More than 20 Bishops and 150 Confrères recently gathered at the Maison Mère to Celebrate the Jubilee of the Congregation Founded by St. Vincent de Paul. This momentous occasion brought together a significant number of bishops and members of the Vincentian Family to honor the spiritual heart of the Vincentian mission.
The highlight of the celebration was a solemn Eucharistic concelebration presided over by Auxiliary Bishop of Paris Emmanuel Tois at the Church of Saint Eustache. Over 20 archbishops and bishops, joined by 150 Vincentian missionaries from various countries, were in attendance, along with numerous followers and supporters of the Vincentian mission in France.
Fr. Tomaž Mavrič, CM, Superior General of the Congregation, expressed his gratitude and vision for the future after the Mass, emphasizing that the anniversary serves as a reminder of the Congregation’s identity and mission to move forward in faith.
The celebration was preceded by three days of significant events. The first day included a formation session for confrère bishops, culminating in Vespers at the Cathedral of Notre Dame. The second day featured a Eucharistic celebration at the Chapel on Rue du Bac, followed by a procession carrying the reliquary containing the heart of St. Vincent to the Vincentian Mother House on Rue de Sèvres.
In Gannes-Folleville, the missionaries marked the third day at the site of the Mission’s first sermon, reflecting on the importance of Vincentian charism and spirituality in today’s context. The celebration concluded with a focus on renewing their commitment to serving the poor and marginalized.
The Influence of Pope Francis
A poignant moment during the celebration was the acknowledgment of Pope Francis’ support and encouragement. His message to Fr. Tomaž Mavrič, CM, underscored the importance of the Vincentian Family’s missionary commitment and dedication to the poor. The Holy Father’s words continue to inspire nearly 3,000 members of the Congregation of the Mission in their evangelization efforts worldwide.
Fr. Tomaž Mavrič, reflecting on Pope Francis’ influence, highlighted the Congregation’s deep gratitude and renewed commitment to serving the poor. The Holy Father’s emphasis on Christ’s love for the marginalized remains a guiding principle for the Vincentian mission.
The Enduring Legacy of St. Vincent de Paul
St. Vincent de Paul’s legacy, established in 1625 with the Congregation of the Mission, continues to shape the mission of the Vincentian Family. Committed to evangelizing the poor and promoting charity and justice, the Congregation remains steadfast in its dedication to the most vulnerable.
St. Vincent’s innovative approach to serving the poor led to the founding of the Ladies of Charity and the Daughters of Charity, breaking traditional barriers to care for those in need. Today, initiatives like the Famvin Homeless Alliance uphold the Congregation’s mission to serve the marginalized.
As the Congregation celebrates its 400th anniversary, the commitment to the Gospel and service to the poor remains central to their mission, inspired by the transformative vision of St. Vincent de Paul.
Thousands of faithful and members of the Vincentian Family worldwide joined in the celebrations through live stream, united by a shared spirituality and commitment to serving the marginalized.
