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.

1656: Vincent gives instruction to Sister Lanfantin and Sister Chetif as they leave for Arras. During the journey, Sister Chetif goes through a vocational crisis similar to the Mystical Night of the Senses.

1657: During the repetition of prayer, Vincent says that despite the death of three missionaries in Madagascar, the one remaining missionary cannot be abandoned and so he has decided to continue to send missionaries there.

1658: Vincent write to Monsieur Jolly advising him that the religious of St. Genevieve are waiting for Vincent to die and then hoping to be able to take Saint Lazare from the Congregation. Therefore "I ask you as earnestly as I can to get the Bulls for it, regardless of the cost, and in the best possible form. I clearly see that one day this house will need all official documents to maintain its possession."

1942: Polish CM confrere, Fr. Aalewky is arrested and taken to the concentration camps of Dachau, Oswiecin and Nuengamme.

1954: At the age of 92, Fr. Flament,, the author of the work Psalms translated into French from the Hebrew Text, dies in Hong Kong.

Other Dates

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.

• Tradtional Ways of Expanding the Circle

• New Approaches

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.

• More about Vincent
• Vincent and Formation in Faith

The Lord is on high, but cares for the lowly (Ps. 138:6)

“I have much more to tell you, but you cannot bear it now,” says Jesus to his disciples in Jn. 16:12-13. “But when he comes, the Spirit of truth, he will guide you to all truth.”

Full reflection: Twenty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A

Reflections' Library