In monte Salvatoris. The Congregation of the Mission Monastery in Vilnius

Shrouded in mystery, the Vilnius Church of the Ascension proudly rears its swan-like head above the Hill of the Savior, peacefully drifting above other peaks, so abundant in Vilnius, of the Late Baroque period. The site became the home to two French religious congregations of the post-Tridentine period – the Congregation of the Mission (Congregatio Missionis, commonly referred to as Vincentians or Lazarists) and the Congregation of the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul (Societas Filiarum Caritatis a Sancto Vincentio de Paulo). The site thus marks a unique chapter in the history of religious life in Lithuania.

St Vincent de Paul, the Vincentians, and the Daughters of Charity

St Vincent de Paul (1581–1660), the founder of these religious congregations, was born in a small village in Gascony and spent his childhood herding his family’s flock. He was educated at the universities of Toulouse and Paris, where he studied theology and law. The saint came from a humble background, but soon entered the most refined circles of society, serving as a chaplain to Queen Margaret of Valois (1553–1615) at Henry IV’s (1553–1610) court. By using his connections at the King’s court, St Vincent de Paul managed to bring together the members of the nobility to provide those at the margins of society with well-organised, charitable relief. His efforts and approach to charitable help were, at that time, unprecedented and completely novel. St Vincent de Paul also appreciated the value of good education; therefore, throughout his life, the saint was dedicated to thoroughly reforming clerical training.