Vincentian marian youth Mary, St. Catherine, and the Children of Mary Vincentian marian youth
Apparitions of 1830 to st. catherine laboure
July 18, 1830 First apparition Begin an association for children
November 27, 1830 I want a medal to be struck
Children of mary First official gathering September 8, 1837 Canonical establishment September 8, 1848
Schools and workrooms The first groups were students of Daughters of Charity schools and workrooms Over time the group grew beyond this setting to include children/women (mostly girls/women) that did not go to schools but desired membership (1876)
Evolution of Purpose Pious members – even somewhat elite in attitude (Works of Piety) (Prayer/Spiritual) Marian Devotion Servants along with the Daughters of Charity Servants in place of the Daughters of Charity Social (Organize gatherings, etc)
Age of membership over time They were able to establish age brackets: Early Childhood, preadolescents, adolescents, young adults, adults: V.M.F. (Vincentian Marian Families) – the current classification, inasmuch as there were always Children of Mary – married and older Children of Mary.
VMY character today All members of the Vincentian Marian Youth Movement contemplate in Mary the young people’s resolve to imitate the virtues characteristic of the Association: transparency (purity), collaboration (humility) seeking the will of God (obedience), sensitivity to the poor (charity). These are virtues that all young members must acquire.
Four Pillars of vmy Spirituality/Marian Formation Community Apostolate
Today
tomorrow