The spelling of the word "Lazarist" is often confusing due to its unusual pronunciation. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is spelled as /ˈlæzərɪst/. This denotes a stress on the first syllable and the "a" sound in both "Laz" and "ar" is pronounced as a short "a" sound. The final "ist" syllable is pronounced with a short "i" sound, like "ihst". The term refers to a member of the Congregation of the Mission, also known as Vincentians, founded by St. Vincent de Paul and St. Louise de Marillac in the 17th century.
Lazarist refers to a term primarily used to describe a member or follower of the Congregation of the Mission, which is a religious community of priests and brothers founded by St. Vincent de Paul in 1625. The word derives from the name "Lazarus," which is biblical in origin, and was chosen in reference to the parable of Lazarus and the beggar in the Gospel of Luke.
A Lazarist is an individual who belongs to this Catholic religious congregation, also known as the Vincentians. The primary aim of the Lazarists is to live a life of service and ministry to the poor, marginalized, and disadvantaged segments of society. As such, a Lazarist dedicates themselves to the principles of charity, compassion, and social justice according to the teachings of St. Vincent de Paul.
The responsibilities of a Lazarist may include engaging in works of evangelization, providing spiritual guidance and support to individuals in need, running educational institutions, administering hospitals and health centers, and engaging in various humanitarian and charitable activities. They may also undertake missionary work in different parts of the world, bringing the message of God's love and mercy to diverse cultures and communities.
Lazarists typically live in community, sharing a common life and purpose, and take vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. They strive to live in accordance with the teachings of their founder, who emphasized humility, simplicity, and zeal in serving others. Overall, a Lazarist embodies the virtues of selflessness and dedication to achieving the well-being and salvation of their fellow human beings.
The word "Lazarist" is derived from the name of a specific religious order within the Catholic Church called the Congregation of the Mission. The order was founded in the early 17th century in France by St. Vincent de Paul, and it was initially named after a leper hospital called St. Lazare where Vincent de Paul often provided his services. The hospital itself was named after Lazarus, a biblical figure who was raised from the dead by Jesus Christ, as depicted in the New Testament. Over time, the members of the congregation came to be known as Lazarists, as they continued the charitable works associated with St. Vincent de Paul and the care of the sick and marginalized. The term "Lazarist" is still commonly used today to refer to members of the Congregation of the Mission.