Opening of the Second Convocation of the Vincentian Family in Rome: A Gathering of Faith, Unity, and Service
Opening of the Second Convocation of the Vincentian Family in Rome: A Gathering of Faith, Unity, and Service
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, Executive Director of the International 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.
He then introduced the two members of the Vincentian Family who have agreed to serve as the Facilitators of the Convocation:
- Ms. Denise el-Khoury: Denise, who was born in Lebanon, currently resides in Rome, Italy, where she is pursuing a Canonical Doctorate in Missiology at the Pontifical Gregorian University. She previously served as a member of the International Council of the Vincentian Marian Youth and the Vincentian Family Collaboration Commission. At the national level, she was a member of the Episcopal Commission for the Apostolate of the Laity and served as its Secretary General. She also helped coordinate the work of the Vincentian Family in Lebanon. Currently, Denise serves as the Communications Manager for the Famvin Homeless Alliance. Fluent in Arabic, French, English, and Italian, Denise also has a working knowledge of Spanish.
- Fr. Dennis Holtschneider, CM: Fr. Dennis currently resides in Chicago, United States, and is a member of the Congregation of the Mission (CM), which he joined 42 years ago. He has spent most of his priestly ministry leading universities, though he also worked in Catholic health care. Alongside Mark McGreevey, he co-founded the Institute of Global Homelessness, which addresses street homelessness across all six continents. Currently, he is at the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, working on two book projects.
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 certificates 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:
- 25 years: MISEVI (Vincentian Lay Missionaries)
- 25 years: Vincent de Paul School of Theology (El Salvador)
- 50 years: Sisters of Charity of Saint Vincent de Paul (India)
- 75 years: Institute of the Daughters of Our Lady of Graces (Brazil)
- 100 years: Sisters of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart (Canada)
- 125 years: Sisters of Saint Martha of Antigonish (Canada)
- 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)
- 400 years: Congregation of the Mission
Community Prayer: Seeking Grace to Serve the Poor
After the welcome address and the presentation of awards, the participants joined in a community prayer composed by Sister Eileen Haynes, SCL and Sister Grace Hartzog, SC. 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 Family. “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.
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May God bless your gathering through the prayers of the Founders and Foundresses of the members of the Vincentian family