The virtual event brought together Vincentian leaders from all the Uruguayan branches.

On June 19^th, a virtual meeting was held to establish the National Council of the Vincentian Family in Uruguay.

The meeting was a great success, and gathered leaders of the main branches of the Vincentian Family worldwide, including international guests.

The opening segment was conducted by Father Tomaz Mavric, Superior General of the Congregation of the Mission, with prayers and fraternal greetings to those present. Then several participants from the worldwide Family encourage the members of this new council as they engage in this new joint effort.

Renato Lima de Oliveira, the 16^th President General, was also invited to the meeting and stated that the establishment of the National Council of the Vincentian Family in Uruguay is the “pinnacle of the Vincentian work” carried out with the poor over time. He went on to say that “this new Council will strengthen the Family, increase mutual collaboration, bring forward common projects and enhance our communication and formation. In my mind, this is all positive, because together we are stronger, and, hence, we can better serve those in need”.

From now on and thanks to the establishment of this National Council in Uruguay, the Central Office of the Vincentian Family, based in Philadelphia (USA), will focus its efforts in the Caribbean, where it is necessary to strengthen this type of organization. The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul is willing to support this upcoming challenge.

May St. Vincent, Louise de Marillac and Ozanam help us open up all possible paths for the Vincentian Family to grow in quantity and quality. Let us pray.