American Vincentians in 1877–1878: The Maller Visitation Report (1)

In 1877, Mariano Maller, the provincial of Spain, was sent on an extraordinary visitation to investigate alleged mismanagement of the American province. The first part of his report to the superior general is presented here. As John Rybolt writes in his introduction, it “contribute[s] to an understanding of American Vincentians in the nineteenth century: who they were, how they lived, the personal and institutional problems they encountered, and . . . what their values and interests were.” Maller calls attention to the necessity of reforming the novitiate, the American provincial’s incompetence, and the province’s debts. Although the confreres are hard working and zealous, he explains how they are also “dissipated.” In general, he thinks they do not have the proper Vincentian spirit. He describes dissension within the community and says the confreres are overly focused on seminaries, to the detriment of missions. Other problems and Maller’s recommendations are included.