22/07/2026
Today, we joyfully celebrate the 164th Arrival Anniversary of the Congregation of the Mission and the Daughters of Charity in the Philippines.
May their enduring Vincentian mission continue to inspire us to serve with faith, compassion, and love. 💙🤍
🎊Happy Arrival Anniversary🎊
Let us celebrate today the 164th Arrival Anniversary of the Congregation of the Mission (CM) and the Daughters of Charity (DC) of Saint Vincent de Paul in the Philippines 🥳🎉🇵🇭
"At exactly 8:00 in the morning of July 22, 1862, 19 members of the Vincentian family – fifteen Daughters of Charity, two Priests of the Mission and two Vincentian brothers – came down from the boat “Concepcion” after more than three months of difficult travel at sea. One can only imagine how hard travel was in those days. The CMs and DCs were accommodated in the lower chamber of the ship. In present inter-island boat travels, this is equivalent to the economy class. That is manageable if we travel only for several days but not for journeys spanning several months. For those of us who are used to travel by boat, we know that the lower chamber is the most difficult place to stay – there is poor ventilation; the rocking of the boat can be strongly felt here; it is also dark and very warm. Their diaries would tell us that two Vincentians suffered from stomach trouble or headache during almost the whole trip. But one Recollect gave in; he died and had to be buried at sea just days before they reached the Manila waters. One day, a Daughter of Charity, was thrown down, rolled over the ship floor, when the ship rocked through big waves. She was not hurt; thanks be to God. Some other things happened – a sudden fire broke out, thanks to the blankets, it was extinguished; in another day, the main sail was also blown away by some big waves. On the other hand, some also celebrated their birthdays there or enjoyed beautiful liturgical celebrations from Holy Week to May Marian devotions to the feast of the Sacred Heart – which also corresponded to their months of travel – March to July of 1862."
Your CMSP Family is one with you on this very special day of your congregation. Many more God-filled years to come!
😇🙏