Interview with Mark Choonara, Chief Executive Officer, Daughters of Charity Services, a family of Vincentian charities in the United Kingdom.

1. What motivates you to attend the November 2024 meeting? and why would you recommend participating?

I hope to meet and learn from fellow Vincentians from all over the world, to better understand how we can continue to find new and sustainable ways of serving our brothers and sisters in the greatest need. I think this will be a fantastic opportunity for us to better develop a more common voice as Vincentians globally, to learn from one another, and to help us face the challenges we experience every day.

2. Why is it important to walk together as a Vincentian Family?

As Vincentians, we all share a commitment to our common Charism, and as such a shared Mission, despite the diversity of our services and our spread across the world. Through walking together, sharing our stories and our experiences, we are better placed to head into our fifth century of service with a heart for those in greatest need and an ability to serve as required.

3. If you think of the word synodality, what image comes to mind?

When I think of synodality, I picture a large group, with people facing both inwards and outwards. Inwards, because the beauty of synodality is the experience of sharing our thoughts and ideas with one another, whilst allowing space for providential guidance; and outwards, because we must always look to draw on the experience of encounter with those on the margins if we are to live out our Vincentian, and Gospel, values.

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This post is part of a series. “The Heart of a Vincentian – Coming Soon November 2024”

More information at famvin.org/en/famvin-2024