Congregation of the Mission Western Province

10/23/2026

Did you know that the remains of St. Vincent de Paul's body are preserved in Paris?

After St. Vincent died on September 27, 1660, his remains were eventually placed in the chapel of the Congregation of the Mission at the Vincentian Motherhouse on Rue de Sèvres in Paris. Today, his body rests in an ornate silver reliquary above the main altar of the chapel. St. Vincent’s heart is preserved separately at the Chapel of the Miraculous Medal on Rue du Bac, also in Paris.

The chapel where his body rests continue to be an important place of prayer and pilgrimage for Vincentians and visitors from around the world.

10/21/2026

The parishioners at St. Catherine Laboure - St. Louis parish extended a sweet message to Associate Pastor Fr. Ajay Bastaray, C.M., who is away in his native India.

Send a message to learn more

10/20/2026

From the Vincentian – This past June, 160 members of Vincentian Marian Youth - SEMO spent a week in Springfield, Missouri, spread out across eight work sites in the city to perform home maintenance tasks for people in need, everything from gardening to painting and building decks, ramps, and sheds.

Learn more about it here: https://www.vincentian.org/its-a-part-of-gods-plan/

10/19/2026

Bro. Mark Elder, C.M., who teaches art at DePaul University, was recently featured in the podcast Catholic Chicago, on the Archdiocese of Chicago’s YouTube channel. He talks about his art and his work in education.

Watch the interview here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rk7DMNe2j8I

10/18/2026

Today the Church celebrates the 100th World Mission Sunday, marking a century of prayer and support for the Church’s missionary work around the world.

The theme for this year is “One in Christ, United in Mission.” Pope Leo XIV reminds us that, united in Christ, we are all called to share His love and the Gospel with the world.

Let us pray for missionaries around the world and for all those who support the Church’s mission through their prayers, generosity, and service.

10/17/2026

Today we remember St. Ignatius of Antioch, an early Christian bishop who was one of the great bishops of the early Church. St. Ignatius of Antioch is one of three most prominent Apostolic Fathers, meaning one of three saints who had direct ties to the Apostles and who left behind some writing.

On his journey to Rome, where he would be martyred for his faith, St. Ignatius wrote seven letters encouraging Christians to remain united in faith, love, and communion with the Church.

He is remembered for his courage, deep love for Christ, and unwavering commitment to the Gospel.

10/14/2026

The Vincentians of the Western Province join Catholics and many others around the world in prayer for our Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV.

May the Lord grant him healing, strength, and comfort during this time, and may he feel the love and prayers of the faithful around the world.

10/13/2026

Our Annual Mission Impact Report offers a look at the numbers, stories, and moments that highlight the impact of the Vincentians’ work throughout the Western Province.

Learn more about the impact of this ministry here: https://www.vincentian.org/2025-26-mission-impact-report-available-online/

10/12/2026

Today, we celebrate the Feast of St. Carlo Acutis, who died at just 15 years old and was canonized on September 7, 2025, becoming the first Saint from the millennial generation.

Despite his young age, St. Carlo had a deep love for Jesus and the Eucharist. He used his computer skills to create an online exhibition documenting Eucharistic miracles from around the world, showing how technology could be used to spread the Gospel and bring others closer to God.

His life reminds us that holiness has no age limit and that we don’t have to wait until we’re older to make a difference in the world.

10/09/2026

Did you know that a shrine can be a church, but not every church is a shrine?

A church is a sacred place where Catholics gather for worship, especially for the celebration of the Mass and the sacraments. It serves as a regular place of prayer and community life.

A shrine is a church or other sacred place that is especially important because of its connection to a particular saint, sacred event, image, relic, or place of pilgrimage. People often travel to shrines to pray, seek spiritual renewal, and deepen their faith. What makes a shrine special is its spiritual significance and its role as a destination for pilgrims.

In our own community, we have the Miraculous Medal Shrine in Perryville, Missouri. The shrine is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary under the title of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal and has been a place of prayer and devotion for decades.