Outstanding Vincentians

The Institute of the Sons of Charity was founded in 1918 by Father Jean-Émile Anizan, along with former members of the Brothers of St. Vincent de Paul. Its creation marked the beginning of a new congregation dedicated to evangelizing the most disadvantaged, with key figures such as Alexandre Josse, Yves Allès, and Charles Devuyst.

Father Giovanni Battista Manzella was a dedicated Vincentian priest and missionary who tirelessly evangelized and served the poor in Sardinia for nearly four decades, earning the title “the Vincent de Paul of Sardinia.” His apostolic zeal was marked by intense preaching, founding charitable institutions, and guiding priests and laity in their spiritual and social responsibilities.

Buenaventura Codina (1785-1857) was a devoted priest of the Congregation of the Mission and later Bishop of the Canary Islands, Spain, known for his pastoral reforms, missionary zeal, and commitment to social justice. Despite facing exile, opposition from his own congregation, and the challenges of a cholera epidemic, he remained steadfast in his dedication to the poor and clergy formation, leaving a lasting legacy.

Dom Antônio José Ferreira Viçoso, a Portuguese priest of the Congregation of the Mission and later the 7th bishop of Mariana (Brazil), devoted his life to education, social reform and the advocacy of the poor, enslaved and marginalized. In 2014, he was recognized for his heroic virtues by the Holy See, and his beatification process is awaiting the approval of a miracle.

Monsignor Emilio Lissón, archbishop of Lima between 1918 and 1931, was a tireless advocate for the rights of indigenous and marginalized communities in Peru, standing up to powerful political and economic interests. His courage and pastoral commitment took him to exile in Spain, where he lived his last years in silence and prayer.

Fr. Wacław Szuniewicz CM was a Polish missionary of the Congregation of the Mission, ophthalmologist, and pediatrician who dedicated his life to serving the poor in Poland, China, United States and Brazil, pioneering corneal astigmatism surgery and founding hospitals and clinics. He embodied Vincentian virtues through his humility and tireless compassion, leaving a lasting legacy honored in Xingtai and Irati.

From her youth, Justa Domínguez de Vidaurreta stood out for her deep spiritual life and commitment to the most vulnerable, guided by the charism of St. Vincent de Paul. Her tireless work as a formator, director, and leader of the Daughters of Charity left a lasting mark on the Church and society, characterized by faith, love for the poor, and the promotion of community life.

Stéphanos II Ghattas, Patriarch of Alexandria of the Copts, was a dedicated leader who embodied Vincentian values, promoting social justice, interfaith dialogue, and pastoral care for the poor and marginalized. His legacy extends beyond Egypt through his global influence, fostering unity among Christians and building bridges with other faiths.