Systemic Change, Collaborative Action, Projects for the Homeless and the Vocational Culture are some of the topics that are being discussed in the National Meeting of the Vincentian Family, which takes place from June 20 to 23 in Lar Bussocaba, in Osasco (SP, Brazil). The national meetings of the Vincentian Family of Brazil began in 1998. They are an opportunity for the exchange of experiences among the branches that follow the charism of St. Vincent de Paul, characterized by dedication to the poor and charity. This year, the motto of the meeting is “Masters and Lords,” and has an added motivation: the commemoration of the 10 years of development of the concept of “Changes of Structures.”

Father Joelson Sotem (CM), coordinator of the Vincentian Family in Brazil

“Our aim is to promote relationships between the branches, so that people come to know and respect each other, but more important, that people learn to work together and join forces in a common effort. Together we are stronger in the struggle to abolish poverty,” said Father Joelson Sotem, national coordinator of the Vincentian Family in Brazil, and one of the organizers of the meeting.

At this gathering, representatives of the following institutions will participate: the International Association of Charities (AIC); the Company of the Daughters of Charity of Saint Vincent de Paul (DC); the Congregation of the Mission (CM); the Sisters Servants of the Poor of Gigzegem (ISPG); the Congregation Mother of Mercy (CMM); the Vincentian Marian Youth (JMV); the Religious of Saint Vincent de Paul (RSV); and the Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SSVP).

The previous meeting took place in 2017, in Salvador (Bahia). On that occasion the 400 years of the Vincentian Charism were celebrated. Participants drafted a final document with the concerns of the Family regarding the threats to the well-being of poor people and the rights of workers in Brazil.