As I write this we are just a few days before Christmas and I think of Jesus and The Holy Family, and how that family has changed the world. In the Hebrew Scriptures, we are reminded of God’s Promise that one day He would send a Savior to deliver His people from bondage. Centuries before the birth of Jesus Isaiah said, “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.” Jesus is That Light, Jesus is the Light of The World. We are reminded that, The Eternal Word was Incarnated in the womb of our Blessed Virgin Mary through the power of The Holy Spirit.  It is Jesus who fulfilled God’s promise to save the world and deliver His people from bondage.

Approximately sixteen centuries later Jesus through the power of The Holy Spirit influenced and completely changed the life of Saint Vincent de Paul. The Holy Spirit inspired Saint Vincent de Paul to light “A FIRE OF LOVE” in the hearts of his followers. This fire still shines brightly and inspires millions of people around the world. These followers still continue to follow his example and walk in his footsteps as members of The Vincentian Family. Not unlike The Holy Family this Vincentian Family has also changed the world in many ways. This family has served countless numbers of people in more than 150 countries. It has spread the Word of God by bringing the Light of Jesus to millions.

Each day members of the more than 200 different branches of the Family serve countless numbers of people. Either by direct person to person interactions with people in need, or when utilizing its various institutions. Vincentians bring Christ’s love to millions around the world by both word and through personal service. The Family has established Schools and Universities, Hospitals, Nursing and Old-Age Homes, Homeless Shelters, Orphanages as well as facilities for abandoned or neglected children. Vincentians also serve in Prison Ministries to bring both the Word of God and comfort to incarcerated people. In addition to direct aid or service to people, advocacy is another important aspect of Vincentian work. Vincentians try to be a Voice for The Voiceless.  Advocacy is conducted at different levels on the Local, Regional, National and International levels.

At the international level members of the Vincentian Family serve at the United Nations. The Family has a presence at UN Headquarters in New York, Geneva, and Paris.  Representatives of these groups are registered at the United Nations as Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO’s) and work together as a team on various committees and projects. They also collaborate with other NGO’s with similar interests. They serve as advocates for people living in poverty, Sometimes, people refer to NGO’s as “The Conscience of The United Nations.”  The members also participate on a number of different committees, present Humanitarian Issues as appropriate.

As the New Year begins members of the team are preparing for various events listed on the coming 2018 calendar, and working to advance The 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s.)

On behalf of all the members of the Team at the United Nations may I wish everyone a Holy and Healthy Christmas, and all of God’s Blessings for the coming New Year.

Sincerely,

Edmund Keane, Society of Saint Vincent de Paul

Ed Keane is the UN NGO Representative for the International Society of St. Vincent de Paul