Following in the footsteps of their Founder Father Louis-Marie Grignion de Montfort, today’s Montfortian brothers and fathers form a religious order that undertakes parochial missions.<\/p>\n
Originally formed as the Compagnie du Saint-Esprit (Company of the Holy Spirit) in 1719, the order has changed its name several times since then.<\/p>\n
Over the years, the Montfortians have been known as \u00ab\u00a0Missionaries of the Company of Mary\u00a0\u00bb ; as \u00ab\u00a0Mulotins\u00a0\u00bb at the end of the 18th century, when they adopted the name of Montfort’s successor, Father Mulot ; and even as \u00ab\u00a0Missionaries of the Holy Spirit\u00a0\u00bb.<\/p>\n
Like the Daughters of Wisdom, the Missionaries chose Saint-Laurent-sur-S\u00e8vre as their base four years after the death of Father de Montfort. Their aim is to continue the mission of their Founder : \u00ab\u00a0To renew the Spirit of Christianity in the hearts of Christians\u00a0\u00bb.<\/p>\n
When they first arrived in Saint-Laurent, the Missionaries occupied the Ch\u00eane Vert building. In 1723, they relocated to the Logis Vion, then known as the Holy Spirit and later as the Long House. In 1788, they moved into the large house they still occupy today.<\/p>\n
The Wars in the Vend\u00e9e was a time of torment for the Missionaries: seven were convicted of remaining faithful to the Church of Rome rather than switching allegiance to the Republic, three died as martyrs, and two more were executed in La Rochelle.<\/p>\n
Today, the community has a presence in 32 countries, where it contributes to the universal mission of the Church. However, it retains its own spirituality, inspired by Father de Monfort.<\/p>\n
The historic buildings at Saint-Laurent-sur-S\u00e8vre are now a convalescent home and treatment centre for Missionaries from all over France. Recently, an international community of fathers and brothers has taken up the cause of the mission.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"