The Vincentian Studies Institute of the United States will formally become part of DePaul University on July 1 pursuant to an agreement among the 10 North American provinces of the Catholic communities of the Congregation of the Mission (the Vincentians), the Daughters of Charity and the university. The provinces also announced they would help endow the Institute’s operations at DePaul through a $1 million gift.

Founded in 1979, the Vincentian Studies Institute is the premiere international organization promoting a living interest in the history and spirituality of the Vincentian family founded by St. Vincent de Paul (1581-1660) and St. Louise de Marillac (1591-1660). The institute has been housed at DePaul since 1995.

The institute publishes the journal Vincentian Heritage, as well as original works, reprints, scholarly monographs and translations in the areas of Vincentian history, spirituality and practice. It offers grants to scholars researching and writing on Vincentian topics and has a large library, special collections and archives to support its research mission. It also has a continuing education program that includes sponsorship of Vincentian Heritage Tours of France to the sites that were key milestones in the life and work of Vincent de Paul.

Speaking for his fellow provincials, the Very Rev. James E. Swift, C.M., provincial superior of the St. Louis-based Midwest Province in of the Vincentians, said, “There is no better place than DePaul University to ensure the expansion of the important mission of the Vincentian Studies Institute in support of the many works of the Vincentian Family in the United States.”

Rev. Dennis H. Holtschneider, C.M., DePaul president, thanked the 10 provinces for their endowment gift. “Having the Vincentian Studies Institute as a part of DePaul University will give the institute the institutional base and resources that it will need to continue its international role in promoting Vincentian scholarship, especially through attracting a new generation of lay scholars and reaching out to youth,” he said.

At DePaul, the Vincentian Studies Institute will become part of the Office of Mission and Values headed by the Rev. Edward R. Udovic, C.M., Ph.D. Udovic has served as the presiding officer of the institute for the last 15 years.

St. Vincent de Paul was a 17th Century French priest who was known as the “Apostle of Charity” for his commitment to the poor of France. His community service and advocacy of respect for the individual were the hallmarks of his philosophy and work.