Part of a Series on Vincentian Heritage Places

Villepreux

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Villepreux, France is where, on February 23, 1618, Vincent de Paul established the second Confraternity of Charity.(See Abelly: Book One, The Life of Vincent de Paul.) He had been living in the area from about 1613 as a tutor for the family of Philippe-Emmanuel de Gondi. While Vincent was preaching a mission there in 1617, Marguerite Naseau, who is recognized as the first of the Daughters of Charity, came to him for confession. Villepreux is about 14 miles from Marguerite’s hometown of Suresnes. She told Vincent of her desire to serve the poor; he took her to Paris, which is about 20 miles to the east, where he placed her in the care of Louise de Marillac.

In January, 1649 Vincent briefly took refuge in Villepreux; Jules Cardinal Mazarin, the chief minister of France, had become angry at Vincent’s suggestion that Mazarin resign in order to end the civil war (La Fronde) that had broken out. Vincent’s last visit to Villepreux was in December, 1652.

In Villepreux is a church dedicated to Vincent de Paul. It is notable for a mural on the facade created by 20th century artist Robert Lesbounit. The interior has an Apocalypse by Lesbounit, which is done entirely in shades of grey.

Villepreux château entry

Villepreux church interior

Village of Villepreux, residence of Philippe-Emmanuel de Gondi. Saint Vincent often went there. Tradition says that this house is the one where Saint Vincent lived.

Source: VincentWiki

All Vincentian Places in this Series

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