One hundred eighty Vincentian leaders from across the country were introduced to the Society’s new Culture Transformation initiative at the annual National Midyear Meeting in the St. Louis.

This could potentially be of great interest to other branches of the Vincentian Family as a model of institutional renewal.

Noted Vincentian researcher Jaime Corera, CM, reflecting on Continuity and Renewal of the Vincentian Spirit: Blessed Frederic Ozanam, says,

In order for people to legitimately consider themselves Vincentian (not because they belong to some institution found by Saint Vincent de Paul or institution inspired by his spirit, e.g., the Saint Vincent De Paul Society) the traditional virtues that Saint Vincent lived and proposed to his followers have to become the cornerstones of life. Here we refer to the realities of doing the will of God, trusting in Providence, the practice of simplicity, humility … an exclusive (not preferential) option for the poor. Unless we embrace these realities, we will not be able to live the fullness of the Christian life as lived by Vincent de Paul during the seventeenth century … a life that was inspired by the Holy Spirit.

A PowerPoint presentation describing the Culture Transformation initiative can be found on the National SVdP website, www.svdpusa.org/members/documents/spiritual-formation.

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is challenged to respond to the cries of the poor that are multiplying every day, by increasing the number of Conferences and members.

According to the Rule 1.6, “Faithful to the spirit of its founders, the Society constantly strives for renewal, adapting to changing world conditions. It seeks to be ever aware to the changes that occur in human society and the new types of poverty that may be identified or anticipated. It gives priority to poorest poor and to those who are most rejected by society.”

“The Church must step outside herself to go to the outskirts of existence, whatever they may be, but she must step out,” said Pope Francis. “In this ‘stepping out’ it is important to be ready for an encounter with others, because faith is an encounter with Jesus.”

Together, we walk the journey of “Transforming our Culture… Living our Rule.”

*Look for more information about Culture Transformation in upcoming issues of the E-Gazette.

Culture Transformation Materials are offered for Conference members free of cost:

Culture Transformation Card #6600
Our Cultural Beliefs and Key Results

Transforming our Culture…Living our Rule #6650
Each Cultural Belief united with a section of the Rule