On July 20, 2023, there was a celebration on the occasion of the first group completing the Másters Course in Vincentian Studies (2021-2923). The degree is a result of the collaboration between the University of Deusto (Spain) and the Congregation of the Mission.

Tomaž Mavrič, who presided over the celebration, recalled that the General Assembly, held in Chicago in 2016, gave impetus to the launching of the Masters Degree in Vincentian Studies. He stated: We were convinced that the Masters Degree would provide members of the Congregation of the Mission and the worldwide Vincentian Family with a way to study Vincentian history and spirituality, providing them with tools to better understand and update these matters, and offering them the means to become competent in pastoral animation, formation and accompaniment in service to the poor.

The online celebration included the participation of twenty-five individuals (laity of the Vincentian Family, Daughters of Charity and missionaries of the Congregation) who have obtained the title of Master in Vincentian Studies, as well as the dean and professors of the Faculty of Theology of the University of Deusto, the members of SIEV, Fr. Nèlio Pita (Assistant General), and numerous guests, relatives and friends of the graduates.

Fr. Tomaž Mavrič expressed his gratitude to Fr. Javier Alvarez and Fr. Corpus Delgado, for the work done over several years to implement this program. He especially thanked the members of SIEV and the professors of the university, as well as the Department of Online Formation, who have made this initiative of the Congregation of the Mission a reality.

Nèlio Pita, commenting on the Gospel passage of Luke 4, encouraged the participants to make real (with their words, attitudes and concrete commitments) the Good News among the poorest.

Spontaneously, all those present expressed their gratitude to God and to all those who participated in making this program a reality.

Fr. Tomaž Mavrič concluded the celebration by telling the twenty-five individuals who successfully completed the course work for the Masters in Vincentian Studies: May the time and energy you have dedicated to achieve this goal encourage you to share your experience with others, to be agents of Vincentian animation in your groups, associations and communities, and to live fully the richness of our charism and spirituality.

Corpus J. Delgado, C.M.
Source: http://pauleszaragoza.org/