Roman Catholic organizations inspired by the life and work of Saint Vincent de Paul are known as the Vincentian Family. Vincent de Paul was a French Roman Catholic priest who is known for having dedicated himself to serving the poor. He is venerated as a saint in both the Catholic Church and the Anglican Communion, and was canonized in 1737. Born in the village of Pouy, in the Province of Guyenne and Gascony, in southwestern France, he grew up among the poor. His initial interest in the priesthood was to establish a lucrative career and to obtain a benefice, allowing himself to rise out of poverty, retire early and support his family. However, he soon became persuaded that this was wrong, and that he must instead devote his life to serving the poor. He founded the Confraternities of Charity in 1617, which was comprised of women who joined together for the work of organized charity. In 1620, the Confraternity of Charity for men was established, which is now known as the International Association of Charity. The Congregation of the Mission was founded in 1625. In 1633, the Daughters of Charity was established, and the Ladies of Charity came about in 1635. The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul, an international voluntary organization of the Church, was founded in 1833. Other members of the Vincentian Family include the Sisters of Charity Federation, the Vincentian Marian Youth, the Miraculous Medal Association, and the Lay Vincentian Missionaries. Each of these religious congregations and lay associations either recognize Saint Vincent de Paul as their founder or inspiration, share in a common mission of evanglizing and serving the poor, as well as a common lifestyle and form of service to the poor, and a common spirituality. These Catholic organizations are often thought of as being one body, although many of them are autonomous organizations within the Church, because they share a common goal and are frequently serve in cooperative missions.
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Congregation of the MissionDaughters of Charity | Sisters of Charity FederationVincentian Marian Youth |
Recommended Resources
Association of the Miraculous Medal, Western Province
The AMM was formed shortly after the first medals were distributed, established at the Motherhouse of the Congregation of the Mission in Paris, and other association were established elsewhere. Pope Pius X recognized these associations in 1905, approving their charter in 1909. In 1918, an association of the AMM was established in Perryville, Missouri, where it continues to be headquartered.
http://www.amm.org/
Central Association of the Miraculous Medal
Headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal provides a sanctuary for prayer, meditation, and pilgrimage to God and to the Virgin Mary, and is part of the larger Vincentian Family of religious congregations and institutes, with historical ties to Saint Vincent de Paul. The shrine, museum, and gift shop are highlighted, with schedules and hours.
https://cammonline.org/
Congregation of the Mission and Daughters of Charity at the United Nations
The collaborative efforts of two members of the Vincentian Family at the United Nations is featured, with an overview of its goals and work as NGO organizations of the United Nations. A description of the main bodies of the United Nations, the issues on which the Vincentian Family is concerned, an action plan document, and its activities and initiatives. Announcements are posted to the site.
http://www.cmdcngo.org/
The Vincentian Family of Roman Catholic institutes and congregations are founded or inspired by St. Vincent de Paul, and are connected, collaborating, and evangelizing the poor, in the model of Saint Vincent de Paul. Each member of the Family are defined, and links to their web sites are published, along with heroes and heroines of the movement, and information about contributing articles, photos, or money.
http://famvin.org/
Vincentian Center for Church and Society
Situated at Saint John’s University in Jamaica, New York, the Vincentian Center for Church and Society was established in 1994, furthering consciousness of the Vincentian charism throughout the university, encouraging academic ventures related to social justice issues, and to collaborate with the church and community. Its programs and calendars of events are posted, and contact information is included.
http://vincenter.org/
Based in Chicago, Illinois, the spiritual community is formed on the charism of Saint Vincent de Paul, who is recognized as its founder and/or principal source of inspiration. Members of the Vincentian Family are posted to the site, with links to their official web sites, as well as schools and other facilities and programs operated by members of the Family. News and announcements are posted to the site.
http://www.vfchicago.org/
Members of the Vincentian Lay Missionaries are men and women from a variety of backgrounds, ages 21-35, who are called to spend four to six weeks working alongside the Daughters of Charity in Africa. Their mission, leadership, and contacts are posted to the site, and information on becoming a volunteer with the VLM is put forth, with information on where they serve. Newsletters are available.
http://vlmusa.org/
VIP is an umbrella organization that was established in 2000 to serve member congregations by facilitating networking and collaboration between members of the Vincentian Family, providing Vincentian spirituality formation opportunities for members, taking justice issues forward by campaigning and lobbying, and helping staff members live out their values in the workplace.
http://www.vip-gb.org/
