English-speaking Christians owe Paulist Press an enormous debt of gratitude for their continuing efforts to help us gain a deeper appreciation of our spiritual heritage.
-Spiritual Life
Vincent de Paul and Louise de Marillac: Rules, Conferences, and Writings
edited by Frances Ryan, D.C. and John E. Rybolt, C.M. introduced by Hugh F. O'Donnell, C.M., Frances Ryan, D.C., Louise Sullivan, D.C., Vie Thorgren and Edward R. Udovic, C.M. preface by Amin A. de Tarrazi
Their cloister shall be the street of the city; their cell, a rented room; their chapel, the parish church; their enclosure, obedience; their grill, the fear of God; and their veil, holy modesty.
-St. Vincent de Paul, August 24, 1659 Rule of the Daughters of Charity
This volume presents the principal spiritual teachings of Vincent de Paul and Louise de Marillac, the two Vincentian founders who left an indelible mark on the Church of France in the 1600s and beyond to the present.
The collaboratively written, multi-part introduction locates Vincent and Louise within the framework of the spirituality of seventeenth-century France. This rich overview not only provides solid background information on each of the founders but also offers a true sense of their spirituality and practicality, insights into the complementary nature of their relationship, and an understanding of their legacy, which deeply influenced Elizabeth Ann Seton, Rosalie Rendu, D.C. and Frederick Ozanam.
Following the insightful introduction are the original rules of the communities that Vincent and Louise founded, the Congregation of the Mission and the Daughters of Charity, commentaries on these rules, and a selection of other writings from both founders. All selections breathe the very spirit of the founders in terms of both the spiritual and the practical.
Vincent and Louise teach much about the enduring gifts of simplicity, humility and love. Their own journey to the poor and-even more significantly-their Christ-centered reflection shed light on the possibility of a deeper response to the sufferings and isolation of the poor, vulnerable and marginalized in today’s society.
