To be Vincentian means

that one embraces the charism of Vincent de Paul and his preferential option for the poor. The term describes women and men, the young and the wise, clergy and laity, individuals vowed and not-vowed.

Being Vincentian revolves around living out a commitment to evangelization and charity in the tradition of Vincent de Paul and Louise de Marillac. Vincentian women and men live out the charism, rooted in Saint Vincent de Paul and Saint Louise de Marillac, through many apostolic institutes, lay associations and organizations throughout the world.

The first foundation made by Vincent de Paul was for lay women in 1617 when he experienced a personal conversion that led him to discover the pervasiveness of poverty in his day. He responded with bold initiatives to address these social problems. Vincent's realization of spiritual poverty at Folleville set the stage for popular missions. Vincent's discovery of material poverty at Chatillon-les-Dombes launched initiatives of organized charity that addressed both corporal and spiritual needs. His integration of evangelization and charity became the Vincentian charism.

The role of the laity was pivotal for his mission. The laity revealed the needs of the poor to Vincent at both Folleville and Chatillon-les-Dombes. The laity led Vincent to the poor. "A new creation" (2 Cor 5:17) came into being because Vincent was attentive:

To an anonymous dying peasant seeking reconciliation with God before his death and a needy sick family without food.

To a powerful woman of wealth who was solicitous for the spiritual welfare of her lands and a concerned neighbor who sought help for a sick family in need.

The Confraternity of Charity (1617), the first institutional expression of the Vincentian charism, involved lay leadership for social action when Vincent proposed that the women club together for organized charity at the parish in Chatillon-les-Dombes. Later, the first Confraternity of Charity for men was established at Folleville (1620). Mme. de Gondi requested evangelization on her lands and was instrumental in the establishment of the Congregation of the Mission (1625). From the confraternities later arose both the Daughters of Charity (1633) and the Ladies of Charity (1635) in Paris.

Sr. Betty Ann McNeill, D.C.

See also:

Bibliography on Vincentian Spirituality

Go to:

• Congregation of the Mission
  
• Daughters of Charity
  
• International Association of Charity
  
• Vincent de Paul Society
  
• Seton Heritage Pages

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