free user created encyclopedia whose English version already boast more than one half a million entries.
- This adaptation of wikipedia is presently set up so that 'any registered user of this site can edit any page (with the exception of certain pages such as legal documents, e.g. Constitutions of the Congregation of the Mission. To register use the login/register link at the top right of this page. At some future point we have the option to increase the level of security on the wiki as a whole or just individual sections.
- The software behind this project will also allow many other forms of collaboration . For example, work groups and committees can draft documents collaboratively before or after committee meetings saving travel time and expenses. See example Using this site to collaborate on a document.Depending up the nature of the group this type of collaboration can be pass-word protected if so desired.
- It can allow an exchange of information about ongoing projects such as Vincentian-Setonian Researchers.
20 July in History
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.
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 María Román Fuentes, C.M., Father John Rybolt was appointed to continue the work begun by José María Román 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.
Who was Vincent de Paul?
- St. Vincent de Paul lived during the 17th century in France. His funeral drew thousands in Paris and the preacher said that he "just about changed the face of the Church and France". In the 300 years since his death he has inspired millions to walk in his footsteps in many different walks of life. Today there are well over two million people formally associated with what has become to be known as the Vincentian Family.
Reflection for Sunday Readings
- God’s stream is filled with water; with it you supply the world with grain (Ps. 65:10)
The fullness of his goodness and love brimming over abundantly, God sent forth and gave us his word that he guaranteed would not return to him void, but would do his will and accomplish the mission it was given. Such was God’s overflowing prodigality that when he went to sow the seed of his word, he scattered the seed all over without regard to whether the seed would fall on a path, rocky ground, among thorns or rich soil.
Full reflection: Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A
Do You Speak Vincentian?
- A project currently under development is the compilation of words and phrases commonly used in the various branches of the Vincentian Family.
- This Definitions page will allow us to create a Vincentian dictionary of words and phrase use by the followers of Vincent and Louise..
- Please feel free to edit any of the following definitions or put in a request for other concepts you would like to see explained. You'll have to login to edit. Create yourself a username, and contribute to the effort!
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 at the Vincentian Family. The following section is devoted to information about the what is common and unique in the ways these people way in the "way of Vincent."
Young people Walking in the Way of Vincent
- Someone recently said of the young, "They are not our future, they are our present."
- This section is devoted to learning what our young adults are doing in the English-speaking world.
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 rearching and writing.
- Vincentian-Setonian Researchers is place for people to describe the work they are engaged in and the kind of things they would find helpful in their work.
Vincentian Advocacy Resources
- The late Pope john Paul II challenged Vincentians to seek out underlying causes and long term solutions to problems of poverty. While direct service is important it is advocacy which addressed the long term solutions. Vincentian Advocacy will lead to a description of what the followers of Vincent and Louise have been doing to address root causes.
Additional Technical Resources
- 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
