This brief history of the Congregation of the Mission by an anonymous author is the first known published account. The author was probably not a Vincentian but obtained information from someone who was. The article explains the Congregation’s purposes and how they are achieved. The community’s daily life and rules are outlined. Descriptions of the order of missions, the training given to ordinands, and the conferences held for priests are also included.

Source: Documentation A Short Account of the Congregation of the Mission Published in 1656, Vincentian Heritage Journal: Vol. 10: Iss. 1, Article 6.