Outstanding Vincentians
‘American Mother:’ Sister Margaret Gertrude’s Legacy in Global Education
Sister Margaret Gertrude dedicated her life to education and global outreach, transforming Nazareth College by creating opportunities for international students, especially refugees, to receive a faith-based education. Her legacy endures through the generations of students she mentored and inspired, who carried her vision of leadership and compassion back to their home countries.
Sister Mary Stephen Durbin – a Kind Hearted Leader
Sister Mary Stephen Durbin dedicated over 80 years of her life to the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth, serving as a teacher, administrator, and later as a compassionate caretaker of both the Congregation and the community. Known for her kindness, humor, and practical leadership, she balanced hard work with a deep, unwavering faith, leaving behind a legacy of service and warmth that touched generations.
Jacques-Émile Sontag: Life, Martyrdom, and Path to Canonization
Jacques-Émile Sontag, born June 6, 1869 in Dinsheim, Alsace (France) and shot dead July 31, 1918 in Ourmia, Persia, was a French priest of the Congregation of the Mission, and the first Latin archbishop of Isfahan and Apostolic Delegate to Persia. He devoted his life to serving the marginalized in Persia, ultimately sacrificing himself during the massacres of World War I.
Sister Blandina Segale: A Trailblazer of Compassion and Courage in the American Frontier
Sister Blandina Segale’s life is a remarkable testament to faith, bravery, and selfless devotion to others. Her fearless stand against injustice, and her tireless efforts in education and healthcare have cemented her place in history. As her cause for sainthood progresses, her legacy continues to serve as an inspiration, proving that true heroism is found not in acts of violence, but in acts of love and compassion. Her story remains a guiding light for those who seek to make the world a better place through faith and service.
Sister Cecilia Charrín, DC: A Legacy of Love and Service in Guatemala
Sister Cecilia Charrín, a Daughter of Charity, devoted her life to the service of the poor in Guatemala, establishing hospitals, daycare centers and social assistance programs. Her tireless work and commitment to the most needy have made her a model of charity and faith, promoting her canonization process.
Father Giuseppe Morosini, CM: The Priest Who Defied Nazism
Father Giuseppe Morosini, CM, a Vincentian priest, played a key role in the Italian Resistance during World War II, helping to hide Jews, forge documents, and gather intelligence against the Nazis. Arrested and tortured, he was executed by a Nazi firing squad in 1944, remembered as both a courageous hero and a possible “saint next door” for his selfless actions.
Sister Teresa Tambelli, DC: Life, Virtues, and Service to the Most Needy
Sister Teresa Tambelli, Daughter of Charity, devoted her life to education, serving the poor, and providing spiritual guidance to the community in the Marina neighborhood of Cagliari. Her unconditional dedication and deep love for the disadvantaged made her a symbol of Christian charity and devotion.
Sister Barbara Samulowska, DC: From Witness of the Gietrzwałd Apparitions to Missionary in Guatemala
Barbara Stanisława Samulowska (1865-1950), recognized as a Servant of God by the Catholic Church, was one of the two young girls who witnessed the apparitions of the Virgin Mary in Gietrzwałd, the only officially recognized apparitions in Poland. These events made a deep impression on her and guided her toward a life dedicated to religious and missionary service. For more than five decades, she consecrated herself to the poor and sick in Guatemala, leaving a legacy of love and devotion.
Raimundo Sabino Gomes: Vocation and Love know no Limits
Raimundo Sabino Gomes, 86, a member of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul in Brazil, found his reason for being in the service of the poor 10 years ago. His example shows us that every service to the needy, every shared prayer and every sacrifice are seeds of love that transform lives, including our own.
Mother Aloysia Lowe, SC: A Life of Service, Faith, and Leadership
Mother Aloysia Lowe (1835-1889) was a pioneering leader who established the Sisters of Charity of Seton Hill, focusing on education, healthcare, and service to the poor in Pennsylvania. Her legacy endures through Seton Hill University and the continued work of the Sisters of Charity, who carry on her mission of faith, charity, and community service.
The Daughters of Charity at Carville, 1896-1981
This text recounts the dedication of the Daughters of Charity, who provided care to patients with Hansen’s disease at the Carville leprosarium in Louisiana. It details their struggles, resilience, and contributions to improving living conditions, medical treatments, and societal acceptance for patients, ultimately transforming Carville into a symbol of compassion and progress for Hansen’s disease care in the United States.
Brother Bertrand Ducournau, C.M.: The Silent Guardian of Saint Vincent de Paul’s Legacy
Brother Bertrand Ducournau, a devoted follower and secretary of Saint Vincent de Paul, was instrumental in preserving the saint’s legacy. His meticulous documentation of Vincent’s teachings and letters, often against opposition, ensured that future generations could access these valuable records, making him a key figure in the history of the Congregation of the Mission.