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Songs with a Vincentian Flavor: “We are the Present and the Future”
Young people today live with sharp awareness: they see inequality firsthand, they feel the weight of exclusion, and they refuse to settle for a future shaped by indifference. Yet what rises from the song is not despair, but a fierce, hopeful energy—a conviction that compassion still changes things, that love remains a revolutionary force.
Resources:
News:
Honoring the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth on Foundation Day
On Dec. 1, 2025, the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth and Associates pause to remember their beginning in 1812 and to give thanks for the path that has carried them to this moment.
The Rosalie Projects: Celebrating Christmas Above All
A Christmas project in crisis-stricken Beirut, led by Sr. Rita El Khoury, brought dignity and joy to hundreds through visits, meals, gifts, and street outreach. Children, families, refugees, and the elderly regained hope and self-esteem, experiencing celebrations that made them feel valued and no different from others. read more
What Must Be Done: Climate
The annual Conference of the Parties (COP) concluded in mid-November in Brazil with disappointing results. This 30th session had high hopes, as world leaders met to address our warming planet and the need for urgent action. read more
Sister Ellen Marie Hagar, New Executive Director of the Vincentian Family Office
The Vincentian Family is pleased to announce the appointment of Sister Ellen Marie Hagar, D.C. (Province of St. Louise, USA) as the new Executive Director of the Vincentian Family Office. read more
Formation:
Paul Sou, C.M.: A Missionary at His Country (Part 2)
This second post in the series on Fr. Paul Sou highlights his rise to social and legal status as a student astronomer, his struggles with political challenges, and his tireless efforts to protect the Church and serve scattered Christian communities in 18th-century China. Despite setbacks and persecutions, Fr. Sou remained a humble, resourceful, and deeply committed priest, admired by both his European and Chinese contemporaries.
Advent from a Vincentian Perspective, Part 2: Hope in the Incarnation: A God Close to the Poor
In the Incarnation, we discover a God who does not remain distant but chooses to come near, taking on human flesh to dwell among us. read more
Places of Elizabeth Ann Seton 11 – Livorno, Filicchi Residence
In the famous Venezia Nuova quarter of Livorno, Italy, is the 18th century palace in which Elizabeth and her daughter were hosted by ... read more
Vincentian Dictionary: Compassion
Compassion is one of the most powerful and transformative forces in human existence. More than an emotion, it is a disposition of the ... read more
Reflections:
Advent from a Vincentian Perspective, Part 2: Hope in the Incarnation: A God Close to the Poor
In the Incarnation, we discover a God who does not remain distant but chooses to come near, taking on human flesh to dwell among us.
A Vincentian View: Be the Best Version of Yourself
John the Baptist holds an important place in our Advent preparations. For most of us, the most common instruction that we hear from ... read more
Fruits that Repentance Demands
Jesus is the vine, and his disciples are the branches. This means disciples will have fruits only if they are one with him, and he is ... read more
Advent from a Vincentian Perspective, Part 1: Active Waiting and Christian Hope
This season invites us to step into a space of "active waiting"— a term that encapsulates the dual call to watchfulness and action. read more
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On November 28 We Celebrate the Feast of St. Catherine Labouré
St. Catherine Labouré, although favored with the apparitions of the Virgin Mary, led an obscure life of silent dedication as a Daughter of Charity, devoting herself to the service of the needy until her death in 1876.
On November 23 We Celebrate the Feast of Blessed Enrichetta Alfieri
Blessed Enrichetta Alfieri lived a life shaped by deep spirituality and total dedication to serving society’s most marginalized. Her mission reached its peak within the walls of the San Vittore prison in Milan, where her work with inmates earned her the title “The Angel of San Vittore.”
On November 13 We Celebrate the Feast of Saint Agostina Livia Pietrantoni
Saint Agostina Pietrantoni devoted her life to serving the sick and ultimately became a martyr of charity. Her example of selfless service, sacrifice, and love led to her canonization by Pope John Paul II in 1999, becoming the patron saint of nurses.
Sisters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul of Zagreb: Origins, Spirit, and Worldwide Mission
Rooted in the Vincentian tradition, the Sisters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul of Zagreb embody merciful love through education, health care, social service, and global missions. Since 1845, they have served the poor with creativity, resilience, and fidelity, witnessing Christ’s love across Europe, the Americas, and the Pacific.
The Missionary Sisters of the Gospel: History, Mission, and Global Presence
The Missionary Sisters of the Gospel are a compelling example of how Catholic religious life can adapt and renew itself. Born from the discernment of four historic French congregations, they now serve in nine countries, bringing the Gospel through education, healthcare, and social ministry.
