DePaul University’s John T. Richardson Library is commemorating the university’s centennial and the heritage of St. Vincent de Paul through two lecture series this winter and spring.

The "St. Vincent de Paul and the Arts," lecture and performance series on March 31, May 5 and 8 focuses on the Catholic university’s namesake. A second series, the "Friends of the Library" presents the results of research sponsored by the Vincentian Studies Institute of the United States in lectures on April 14 and 19 and May 12.

All lectures are free, open to the public, and will be held in the Special Collections area of the Richardson Library, 2350 N. Kenmore Ave. They are part of DePaul’s yearlong 100^th anniversary commemoration, which includes dozens of celebratory, religious and academic events.

The "St. Vincent DePaul and the Arts" lectures will examine St. Vincent from an unusual perspective, said the Rev. Edward R. Udovic, C.M., DePaul’s senior executive for university mission and the presiding officer of the Vincentian Studies Institute. "Since the university has a strong program in liberal arts, we decided to look at St. Vincent’s heritage in relation to the arts and humanities." Sponsored by the library and office of university mission, the lectures will cover a wide range of subjects.

A 17^th century French priest, St. Vincent de Paul founded the Congregation of the Mission, a Catholic order whose members are known as Vincentians. The Vincentians established DePaul University 100 years ago and their values shape the institution. These values include respect for individual dignity and dedication to the service of others.

The Friends of the Library lectures feature speakers from DePaul’s emeritus faculty, the Vincentian community and the Daughters of Charity. Since 1995 the series has presented the results of Vincentian Institute research and scholarship projects at the Richardson Library. The series is co-sponsored by the DePaul Friends of the Library organization, the DePaul Association of Emeritus Professors, the Vincentian Studies Institute and DePaul’s University Mission Office.

March 31, 6 p.m.: The Rev. Edward R. Udovic, C.M., senior executive for university mission, will present a lecture on "Saint Vincent de Paul: 19th Century French Politics, Imperialism, Religion, and Art" at DePaul’s John T. Richardson Library, 2350 N. Kenmore Ave. Udovic will discuss how, during the 19th century, the Vincentian community in France closely allied itself with the government and presented the romantic and charitable figure of St. Vincent as a political, religious and cultural symbol for modern France. This movement was reflected artistically in ways that continue to influence present day iconographic images of the saint. A coffee reception at 5:30 p.m. will precede the lecture. Free and open to the public. 773/325-7864.

May 5, 6 p.m.: National Lewis University Professor Elinor Olin will present a lecture on "The Sacred Music of Late 19th Century France," and DePaul University School for New Learning Professor Enrique Arias will discuss "Beaufranchet and Vincent de Paul Oratorio" at DePaul’s John T. Richardson Library, 2350 N. Kenmore Ave. The lectures focus on the role of 19^th century church music to fill both political and religious purpose. They are in preparation for the first modern performance on May 8 of French composer Vicomte Fernand de Beaufranchet’s recently rediscovered oratorio dedicated to St. Vincent at St. Vincent’s Church, 1010 W. Webster Ave. The lecture is preceded by a 5:30 p.m. reception. Free and open to the public. 773/325-7864.

May 8. 7 p.m.: Ars Musica Chicago will present the first modern performance of "Vincent de Paul: An Oratorio in Three Parts," a recently rediscovered 1875 work by French composer Vicomte Fernand de Beaufranchet, at St. Vincent’s Church, 1010 W. Webster Ave. Free and open to the public. 312/409-7874.

March 10, 6 p.m.: The Rev. Edward R. Udovic, C.M., senior executive for university mission, will present "Jean-Baptiste Etienne and the 19th Century Vincentian Revival," a lecture on 19^th century Vincentian superior general Jean-Baptiste Etienne, at DePaul’s John T. Richardson’ Library, 2350 N. Kenmore Ave. A 5:30 p.m. coffee reception will precede the lecture. Free and open to the public. 773/325-7864.

April 14, 6 p.m.: Professor Douglas Slawson of National University in San Diego, co-author (with Rev. Stafford Poole) of "Church and Slave in Perry County, Missouri, 1818-1865, " will discuss slaveholding by Vincentians in Missouri from 1818 to the Civil War, at DePaul’s John T. Richardson Library, 2350 N. Kenmore Ave. A coffee reception will precede the lecture at 5:30 p.m. The lecture is free and open to the public. 773/325-7864.

April 19, 6:30 p.m.: Georgetown University Professors Elizabeth McKeown and Dorothy Brown will present the first annual Frederick Ozanam Lecture on "The Poor Belong to Us: Catholic Charities and American Welfare" at DePaul University’s John T. Richardson Library, 2350 N. Kenmore Ave. A reception will follow the lecture. Free and open to the public. 773/325-7864.

May 12, 7 p.m.: Vie Thorgren, director of the Vincentian Center for Spirituality and Work at the Holy Ghost Parish in Denver, Colo., will discuss "Saint Louise de Marillac and Women in the Vincentian Tradition" at DePaul’s John T. Richardson Library, 2350 N. Kenmore Ave. The first annual St. Louise de Marillac Lecture will focus on Marrillac, a friend of St. Vincent de Paul, and the charity projects Marrillac and St. Vincent founded. A reception will follow the lecture. Free and open to the public. 773/325-7864.