The Vincentian Family is gearing up for a significant event that promises to strengthen bonds and renew commitment to serving those in need. Under the theme “Keeping the Fire Burning: Vincentian Synodality in Action,” the Second Convocation of the Vincentian Family will take place from November 14-17, 2024, in Rome, Italy. This gathering not only responds to Pope Francis’s call for synodality but also reaffirms the Vincentian charism in a context of shared collaboration and action.

Vincentian Synodality

The concept of synodality, fervently promoted by Pope Francis, is at the heart of this convocation. Synodality involves walking together, listening, and discerning as a community, a practice deeply rooted in Vincentian tradition. For the Vincentian Family, this means not only sharing a common mission but also actively participating in decision-making processes that reflect the diversity and richness of its multiple branches and institutions.

Open Invitation

Rev. Joseph V. Agostino, CM, Executive Director of the Vincentian Family Office, has extended a warm invitation to leaders and members of the Vincentian Family worldwide. The convocation is aimed at congregations, institutes, institutions, foundations, ministries, and individual members who share the Vincentian charism. Each congregational leader is encouraged to invite at least one younger member of their community, ensuring the continuity and renewal of the charism across generations.

Event Details

The event will be primarily held at Hotel Casa Tra Noi, located near St. Peter’s Square, and at Teatro Ghione, where the plenary sessions and liturgies will take place. Activities will begin on Thursday, November 14, at 1:00 PM and conclude on Sunday, November 17, after Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica.

Plenary Sessions and Workshops

The plenary sessions will address essential themes for the Vincentian Family, including the spirituality that animates the Vincentian charism, the manifestations of the charism in the world, and the impact of synodality on work in the peripheries. A highlight will be the address by Cardinal Michael Czerny, SJ, Prefect of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development.

Registration and Participation

To participate, you must complete the registration form and send it to famvin2024@gmail.com by October 17, 2024. The registration fee is 300 euros per person, covering all plenary sessions and workshop activities. Additionally, a fee of 100 euros is required for the invitation letter for the visa, which will be sent by express courier upon receipt of payment.

Accommodation

Hotel Casa Tra Noi offers special rates for participants, with options for single, double, and triple rooms. Full payment is required at the time of booking, with no possibility of refund in case of cancellation. The hotel will also provide additional services such as free luggage storage.

Travel Information

Participants are advised to arrive before noon on November 13 to complete the hotel check-in process. Departure is scheduled for November 18, after breakfast. Each participant is responsible for organizing their own travel and meeting visa requirements.

Conclusion

The Second Convocation of the Vincentian Family in Rome is a unique opportunity to strengthen bonds, share experiences, and discern future paths together. In a world facing constant challenges, Vincentian synodality offers a model of collaboration and action that can inspire other movements and congregations. This gathering promises not only to keep the flame of the Vincentian charism alive but also to ignite new sparks of hope and service in the most needy peripheries.

Contact

For any questions related to registration, accommodation, or visa letters, please contact Skyline Srl, the event organizing company in Rome, by email at famvin2024@gmail.com.

This event is a manifestation of the ongoing commitment of the Vincentian Family to live out its charism in a spirit of community and service, responding to the urgent needs of our time with faith and dedication.

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