How and when did your foundation take place?
In January 1940the Superiors of three of the leading Religious Communities of the church of England: The Society of S John the Evangelist, The Community of the Resurrection and the Society of the Sacred Mission called the clergy to form a company of Mission Priests, who would undertake to remain free from personal and financial obligations of marriage and family life so that they could work, if necessary without a full stipend, and be available to go wherever they might be needed. The suggestion was that these Mission Priests would not take vows as a religious community, but would bind themselves to this form of Apostolic Life by a solemn Promise to be renewed annually. Since then the Company of Mission Priests has grown and has continued to serve both Church and people, primarily in the large housing estates and inner-city areas of England.
In what way does your Congregation reflect the Vincentian charism?
After the decision of the General Synod of the Church of England in 1992 to move towards the ordination of women to the priesthood the Company faced an uncertain future. At General Chapter in 1994 which took the form of Pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham to ask her prayers for God’s guidance about the future we faced four alternative courses of action: Dissolution of the Company; Hibernation (remaining in existence for those already members only); Amalgamation or linking up with another compatible body; Re-launch. After pray and discussion The Company opted for Re-launch and to look at Amalgamation. In 1995 our annual chapter was addressed by Fr Fergus Kelly, who had welcomed us to Damascus House in 1994 as “fellow Mission Priests”. it was clear from his presentation that our 10 precepts of membership was Vincentian: Observe simplicity of life; remain unmarried; observe a Rule of Life governing prayer, fasting, study, pastoral work and recreation; Observe the rue of our Houses; Use the Company Prayer daily to pray for each other and our work; Offer the Mass once a month for the work of the Company; Consult the Warden of the Company upon new work being offered; Attend as of obligation annual General Chapter and give an account of our work over the year and renew our Promise; Attend local chapter meetings and cells (if any) to support and encourage each other in our work.
What are your hopes and expectations for the Vincentian charism as we approach the meeting with the leaders of the Vincentian Family scheduled for January 2020 in Rome.
The Company of Mission Priests would hope that the Vincentian Charism would continue and develop S Vincent de Paul’s vision to work together in practical ways and on ventures that better the quality of life of those in most desperate need; that we continue to deepen our spirituality as individuals and as well as a Company to work in our various callings as we engage in Mission; that we continue to work for a systemic change in society and oppose structural injustice and work for justice; that we continue to serve support and serve those trapped in their poverty.
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