This document provides definitions for several terms commonly used within the Vincentian family. It defines terms like "Internal Seminary", "Motherhouse", "Visitor/Visitatrix", and "Vincentian Cross" which refer to specific aspects of formation, leadership roles, and symbols within the Congregation of the Mission and Daughters of Charity. The definitions help explain the meaning and usage of these Vincentian-specific terms.

1. Do you speak Vincentian?
Today we emphasize a new methodology that is adapted to the person
of the oppressed, where the educator and those being educated learn
mutually, where teachers not only evangelize but are evangelized by the
poor. Contemporary documents note that persons must not only be the
objects of formation, they must be subjects within the formation
process. "Some Qualities of a Good Formator" by Robert P. Maloney,
C.M. Superior General in VINCENTIANA 9.VII.2002
Today, as in St. Vincent's time, humility means that we recognize our
creatureliness and our redeemedness, both being gifts of God's love. It
shows itself in our gratitude for gifts, seeing all things as grace. Humility
is concretized in the missionary's development of a "servant's attitude,"
a willingness to undertake even menial tasks in the service of the poor.
It is also manifested in our willingness to be evangelized by the poor,
"our lords and masters," as St. Vincent put it. Maloney, R.
VINCENTIANA 1997-03-06
“Being Evangelized by the Poor”

2. Do you speak Vincentian?
There is no one common name for members of Vincentian family worldwide; it differs
by continent, country and language. The first common name for the Congregation of
the Mission was Lazarists. This nickname came after the Maison Saint-Lazare, the
first community house in Paris. Today's “Gare St. Lazare”, an important railway
station in Paris, holds its name after the Congregation's house, too. The name
Lazarist/Lazarists is still used in European and French-speaking countries.
In United States and other English-speaking countries, the name
Vincentian/Vincentians came about. Because of the popularity of the English
language, this name is used more and more worldwide.
In Spanish language oriented countries members of the Congregation are commonly
named "Paules" or "Vicentinos".
In certain countries, like Poland, the name "Lazarists" was used for decades.
Nowadays Congregation members are called Misjonarze (pronounced mee-syo-na-
ze) after the Congregation's main goal: popular missions.
Common names - Congregation of the Mission

3. Do you speak Vincentian?
The Conference is the basic unit of the Society of St. Vincent de
Paul, and this is where the strength of the Society lies. Each
Conference member needs to value the special "treasure," the
"pearl of great price," that each one has as a Society member.
Each needs to share it with others because a potential member's
happiness (now and eternal) depends on it.
As understood by members of the Congregation of the Mission
and the Daughters of Charity: A name for talks given by St.
Vincent de Paul, and, by extension, anyone speaking to a group
of people on a spiritual topic.
Conference

4. Do you speak Vincentian?
A period of preparation of a candidate seeking to be admitted to
a religious community, as a first step in formation to take vows in
the Congregation of the Mission or the Daughters of Charity. In
many other orders and congregations this period is called the
Novitiate.
In some provinces the name “Seminarium Internum” is commonly
used.
Generally, it lasts 12 months.
Internal Seminary

5. Do you speak Vincentian?
The general definition of "motherhouse" is: the convent in which
the mother superior of a religious community lives.
Another definition is: the original convent of a religious
community.
In the Congregation of the Mission founded by Vincent de Paul it
refers to 95 Rue du Sevres in Paris where for many years the
leadership of the Congregation resided until offices were moved
to Rome.
Among the Daughters of Charity the motherhouse refers to Rue
du Bac where their leadership continues to reside and where
Mary appeared to St. Catherine Labouré.
Motherhouse

6. Do you speak Vincentian?
"PH", or Provincial House, is an abbreviation used by the
Daughters of Charity of some provinces to refer to their
headquarters. The term "PH" popularly refers to Saint Joseph's
Provincial House in Emmitsburg, Maryland.
PH

7. Do you speak Vincentian?
Rue du Bac refers to the Chapel of
Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal, and Motherhouse of the
Daughters of Charity, in Paris.
You can reach 140 Rue du Bac by Metro or bus. You will find
yourself at a popular pilgrimage shrine. In fact, the Blessed Virgin
Mary appeared there in 1830 to Saint Catherine Labouré and
offered the Miraculous Medal to the world.
Rue du Bac

8. Do you speak Vincentian?
Also known in some provinces as Seminarium Scholasticorum. A
period of seminary formation and study of philosophy and
theology for candidates to priesthood in the Congregation of the
Mission. It starts after completing Internal Seminary. Priesthood
ordinations finish this period of formation.
Scholasticate

9. Do you speak Vincentian?
Visitor and Visitatrix refer respectively to the person holding major
responsibility for provinces of the Congregation of the Mission or
the Daughters of Charity. In most other orders and
congregations, this position is called Provincial.
Visitor/Visitatrix

10. Do you speak Vincentian?
A particular group of followers of Saint Vincent de Paul, such as
members of the Congregation of the Mission or members of the
Society of St. Vincent de Paul.
Members of the Congregation of the Mission use the word
Vincentian to describe themselves as members of the community
founded by Vincent de Paul.
Members of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul founded by
Blessed Frederic Ozanam refer to themselves as Vincentians.
Vincentian

11. Do you speak Vincentian?
The 'Vincentian Cross' was originally
designed for the Daughters of Charity in the
1980s. However, it has since been adopted
by many Vincentian Priests and Brothers,
with the entwined 'V' and 'S' being variously
interpreted as standing for St. Vincent or
Vincentian Service. The one shown here
hangs at De Paul House, Marsfield (Sydney),
Australia. The casting was made by Mrs. L.
Mimovich of Melbourne, Australia.
Vincentian Cross