“Spirituality… serves as the life of a Conference, its vitality. Vincentian spirituality is based on the very real presence of Christ in fellow Vincentians and in those whom they serve. God became man through his Son… brought great dignity to all humankind… brought good news to the spiritually and materially poor, hungry and oppressed… He took them to Himself and put on their mantle. Vincentians understand and believe this, and also know that when they come to the aid of poor friends or neighbors, they are serving Jesus, their friend and neighbor. Without spirituality, a Conference becomes just another welfare organization dispensing food, clothing and money. By bringing God into this picture, the dispensing turns into loving help and concern for the individual a Vincentian is trying to assist. This brings about a twofold blessing, on both the giver and the receiver alike.”

– From the document “Vincentian Life: Conference”, published by the National Council of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul USA, December 2015