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”).

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.

The Foundation

The early seventeenth century was a period of significant turbulence in France. The aftermath of the civil wars and the spread of heresy left the Catholic Church in a fragile state. The wars had devastated the countryside, weakened the Church’s influence, and led to widespread ignorance of Christian teachings among the rural population. Recognizing the pressing need for a revival of clerical and pastoral life, God raised up figures like Cardinal de Bérulle and Monsieur Vincent de Paul, inspiring them to establish congregations dedicated to missions and the reformation of clergy. Among these was the Congregation of the Mission, founded by Vincent de Paul.

Early Life of Vincent de Paul

Vincent de Paul was born in 1581 in the village of Pouy near Dax, in southwestern France. His family, though humble, recognized his exceptional intellectual abilities. His father invested in his education, hoping it would benefit the family. Vincent studied at the Franciscan school in Dax, where he displayed an aptitude for languages and theology. Later, he served as a tutor while pursuing further studies. In 1600, at the age of nineteen, Vincent was ordained a priest. This marked the beginning of a journey that would define the course of his life and the lives of countless others.

The Turning Point: Captivity and Redemption

Vincent’s life took a dramatic turn in 1605 when he was captured by Turkish pirates while traveling to collect a debt owed to him. Sold into slavery in Tunis, Vincent endured significant hardships. However, he saw his captivity as a spiritual trial and an opportunity to demonstrate faith. During this time, Vincent’s influence led to the conversion of his master, a former Christian who had renounced his faith. Together, they escaped and returned to France in 1607. This experience deepened Vincent’s resolve to serve God and humanity, particularly the marginalized.

The Germination of a Missionary Vision

After his return to France, Vincent became closely associated with influential figures like Cardinal de Bérulle, a leading proponent of the Catholic Reformation in France who encouraged a revival of clerical life and spirituality. Another key relationship was with the Gondi family, one of the wealthiest and most influential families in the country. Vincent served as both a tutor and spiritual director for the family, a role that allowed him to gain insights into the challenges faced by the rural population. It was during his travels with the Gondis that he encountered the pervasive spiritual and material poverty in rural areas. Peasants were often uneducated in basic Christian doctrine, and many lived without access to the sacraments, leading to widespread ignorance and spiritual neglect.

A defining moment in Vincent’s life came in January 1617 when he was called to Folleville, a small village on one of the Gondi estates, to hear the confession of a dying man. The man’s admission of years of unconfessed sins deeply moved Vincent and highlighted the need for comprehensive pastoral care. Inspired by this encounter, Vincent delivered a sermon in the church at Folleville on the feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul, urging the villagers to make general confessions. The response was overwhelming, with a flood of people seeking reconciliation and spiritual renewal. This event marked the beginning of Vincent’s missionary efforts and became a cornerstone for his vision of organized missions to the poor. He saw the immense potential of structured missionary work to transform lives and bring spiritual revival to neglected communities. Folleville would later be celebrated as the birthplace of the Congregation of the Mission, symbolizing the start of a movement that sought to renew the faith and dignity of the most marginalized.

Establishing the Congregation of the Mission

Encouraged by Françoise Marguerite de Silly, Countess of Joigny, and with financial support from the Gondi family, Vincent formally established the Congregation of the Mission in 1625. The mission’s purpose was to evangelize the poor, especially in rural areas, and to train priests for effective pastoral work. The foundation received approval from the Archbishop of Paris and later from Pope Urban VIII. The motto of the Congregation, “Evangelizare pauperibus misit me” (He has sent me to evangelize the poor), encapsulated its mission.

Early Expansion and Challenges

The headquarters were first established at the College des Bons-Enfants in Paris, a modest facility that served as a sanctuary for Vincent de Paul and the priests who joined him in his mission. Over time, as the Congregation grew in numbers and influence, they moved to Saint-Lazare, a large property donated by the Canons Regular of Saint Victor. This new headquarters symbolized the Congregation’s expanding role in the Church and provided a base from which their multifaceted activities could flourish. Saint-Lazare became not only a residence for missionaries but also a center for training, spiritual retreats, and the organization of missions to rural areas.

Vincent’s charismatic leadership and profound spirituality were instrumental in attracting priests who shared his vision of service to the poor and the revitalization of the Church. His ability to inspire and organize laid the foundation for a resilient institution. Despite initial challenges, such as financial constraints, skepticism from some Church authorities, and resistance from communities unaccustomed to structured missions, the Congregation persevered. Vincent’s diplomacy and unwavering commitment played a pivotal role in overcoming these obstacles, ensuring the success of his vision.

By the time of Vincent’s death in 1660, the Congregation had established 25 houses across France, Italy, Poland, and other regions. Each house served as a hub for missionary activity, providing spiritual guidance, catechesis, and material assistance to impoverished communities. The rapid expansion of the Congregation underscored its adaptability to different cultural and geographical contexts, as well as its universal appeal. This growth also reflected the widespread recognition of its value in addressing the spiritual and social needs of the time, solidifying its role as a vital force in the Catholic Reformation.

The Spirituality and Mission of the Congregation: Service, Sanctification and Evangelization

The structure was marked by simplicity, devotion, and a clear focus on service. Members took vows of poverty, chastity, obedience, and stability, committing their lives to the service of the poor and the Church. They focused on three main objectives:

1. Personal Sanctification: Members engaged in daily prayer, meditation, spiritual reading, and annual retreats. They followed a strict routine designed to deepen their relationship with God and their commitment to the mission.
2. Evangelization of the Poor: The missionaries conducted missions in rural areas, emphasizing catechesis, general confession, and reconciliation of conflicts. They also established Confraternities of Charity to ensure ongoing support for the needy in the communities they served.
3. Formation of the Clergy: The Congregation established seminaries and conducted retreats to improve the spiritual and professional formation of priests. These efforts were instrumental in addressing the lack of well-trained clergy, a significant issue in the post-Reformation Church.

Legacy and Impact

The Congregation of the Mission transformed the Catholic Church’s pastoral mission. It not only revitalized rural communities but also set new standards for clerical training and missionary work. Its influence extended beyond France, contributing to the global Catholic mission. By the time of Vincent’s death, activities included establishing seminaries, conducting retreats, caring for the sick and marginalized, and engaging in international missions.

The founding of the Congregation of the Mission reflects Vincent de Paul’s unwavering commitment to serving the marginalized and reforming the Church. His visionary leadership and deep compassion laid the foundation for a missionary legacy that continues to inspire and flourish worldwide. The enduring impact of his work serves as a testament to the transformative power of faith and service.

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.

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.