“To Serve the Poor of Every Kind”: The Sisters of Saint Vincent de Paul of Lendelede
Founded in 1811, the Sisters of Saint Vincent de Paul of Lendelede, Belgium, have served the poor through schools, nursing, elderly care, and missions abroad, especially in Rwanda. Rooted in Vincentian spirituality, they combine local presence with global outreach, offering practical, compassionate service that adapts to changing needs while staying faithful to their charism.
Paul Sou, C.M.: A Missionary at His Country (Part 2)
This second post in the series on Fr. Paul Sou highlights his rise to social and legal status as a student astronomer, his struggles with political challenges, and his tireless efforts to protect the Church and serve scattered Christian communities in 18th-century China. Despite setbacks and persecutions, Fr. Sou remained a humble, resourceful, and deeply committed priest, admired by both his European and Chinese contemporaries.
Paul Sou, C.M.: A Missionary at His Country (Part 1)
Paul Sou, the first Chinese Vincentian priest of the Congregation of the Mission, played a key role in early Christian missions in China. Born Facing challenges like the Chinese Rites controversy and persecution under Emperor Kangxi, he served in regions like Sichuan and Huguang, enduring imprisonment and hostility. Despite this, he built strong Christian communities and trained clergy. In retirement in Macao, he focused on educating youth. His legacy reflects deep faith and missionary resilience.
Teodorico Pedrini C.M.: The Chinese Emperor’s Musician
At the beginning of the 18th century, Fr. Teodorico Pedrini CM undertook an exhausting journey to China, facing storms, persecutions and imprisonment, until he finally reached the court of the Kangxi emperor, where he excelled as a musician and educator. His fidelity to the Pope in the conflict over the Chinese Rites led him to suffer severe reprisals, but his integrity and his work left a deep mark on the Catholic mission in China.
What Must Be Done: Climate
The annual Conference of the Parties (COP) concluded in mid-November in Brazil with disappointing results. This 30th session had high hopes, as world leaders met to address our warming planet and the need for urgent action.
Pilgrims of Hope
It is difficult as we close this first quarter of the 21st century and the Jubilee year of Hope, to stay focused on the great hope of our faith and the belief so beautifully expressed in Dilexi Te (Pope Leo XIV, 2025) that God loves us and by serving people living in poverty, we love God.
Against Homelessness: a Vincentian Commitment at the UN Since 2017
Since 2017, the Daughters of Charity, in conjunction with the Vincentian Family, have been strongly committed to the United Nations to give voice to homeless people, who are often invisible in public policies and absent from major international decisions.
Depaul Ukraine Hosts Ukraine’s First Event Exploring Social Housing as a Tool to End Homelessness
Depaul Ukraine in partnership with the London Homelessness Foundation brought together government officials, international homelessness partners and civil society at Ukraine’s first-ever roundtable event to discuss social housing as a tool to address homelessness.
A Seed of Hope and Dignity in Liberia’s Slums
On September 14, 2025, the Toby family home was inaugurated in Liberia, as part of the “13 Houses” project. After years of living in a precarious hut, the family regains their dignity with a home and support to start a small business. Amid urban poverty and homelessness, this house stands as a symbol of hope, justice, and transformative solidarity.
Help Turn Fear Into Hope This Winter
Every four minutes, a young person in the United Kingdom faces homelessness.
Places of Elizabeth Ann Seton 11 – Livorno, Filicchi Residence
In the famous Venezia Nuova quarter of Livorno, Italy, is the 18th century palace in which Elizabeth and her daughter were hosted by the Filicchi family.
Places of Elizabeth Ann Seton 10 – Livorno, Sanctuary of Montenero
The hilltop Sanctuary of the Madonna of Montenero, Patron of Livorno and of Tuscany, is one of the first Catholic churches where Elizabeth attended Mass and had a spiritual awakening to the presence of Christ in the tabernacle.
Places of Elizabeth Ann Seton 9 – Livorno (Leghorn), Italy: The Lazaretto
After her fifth child was born in 1802, William’s tuberculosis worsened. In 1803, Elizabeth, William and their oldest daughter traveled to Livorno, Italy with the hope that he would recover his health.
Issue #7 of FamVin News is Here!
The Vincentian Family Communications Commission has released the seventh issue of the bulletin “FamVin News”. Click to see It! ☝️
A Pilgrim of Hope: Special Issue of Famvin Newsletter Honoring Pope Francis
This special issue of the Vincentian Family Bulletin honors the life and legacy of Pope Francis, highlighting his deep connection with the Vincentian charism and his tireless service to the poor. It offers reflections, key documents, and encounters that celebrate his impact on the Church and the world.
Fifth Issue of Famvin Newsletter Is Now Available!
