THE VINCENTIANS
A General History of the Congregation of the Mission (Vol. 1: 1625-1697)

Luigi Mezzadri, C.M. and José Maria Román, C.M. Edited by John E. Rybolt, C.M.

Volume 1
(1625-1697)
HARDCOVER; PAGES; 2009
ISBN: 978-1-56548-321-7

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About this Book
Volume One begins with the founding of the Congregation by St. Vincent de Paul in 1625 and relates how his overarching concern for the poor and recognition of the deplorable state of the clergy led to the Congregations major vocations of training priests and preaching missions (parish retreats). Seeking out the most neglected often brought them into dangerous places, like ministering to the captives of the Barbary pirates; to the island of Madagascar, riddled with disease and roiled by the degenerate French colonists; and to Corsica, where the dangers from the famous blood feuds were increased by armed political uprisings. Among other problems, the Missioners often found themselves in the middle of fights between the rulers, the hierarchy, and the people. This is an important, down-to-earth side of history not often told.

About the author Luigi Mezzadri, C.M. and José Maria Román, C.M. Edited by John E. Rybolt, C.M.
The current volume was written by Luigi Mezzadri, C.M., and the late José María Román Fuentes, C.M. (2002). Mezzadri, Italian by birth, is the author of numerous books and studies on the history of the Church and spirituality. He is professor of Church history at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome. Román was born in Spain, did his advanced studies in Church history, and specialized in Saint Vincent de Paul. His major biography of the saint has been translated into several languages.