Since its foundation, the Congregation of the Mission has been dedicated to following Christ the evangelizer of the poor. Founded by Saint Vincent de Paul in Paris on April 17, 1625, its primary goal has been to address the spiritual and material needs of the most disadvantaged. The mission of the Congregation is encapsulated in its motto: “Evangelizare pauperibus misit me” (“He has sent me to evangelize the poor”).

Foundations and Purpose

The mission of the Congregation of the Mission focuses on three fundamental pillars: clothing themselves with the spirit of Christ, evangelizing the poor, and forming clergy and laity for full participation in evangelization. Saint Vincent de Paul, along with priests like Antoine Portail and Jean de La Salle, founded the Congregation to conduct popular missions and offer the opportunity for general confessions, especially in the rural and neglected areas of France.

In 1633, Saint Vincent, together with Saint Louise de Marillac, founded the Company of the Daughters of Charity to serve the poorest of the poor. This group of women dedicated themselves to prayer and community life with a spirit of humility, simplicity, and charity.

Recognitions and Expansion

The Congregation of the Mission received the approval of the Archbishop of Paris one year after its foundation. Subsequently, King Louis XIII of France and Pope Urban VIII also approved the society. The community’s headquarters were moved to the Priory of Saint-Lazare in 1632, leading its members to be known as “Lazarists.”

The Congregation quickly expanded in France and then in Italy, Ireland, Scotland, and Poland. The Propaganda Fide entrusted them with missions in Madagascar in 1648. After Saint Vincent’s death in 1660, the Congregation continued its expansion, reaching North America in 1810 and South America shortly after. They also received missions in Lebanon, Arabia, Egypt, Syria, Persia, India, and China.

Challenges and Restorations

The French Revolution devastated the Congregation. The Mother House at Saint-Lazare was sacked in 1789, and many members were exiled or executed. However, Napoleon Bonaparte restored the Congregation in 1804, though it was again abolished in 1809. The final restoration in France occurred in 1816, and during the Restoration, the new Mother House was established on rue de Sèvres.

In Spain, the Congregation faced similar difficulties, being abolished in 1835 due to Mendizábal’s disentailment laws. However, they managed to return and reestablish themselves on several occasions.

Present Day

Today, the Congregation of the Mission continues its work of evangelization in 97 countries, with more than 2,900 members, including priests and brothers. Their work is primarily focused on parishes, but they also seek to reach the most remote communities. The current Superior General is Tomaž Mavrič, re-elected in 2022, accompanied by Vicar General Gregorio Bañaga and other assistant generals.

The Congregation remains committed to its original mission of evangelizing the poor and forming the clergy, adapting to contemporary needs and extending its influence worldwide.

Contact:

• General Curia: Congregatio Missionis
• Address: Via dei Capasso, 30, Rome (Italy)
• Phone: +39 06 661 30 61
• Email: segreteria@cmcuria.org
• Website: cmglobal.org

Click on the image below to access all the information about the Second Convocation of the Vincentian Family, November 14-17, 2024 in Rome, Italy: