Prayer as the Source of Dynamism and Missionary Fruitfulness
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.35312/ef84dr25Keywords:
Man of Prayer, Missionary, Vincent de Paul, Apostolic ActivityAbstract
This article explores prayer as the vital source of dynamism and missionary fruitfulness in the spirituality of Vincent de Paul. Drawing on his life and teachings, the study highlights prayer not merely as a devotional practice but as the heart of discernment, conversion, and apostolic effectiveness. Vincent presents prayer as a continual “lifting of the soul to God,” essential for aligning human action with divine will. Through rich images—such as nourishment, light, and refreshing dew—he describes prayer as sustaining and renewing the missionary spirit. The article further examines the intrinsic relationship between contemplation and action, showing that authentic service to the poor flows from deep union with God. Prayer becomes both a school of self-knowledge and a path to ongoing conversion. Ultimately, this reflection affirms that, within the Congregation of the Mission, fidelity to prayer remains indispensable for fruitful evangelization and enduring missionary vitality.
References
Abelly, Louis. 1993. The Life of the Venerable Servant of God, Vincent de Paul. Founder and First Superior General of the Congregation of the Mission, 3 volumes, New City Press, New Rochelle, New York.
Coste, Pierre. 1987. The Life and Works of Saint Vincent de Paul, 3 volumes, New City Press, Brooklyn, New York.
Dodin, André. 1982. En prière avec Monsieur Vincent, Desclée de Brouwer, Paris.
Renouard, Jean-Pierre, 2010. Saint Vincent de Paul maître de la sagesse. Initiation à l’esprit vincentien, Nouvelle Cité, France.
Renouard, Jean-Pierre, 2010. 15 Days of Prayer with Saint Vincent de Paul, New City Press, Hyde Park, New York.
Vincent de Paul. 1985. Correspondence, Conferences, Documents (CCD), translated and edited by Jacqueline Kilar, DC; and Marie Poole, DC; et al; annotated by John W. Carven, CM; New City Press, Brooklyn and Hyde Park, 1985-2014, 15 volumes.
Vincent de Paul. 1984. Constitutions and Statutes of the Congregation of the Mission, General Curia of the Congregation of the Mission, Rome; English Translation, Philadelphia, 1989.
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