The Vincentiana collection at De Paul University’s Office of Mission and Ministry has acquired a unique and poignant water color image of Vincent de Paul entitled: “Monsieur” Vincent, Aumônier des Galères priez pour nous.” (“Monsieur Vincent, Chaplain of the Galleys, pray for us.”)
The image portrays Vincent freeing a galley convict who kneels before him. The painting includes an image of a galley at sea. In the lower right hand corner the image is signed: “En captivité. Pont St. Vincent. 19 – VII – 40.”
The artist’s signature is then below. Research has led us to believe that the image was painted by a French POW who had been stationed at the fort overlooking the town of Pont-St. Vincent, located in the department of Meurthe-et-Moselle in the northeast of France. The fort was part of the vast border fortifications built by France after its defeat by Germany in 1870 during the Franco-Prussian war. This particular fort guarded the area between Langres and Mirecourt and the valley of the Moselle. The fort was captured in June 1940 during the German Blitzkrieg of France. The painting is dated July 19, 1940. The artist’s signature is difficult to read. For more information on this fort, and the French border fortification system visit the following website: http://fortiffsere.fr/troueedecharmes/index_fichiers/Page4584.htm
It is associated with the Vincentian Family, a loose federation of organizations who claim Vincent de Paul as their founder or Patron. It is important for all Vincentians to educate themselves about the origins of the birthday of the Blessed Mother, to whom he had such a great devotion. https://www.faimission.org/wire/