Congregation of the Mission

Promotor of Young Ireland, organiser of famine relief in Wicklow, co-founder of the Holy Faith Sisters, Irish speaker, pilgrim, and a mean handball player: this was John Gowan.

Reflection on this story from my past history as a missionary has helped me to grasp more fully the understanding of Advent as the great mystery which leads us to the celebration of the Incarnation of Christ at Christmas. By Fr. Gregory Gay, C.M.

In Vincent’s time, the poor were largely neglected, illiterate, and spiritually ignorant. The clergy were sadly inadequate. St. Vincent founded the Congregation of the Mission to preach to the country poor and to help reform the clergy.