400th Anniversary of the Congregation of the Mission

Paris recently celebrated the 400th anniversary of the Congregation of the Mission, founded by St. Vincent de Paul in 1625. The event concluded with a solemn Eucharistic concelebration at the Church of Saint Eustache, led by Auxiliary Bishop Emmanuel Tois. Concelebrants included our three Vincentian Cardinals Iglic, Souraphiel, and Rodé, with over 20 bishops and 150 Vincentian missionaries in attendance. Representatives of The Vincentian Family were present including Sr Francoise Petite DC, Superioress General and a large number of Daughters of Charity. The Daughters of Charity were co-founded by Vincent de Paul with Louise de Marillac in 1633.

Fr. Tomaž Mavrič, CM, Superior General of the Congregation, emphasized that the anniversary was not just a remembrance but a call to continue the mission’s work. Here is a special 400th anniversary video from the CONGREGATION OF THE MISSION

The festivities included three days of preparation:  A celebratory Mass at Folleville, formation sessions for confrère bishops, Vespers at Notre Dame Cathedral, and a Eucharistic celebration at Rue du Bac Chapel, where the Virgin Mary once appeared to Catherine Labouré. The celebrations concluded with a procession carrying the relic of St. Vincent’s heart to the Vincentian Mother House.