Who we are
The Congregation of the Mission:
The Congregation of the Mission, founded by St. Vincent de Paul in 1625, is a society of apostolic life dedicated to the evangelization of the poor and the formation of lay people, priests and religious. Members of the Congregation are dedicated to serving the needy and living a spirituality based on humility, simplicity and apostolic zeal. Its mission extends globally, reflecting a commitment to bring the Gospel to those most in need.
2.909
Members
462
Local Communities
95
Countries
St. Vincent de Paul
Vincentian spirituality
The five virtues:
Vincentian spirituality is based on five fundamental virtues that guide the life and work of the members of the Congregation of the Mission. These virtues are:
We give priority
to the poor.
We strive
to be contemplative
in action.
We practice
apostolic reflection.
Historical data:
1625
Foundation of the Congregation of the Mission by St. Vincent de Paul in Paris.
1660
Canonization of St. Vincent de Paul.
1833
Recognition of the Vincentian missions in Latin America.
1947
Global expansion with new missions in Africa and Asia.
1998
Celebration of the 400th anniversary of the Congregation of the Mission.
Foundation of the Congregation of the Mission by St. Vincent de Paul in Paris.
1633
Death of St. Vincent de Paul and St. Louise de Marillac; expansion of the Vincentian charism.
1737
Foundation of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul by Frederic Ozanam in Paris.
1852
Foundation of the International Association of Charity (AIC)
1960
Creation of the Vincentian Youth International Movement (MISEVI).
2025
Historical data:
1625
Foundation of the Congregation of the Mission by St. Vincent de Paul in Paris.
1633
Foundation of the Congregation of the Mission by St. Vincent de Paul in Paris.
1660
Death of St. Vincent de Paul and St. Louise de Marillac; expansion of the Vincentian charism.
1737
Canonization of St. Vincent de Paul.
1833
Foundation of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul by Frederic Ozanam in Paris.
1852
Recognition of the Vincentian missions in Latin America.
1947
Foundation of the International Association of Charity (AIC)
1960
Global expansion with new missions in Africa and Asia.
1998
Creation of the Vincentian Youth International Movement (MISEVI).
2025
Celebration of the 400th anniversary of the Congregation of the Mission.
Superior General
The Superior General is considered the successor of St. Vincent de Paul and leads the Congregation of the Mission according to its Constitutions.
Elected by the General Assembly for a term of six years, with the possibility of re-election for another six years, the Superior General is the center of unity and coordination of all the provinces. His figure is fundamental to animate and coordinate the apostolic activities of the Congregation.
Superior General
Father Tomaž Mavrič, C.M.
Father Tomaž Mavrič, C.M., was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in 1959, to Slovenian emigrant parents. After completing his theological studies, he has served in several international missions, including Canada, Russia and Slovakia. Elected Superior General in 2016, he has dedicated his life to serving the poor and spreading the Vincentian charism. His dedication continues to guide the Congregation with passion and commitment.
Superior General
Father Tomaž Mavrič, C.M.
Father Tomaž Mavrič, C.M., was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in 1959, to Slovenian emigrant parents. After completing his theological studies, he has served in several international missions, including Canada, Russia and Slovakia. Elected Superior General in 2016, he has dedicated his life to serving the poor and spreading the Vincentian charism. His dedication continues to guide the Congregation with passion and commitment.
General Counsel
The General Council, composed of the Vicar General and four Assistants, supports the Superior General in the direction of the Congregation, ensuring the coordination and continuity of missionary activities throughout the world.
Members of the General Council
Father Gregorio L. Bañaga, Jr., C.M.
Vicar General 1953, Philippines
Father Dominique Iyolo Iyombe, C.M.
Assistant General 1961
Father Rafal Kopystynski, C.M.
Assistant General 1963, Poland
Father Aarón Gutiérrez Nava, C.M.
Assistant General 1951, Mexico
Father Nélio Pereira Pita, C.M.
Vicar General 1973, Portugal
Members of General Curia
The General Curia, located in Rome, is the administrative and spiritual center of the Congregation, where global initiatives are promoted and support for the Vincentian provinces and missions is coordinated. The staff members of the Curia assist the General Council in carrying out its mission.
Fr. Ziad Haddad, C.M.
1968, Libano
Fr. Giuseppe Turati, C.M.
General Secretary, 1955, Italy
Fr. Jaroslav Jasso, CM
Director of the Communications Office
Fr. Salvatore Farì C.M.
Director of the Communications Office 1977, Italy
Fr. Serhiy Pavlish, C.M.
Procurator General and Postulator, 1988, Slovacchia
Provinces
A province is the territorial unit that defines the presence of the Congregation of the Mission and its particular government. Since the birth of the provinces, there has been a spirit of collaboration and fraternity that has led to a structure of continental and interprovincial unity. These intermediate units between the local and the international organization are called Visitors’ Conferences.
The Visitors’ Conferences represent the expression of the Vincentian charism through interprovincial collaboration. They facilitate joint initiatives among the provinces, giving identity to the mission and offering opportunities to consolidate shared experiences in common contexts.
