As we approach the fourth centenary of the Congregation of the Mission founded by St. Vincent de Paul on April 17, 1625, Pope Francis sends a message of joy and renewed fidelity to the concept of missionary discipleship. He emphasizes the importance of imitating Christ’s love for the poor in today’s world.
St. Vincent de Paul himself considered January 25, 1617, as the true date of the foundation, marking his realization of the call to bring the Gospel to the poor.
In his message, Pope Francis reflects on the growth of the Congregation of the Mission and the spiritual legacy left by St. Vincent de Paul. He hopes that the celebrations of the fourth centenary will inspire young people to embrace the vision of serving Christ in the poor and marginalized.
The Pope acknowledges the global reach of Vincentian spirituality, with individuals on every continent embodying the spirit of love for the poor that St. Vincent exemplified.
The Vincentian Family continues to uphold works of charity, new missions, spiritual direction, and clergy and laity formation. Pope Francis praises the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, founded by Blessed Frederic Ozanam, as a powerful force for good serving the poor worldwide.
He also highlights the contributions of the “Confraternities of Charity” and the “Daughters of Charity,” founded with St. Louise de Marillac, as revolutionary forms of community dedicated to helping the marginalized.
Today, initiatives like the Vincentian Family Homeless Alliance continue St. Vincent’s legacy of providing for the homeless, inspired by his own acts of compassion in 1643.
In conclusion, Pope Francis imparts his Apostolic Blessing and quotes St. Vincent de Paul’s call to humility and apostolic zeal in serving the poor.
About the 400-Year Jubilee
The Congregation of the Mission will mark its 400-year milestone in April 2025, reaffirming its charism and commitment to prophetic, synodal, and missionary spirituality. Celebrations will take place globally, culminating in a Solemn Mass on May 1, 2025, in Paris. For more information, visit cmglobal.org/en/4th-centenary-of-foundation-of-the-cm.
