Vincent de Paul: Correspondence, Conferences, Documents, Vol. 12

In this second volume of Conferences to the Congregation of the Mission, given by Saint Vincent de Paul during the last two years of his life, he continues his instructions to his Priests and Brothers. Conscious of his advancing age and the need to consolidate his Little Company in its original spirit, he speaks with great conviction, based on his own faith and experience, of the virtues required and the vices to be avoided in order to preserve for posterity the primary goal of the Congregation. This he does especially in a series of talks on the explanation of the Common Rules. The first of that series, "The Purpose of the Congregation of the Mission," is considered by some to be his "spiritual testament" to his confreres.

Although these conferences are couched in the language of the day, Vincent's thinking is founded on the timeless teachings of the Gospel. His words have a prophetic message today for every apostolic Community striving to bring the "Good News" to the poor.