Vincentian Studies Institute records

The Vincentian Studies Institute (VSI) was founded in 1979 to promote a living interest in Vincentian heritage through research, publications, and lectures. The concept for the VSI developed during the 1978 Annual Groupe International d’Études Vincentiennes (GIEV) meeting at Niagara University, New York. It was initially proposed as GIEV-A, an autonomous, American counterpart to the European-led GIEV, with a focus on the study of Vincentian history in the United States. It was eventually named the Vincentian Studies Institute and sponsored by the American provinces of the Congregation of the Mission and the Daughters of Charity. The original officers of the VSI were Rev. Frederick J. Easterly, C.M. as the Presiding Officer, Rev. John E. Rybolt, C.M. as the Secretary-Treasurer, and Rev. Douglas J. Slawson, C.M. as the first Executive Committee Member.

Initially headquartered at Saint Mary of the Barrens Seminary in Perryville, Missouri, the VSI relocated to DePaul University in Chicago, Illinois in 1995. In 2007, sponsorship of the Institute formally shifted from the provinces to DePaul University’s Office of Mission and Values. The Vincentian Studies Institute has amassed a collection of rare books, periodicals, and ephemeral materials, and its library is currently part of DePaul University’s Vincentian Studies Collection held at the John T. Richardson Library’s Special Collections and Archives.

The VSI has also published numerous books in multiple languages as part of its monograph series. The series began in 1996 and includes scholarly works on a variety of topics that directly influence the Vincentian community. The VSI has also dedicated a large amount of resources to translate and reprint formative works on both Vincentian spirituality and history.

The Institute’s biannual publication, Vincentian Heritage, began in 1979. This academic periodical features peer-reviewed articles, reviews, and Vincentian Family news. From 1979-1985, the VSI also published an annual bulletin to keep interested parties informed on the organization’s agendas and actions.

The VSI’s activities also include various continuing education programs, consisting of symposia on Vincentian history and spirituality. Past programs include the Age of Gold Symposium (1989), the Saint Louise de Marillac Symposium (1991), and a series of Vincentian Leadership Symposia (1997-1998). The organization has also arranged multiple retreats, conferences, and pilgrimages for members of the VSI, academic, and religious communities. Such programs have allowed the VSI to develop relationships with academic and religious institutions throughout the United States and abroad.