Over 300 Vincentians from Around the World Gather at the Ghione Theater

On November 14, 2024, the Ghione Theater in Rome was filled with joy and camaraderie as over 300 members of the Vincentian Family from five continents came together for the opening of the Second International Convocation of the Vincentian Family. This event marked the beginning of four days dedicated to reflection, dialogue, and collaboration, all with the goal of strengthening their shared commitment to serving those in need. The atmosphere was charged with emotion as participants reunited with brothers and sisters who share the same charism passed down from Saint Vincent de Paul and Saint Louise de Marillac.

Welcome Address by Father Joe Agostino: A Call for Unity and Hope

The day began with a heartfelt welcome from Father Joe Agostino, CM, Director of the Vincentian Family Office. “It is a joy and a blessing to see all of you gathered here, coming from the four corners of the world,” he said. He highlighted the unity that, despite geographical and cultural differences, remains strong thanks to their shared faith in Christ and their common commitment to love and serve the most vulnerable.

Father Agostino encouraged everyone to embrace these days with a spirit of humility, simplicity, and deep trust in Providence, drawing inspiration from the example set by Saint Vincent and Saint Louise. He emphasized that this Convocation is a testament to the Holy Spirit guiding them to discern together the path God wants them to follow, always responding to the question: “What must be done?” to alleviate the suffering of the poor and marginalized.

Recognition of Anniversaries of Various Branches of the Vincentian Family

A highlight of the event was the presentation of commemorative diplomas to representatives of various Vincentian congregations and associations celebrating significant anniversaries between 2024 and 2025. These recognitions honored decades and centuries of dedicated service to the most vulnerable, symbolizing the Family’s gratitude for their enduring commitment to evangelization and charity. The recognized branches included:

• 400 years: Congregation of the Mission
• 175 years: Sisters of Charity of Kortemark (Belgium), Sisters of Charity of Good and Perpetual Help (Italy), Missionary Sisters of the Immaculate Conception (Italy), Sisters of Charity of Saint Vincent de Paul (Halifax, Canada)
• 125 years: Sisters of Saint Martha of Antigonish (Canada)
• 100 years: Sisters of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart (Canada)
• 75 years: Institute of the Daughters of Our Lady of Graces (Brazil)
• 50 years: Sisters of Charity of Saint Vincent de Paul (India)
• 25 years: Vincent de Paul School of Theology (El Salvador)

Each representative received a commemorative diploma, symbolizing appreciation for their continuous legacy of faith and charity.

Community Prayer: Seeking Grace to Serve the Poor

After the welcome address and the presentation of awards, the participants joined in a community prayer. They asked for God’s grace to follow in the footsteps of Jesus Christ by serving the poor, in the spirit of Saint Vincent de Paul and Saint Louise de Marillac. It was a moment of deep spirituality that reinforced their shared sense of mission.

Reflection by Father Tomaž Mavrič: Igniting the Fire of Vincentian Synodality

Following the prayer, Father Tomaž Mavrič, CM, President of the Vincentian Family Executive Board, delivered an inspiring reflection titled “The Fuel That Keeps the Fire of Vincentian Synodality Burning.” In his talk, he reflected on how Saint Vincent de Paul deeply lived out the concept of Providence and how that spirit should continue to guide the Vincentian Family today.

Father Mavrič stressed the importance of collaboration among the various branches of the Vincentian movement. “To be truly effective, we must work together,” he urged, noting that there are often barriers of independence that hinder deeper collaboration. He encouraged everyone to be “a fire that burns with affection and effectiveness” in the mission of evangelizing and serving the less fortunate. He also highlighted the value of synodality as a way of listening to the Holy Spirit and acting together to meet the world’s needs.

Group Work: Reflections and Sharing

The afternoon was dedicated to small group discussions where participants reflected on four key questions derived from Father Mavrič’s talk. These dialogues provided a space for fraternal exchange where experiences were shared, and new ways of collaborating in the Vincentian mission were explored. Later, the participants gathered in a plenary session to share some of the conclusions and proposals that emerged from the group discussions, enriching the community experience.

Closing with a Fraternal Agape

The day concluded with a simple but meaningful agape, a time of fellowship where attendees enjoyed food and conversation in a spirit of camaraderie and joy. It was an opportunity to get to know each other better, share stories, and strengthen the bonds of unity among Vincentians from different parts of the world. This closing gathering reflected the spirit of communion and joy that defines the Vincentian Family.

A Path of Renewed Hope and Commitment

The Second Convocation of the Vincentian Family in Rome began with a renewed spirit of synodality, prayer, and dedication to serving the most vulnerable. The coming days will be filled with opportunities for collective discernment, collaboration, and spiritual renewal, ensuring that the Vincentian Family continues to be a beacon of hope and love in the world. This gathering not only celebrates the rich legacy of the past but also serves as a springboard for a hopeful future, always guided by the essential Vincentian question: “What must be done?” to respond to the needs of today’s world.

As this Convocation draws to a close, each member will return to their mission fields with a renewed heart, ready to carry forward the Vincentian charism with greater vigor and dedication, bearing witness to Christ’s love in a world that is in dire need of hope and compassion.