The word "Lazarists" is spelled with a "z" instead of an "s" due to the pronunciation of the word. In IPA phonetic transcription, the pronunciation is /læzərɪsts/. The "z" sound is created by the voiced consonant "z" sound (/z/) while the "s" sound is created by the voiceless consonant "s" sound (/s/). In this case, the "z" sound is used because it better matches the actual pronunciation of the word. The Lazarists are a religious order named after Saint Vincent de Paul.
The term "Lazarists" refers to the members of the religious congregation known as the Congregation of the Mission (Congregatio Missionis). Established in France in the 17th century by St. Vincent de Paul, the Lazarists are a community of Catholic priests and brothers committed to serving the poor and marginalized. The name "Lazarists" is derived from the Hospital of Saint Lazare in Paris, which was chosen as the order's first headquarters.
The Lazarists are dedicated to imitating the compassion and love of Jesus Christ to the most vulnerable members of society. They strive to address the spiritual, material, and intellectual needs of those they serve, emphasizing humility, simplicity, and a profound sense of charity. The congregation's primary mission is evangelization and promoting the Gospel through education, pastoral care, and charitable works.
The Lazarists take vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, binding themselves to a life of service and selflessness. As priests, they administer the sacraments and provide spiritual guidance to the faithful, while the brothers focus on the practical aspects of the community's work, engaging in various social and educational ministries.
Over the centuries, the Lazarists have established numerous schools, seminaries, hospitals, and charitable institutions worldwide. Their commitment to social justice and alleviating human suffering has made them instrumental in addressing global poverty, promoting education, and advocating for the rights of the destitute. The Lazarists continue to hold a significant role in the Catholic Church and remain a beacon of hope and compassion for the less fortunate.
The word "Lazarists" derives from the name of Saint Vincent de Paul, a French Catholic priest who founded the Congregation of the Mission, also known as the Vincentians or the Lazarists. The term "Lazarist" originated from the location where the community of Vincentians settled in Paris, called "Saint-Lazare". The name "Saint-Lazare" is linked to the biblical figure Lazarus, who was raised from the dead by Jesus Christ. The Vincentians established a seminary there, after which they became commonly known as the Lazarists. The name has stuck and now denotes members of the Congregation of the Mission.