Jean Baptiste Etienne, superior general of the Congregation of the Mission (the Vincentians), 1843-78, left an indelible mark on the Vincentians and the Daughters of Charity in Spain. This paper presents the issues and events, with special focus on Buenaventura Armengol, provincial superior of Spain, whom Etienne removed from office and from the Congregation. Another controversial figure was Miguel Domenec, bishop of Pittsburgh (later Allegheny).