An Urban Parish Mission
St. Vincent de Paul Church has been serving parishioners in south St. Louis since 1844.
The massive cornerstone of St. Vincent de Paul Parish in south St. Louis was laid in 1844, a time when “Money was scarce and needs were great. Illness and inadequate housing were common problems,” according to the church’s official history book. In the 162 years since, St. Vincent de Paul has been a constant source of physical and spiritual nourishment in an area that has seen many changes.
Looking up at the impressive red brick church façade from the corner of Ninth Street and Park Avenue, it’s not hard to imagine parishioners from that early time strolling up the street for Sunday services. Originally, it was to be called Holy Trinity Church, established in a largely immigrant section of the city by the Archdiocese of St. Louis to serve a burgeoning population. But the church walls, when it was still under construction, fell down during a severe storm. The bishop asked the Vincentians to establish a parish on the property, which continues to this day.
Jubilarians Celebrate Milestones
Spring is a time of celebration for many families, including the Vincentians. Like other
graduates, many priests and brothers were ordained or took their final vows in the late spring or early summer. Those celebrating milestone anniversaries of their ordination (for our priests) or their vows (for our brothers) are called Jubilarians – from the word “jubilee” – meaning a year of special grace and celebration. These milestones can be compared to those celebrated by married couples: 25, 50, 60 years or more. This year, the Midwest Province is delighted to have six Jubilarians. Congratulations to all on your many years of service!
Father Robert A. Schwane, CM
1927–2006
Father Robert Schwane, CM, was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1927. He entered the Congregation of the Mission in 1944, and was ordained a priest in 1953. He died peacefully at DePaul House in Denver, Colorado, on March 12, 2006, ending his long bout with cancer. He was 78 years old.
Read Father Ray van Dorpe's reflection on the life and work of Fr. Schwane…
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The Vincentian is published bimonthly by the Midwest and Southern Provinces of the Congregation of the Mission, the Vincentian Priests and Brothers, to promote the apostolic works of its members and those of the larger Vincentian Family.
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