The Famvin Communications Commission has released the fifth issue of the bulletin “FamVin News”. Click to see It! ☝️
Other Featured Series
Vincentian Dictionary
Vincentian Dictionary: Compassion
Compassion is one of the most powerful and transformative forces in human existence. More than an emotion, it is a disposition of the heart and will that moves a person to enter into the suffering of others and act for their relief.
400th Anniversary Jubilee
St. Vincent de Paul and the Humanization of Prisons
In the 17th century, French prisons and galleys were places of extreme misery and cruelty. Vincent de Paul, appointed chaplain of the navy, devoted himself to humanizing these conditions, involving Louise de Marillac, the Ladies, and the Daughters of Charity in the physical and spiritual care of prisoners. With compassion and organization, they transformed charitable assistance into a concrete sign of dignity and Christian faith.
Media
A Vincentian Minute: Vincentians Living the Seasons 22
Father Rooney extends the Sunday Scriptures for Vincentians. This week: Thanksgiving.
Seton’s 50th Anniversary
50th Anniversary of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Foundress of the Sisters of Charity and first Saint Born in the United States
The Vincentian Family celebrated the 50th anniversary of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton’s canonization at her Basilica with a Mass presided over by Fr. Tomaž Mavrič, CM, and various commemorative events. Exhibits, reenactments, testimonies, and gatherings in Emmitsburg highlighted Mother Seton’s unity and Vincentian legacy in the U.S. and Canada.
Systemic Change
The Rule of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul and Systemic Change
The Rule of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul emphasizes a commitment to systemic change by addressing both immediate needs and the root causes of poverty through charity and justice. Guided by their values of human dignity, solidarity, and the preferential option for the poor, Vincentians strive to transform lives, foster self-sufficiency, and advocate for a more equitable and compassionate society.
Podcasts
A Life Given in Love: The Story of Saint Gianna Beretta Molla in Five Podcasts
Saint Gianna Beretta Molla was a woman of deep faith, fierce compassion, and quiet heroism. A pediatrician, wife, mother, and saint, Gianna lived in 20th-century Italy but left a timeless legacy of sacrificial love.
A Weekly Reflection with Vincent
Going From Here To There • A Weekly Reflection with Vincent
"O Dieu! What a reason the Company has for observing its Rules faithfully; to do what the Son of God came into the world to do! That there should be a Company, and that it should be the Company of the Mission, composed of poor men, and that it should be entirely...
A Weekly Reflection with Louise
Listening and Respecting the Views of the Poor • A Reflection with Louise de Marillac
Louise de Marillac advises the Sisters at Nantes hospital to season food simply and prepare nourishing meals for seriously ill patients, emphasizing the importance of meeting the needs and preferences of the poor patients themselves. The reflection warns against imposing personal judgments on the poor and highlights the need for empathy and dialogue to truly understand their situation.
A Weekly Reflection with Ozanam
Charity, the Most Beautiful Title • A Reflection with Ozanam
Am I convinced that the first and most important thing is charity, and without it nothing else makes sense?
Vincentian Prayer Images
Vincentian Prayer Images – Art By Vincentians 47
Share your thoughts on a weekly image of artwork made by members of the Vincentian Family.
Firewood for the Soul
Firewood for the Soul: Embracing Conflicting Point of Views
A weekly reflection for all the Vincentian Family, from Australia.
The Rosalie Projects: Celebrating Christmas Above All
A Christmas project in crisis-stricken Beirut, led by Sr. Rita El Khoury, brought dignity and joy to hundreds through visits, meals, gifts, and street outreach. Children, families, refugees, and the elderly regained hope and self-esteem, experiencing celebrations that made them feel valued and no different from others.
SVdP Contemplation
Contemplation: Total and Perfect
Friendship with those we serve requires mutual trust: it’s not enough to trust our neighbors—we must also earn their trust. Judging their choices undermines trust; seeking the good strengthens it. As St. Vincent teaches, trust in God and trust in our neighbors are inseparable. Only through authentic trust can truly fraternal relationships grow.
War Conflicts
Sister Mary’s testimony during the Opening Vigil of the Jubilee of Consecrated Life
The provincial superior of the Sisters of Charity of Saint Jeanne Antide Thouret of the East – Lebanon, Syria, Egypt, Sudan, South Sudan and Ethiopia, all countries involved in armed conflicts and in a situation of deep social crisis – shared her moving and hopeful testimony during the opening vigil of the Jubilee of Consecrated Life on 8 October 2025 in St. Peter’s Basilica.
Second Vincentian Convocation
Keep the Fire Burning to Be Pilgrims of Hope: Reflection #3
The Vincentian Family is called to face the present with prayerful awareness, uniting contemplation and action for those on the margins. It recalls Vincent’s vision of justice through service and highlights key priorities: clear mission, systemic change, collaboration, formation, empowered leadership, and strong belonging to the shared charism.
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