Over the years, Vincentian youth have sought to reinvent themselves and adapt to the times in which they live. Young people are invited to assume a role of leadership and thus reveal what it means to be Catholic and a young Vincentian, especially during this time of great transformation.

We know that when Ozanam and his friends participated in the so-called “Conference of History,” France was going through a turbulent period of great transformation. We can say that, from the moment that all of Europe was becoming the epicenter of events that would influence the world, young people were also experiencing great intellectual transformations. This, certainly, also influenced the young Vincentians of that time to take on a role of leadership.

Today, young men and women experience great events that will surely be studied in the future by other young people. We can say that we are living a story that seems to be cyclical. It is curious to think that the social problems experienced in France during the time of Federico Ozanam were the same as those of Saint Vincent de Paul, and they are the same that we face today: hunger, inequality, exclusion, abandonment. Today we would also have to add the social problems related to racism, homophobia, machismo, social inequality and other forms of inequality that have arisen over time.

The COVID-19 pandemic brings us problems that should have been overcome many years ago, such as public health. Unfortunately, a virus had to appear in order for us to understand that we should be more supportive of each other, be closer to the people we love, and be at peace with nature and with animals. Today, young people have proven to be more aware, more open to dialogue, and more sensitive to the reality of the world (how could it be otherwise when speaking about young Vincentian men and women). It is necessary to engage in activities that go beyond what we are already used to doing, to view reality from a new perspective and to establish new goals to achieve. We cannot separate ourselves from the world when the world is engaged in this great process of transformation. We need to have a more active voice and to be aware of our rights and duties. It is urgent that we do this so as not to become lukewarm Vincentians.

We recall here the words that we find in Scripture: I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the other! But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth (Revelation 3:15-16).

Let us be the protagonists of our generation. Let us support one another and create bonds of friendship and solidarity among those who are already part of our Vincentian family … bonds that will strengthen us during this difficult period of pandemic. It is necessary to set aside our individualism, forget any insults, overcome our prejudices and seek out those young people who made a difference when they were active as members of the Vincentian Family.

We all bear our weaknesses and limitations and will feel frustrated at various times. We think that life is unfair and we often feel that we are not recognized by those who have made a difference in our own lives. Such thinking is a little selfish. That perspective reveals that we have lost sight of the fact that the people who make a difference in our lives, and who are the most important to us as Vincentians, are the members of those many families that we assist. They are the ones who not only recognize our work, but also support us so that we can continue to do our work and help other people.

This poor young man who writes these words, which are an attempt to express his feelings … perhaps very inadequately … left the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul for a time, felt frustrated, and thought that he was not really able to make a difference by being Vincentian. But God, in his infinite wisdom, showed me otherwise. Today I can tell you that I feel more Vincentian than I did 15 years ago, when I joined the Society. I am more patient, more experienced and more motivated to engage in the struggle against social injustice. Young Vincentians must become ever more aware of the causes of poverty. They must understand the causes, the reasons and seek, through their work as Vincentians, to promote actions aimed at promoting the dignity of our neediest brothers and sisters, aimed at rescuing them from this vicious cycle called poverty… a cycle which affects them so profoundly.

During this time of pandemic, young people have been encouraged to come to the forefront and to assume great responsibilities. We know that a majority of the members of the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul are people at risk. It is up to us, young Vincentians, to carry the food baskets and care for the countless families who today need our help and guidance. If there are no young Vincentians in your conference or group, it may be time to look for them among the young men and women who are preparing for the sacrament of confirmation. Talk to the parish coordinator in order to seek assistance in motivating young people to help with the work of delivering food baskets and/or visiting those who are in need … always remembering that we must wear a mask, sanitize our hands, maintain the practice of social distancing and make visits from outside the house.

Over the years, I have learned that what makes one a Vincentian is TO VISIT A FAMILY IN NEED. It is at that moment that we discover our vocation. If, at the end of this pandemic, people still experience that call and still have a desire to make more visits and to help others, then we can rejoice because we have a new member of the Vincentian Family.

I close by asking our gracious God, through the intercession of Blessed Federico Ozanam and Pier Giorgio Frassati (two outstanding young people who assumed their role and left a great legacy for us as Vincentians) to protect us from all evil. May God give us the strength and courage to continue our mission.

Consocio Sidney Batista França,
Conference of Saint Peter, Jacaraípe (Espírito Santo, Brasil),
Coordinator of the Central Youth Council of Vitória.