Meeting with Pope Francis: A Moment of Blessing for the Vincentian Family

On November 17th, St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome was filled with a special fervor as the Second Convocation of the Vincentian Family concluded with the celebration of Mass for the World Day of the Poor. Over 300 members of the Vincentian Family, representing not only different branches of this large spiritual family, but also persons alive with Vincent’s Charism, were present on this day of reflection and commitment to the most vulnerable.

Before the Eucharist, a delegation from the Vincentian Family had the privilege of meeting with Pope Francis in a gathering marked by closeness and deep spiritual significance. During this meeting, the Holy Father blessed the keys for the Vincentian Family’s “13 Houses” Project for the Jubilee. This project, which is part of a global initiative, seeks to provide dignified housing for homeless people and those in vulnerable situations, a mission that embodies the charism of St. Vincent de Paul, focused on serving the poor. The blessing of these keys symbolizes a renewed commitment from the Vincentian Family to continue working for those most in need, especially during this time of preparation for the Jubilee.

The “13 Houses” Project: A Concrete Sign of Hope

The blessing of the keys for the “13 Houses” Project was an especially moving moment during this event. Inspired by the Vincentian charism, this project aims to provide a home to those in need, offering not only a roof over their heads but also a place where they can rebuild their lives with dignity. The Vincentian Family has been tirelessly working to expand this initiative globally, responding to Christ’s call to welcome the stranger and care for the most vulnerable.

Pope Francis, in blessing these keys, encouraged the Vincentian Family to continue with this mission, highlighting the importance of offering concrete and sustainable solutions to the issues of poverty and social exclusion. “It’s not just about providing temporary help but offering a path of hope and a future,” the Pope remarked.

A Eucharist Filled with Meaning

The Mass for the World Day of the Poor, celebrated in the majestic Basilica of St. Peter, was a moment of deep reflection and prayer. The atmosphere in the basilica was one of reverence, with faithful from all over the world coming together to join in this significant celebration. Among them were members of the Vincentian Family, whose presence underscored their commitment to the poor and marginalized.

The liturgy, presided over by Pope Francis, focused on the importance of being attentive to the needs of others, especially those who are invisible to society. The Pope, in his homily, made a powerful call not to reduce faith to empty rituals but to live it out through concrete commitments to the most vulnerable.

Pope Francis’ Homily: A Call to Coherence and Mercy

In his homily, Pope Francis highlighted several key points that invite a deep reflection on how Christians should live their faith in relation to the poor. One of the central messages was the warning against the danger of reducing faith to a series of comfortable practices that do not challenge the powerful or confront structures of injustice. The Pope reminded us that true Christian faith always involves a commitment to justice and mercy and that one cannot love God without loving the poor.

1. Faith Lived Through Actions: “Love is not measured by words but by actions,” emphasized the Pope, urging the faithful to move beyond empty words and manifest their faith through concrete acts of charity and solidarity. He stressed that the World Day of the Poor should not be just another day on the calendar but a constant reminder of our call to live in solidarity and to have hearts open to the suffering of others.
2. Seeing the Face of Christ in the Poor: Another powerful message in the homily was the call to recognize the face of Christ in every person in need. Pope Francis reminded us that in the faces of those who suffer, we find Jesus, and that serving the poor is serving the Lord directly. “The poor are not a problem but a resource, an opportunity to encounter Jesus, who waits for us in the poor,” said the Pope, emphasizing the idea that the poor are a source of blessing for the Church as they allow us to experience the living presence of Christ.
3. A Call for Personal and Communal Conversion: The Holy Father also spoke of the need for a profound conversion, both personally and communally. He invited us to set aside indifference and adopt an attitude of generous service, reminding us that faith is not an individualistic refuge but a transformative force that should open us up to love and justice. In his words, “Indifference is the worst enemy of charity,” a challenge we must overcome to fully live out the Gospel.
4. The Church’s Mission with the Poor: Francis emphasized that the Church, following the example of its Founder, is called to be a poor Church for the poor, meaning a community that lives in simplicity and service. He made a heartfelt appeal to all Christians to step out of their comfort zones and draw near to the marginalized, building bridges of love and solidarity. “We cannot lock ourselves in our own securities; we must be disturbed by the cry of the poor,” he insisted.

You can watch the Mass at the following links: On Facebook and On YouTube

World Day of the Poor: An Ongoing Commitment

The World Day of the Poor, established by Pope Francis in 2017, is an annual call to the entire Church to reflect on our responsibility towards the poor. On this occasion, the Pope once again reminded us that caring for the poor is not optional but an imperative of the Gospel. He insisted that we cannot be content with a “showcase Christianity” but are called to be a Church in mission, a community that brings the Good News to those who suffer and works for justice and peace.

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul of Italy, together with the Vincentian Family, offered a tangible sign: 1,500 backpacks with hygiene and personal care products and other basic necessities to those attending the luncheon with Pope Francis at the Vatican.

Final Reflections: A Path of Charity and Commitment

The closing of the Second Convocation of the Vincentian Family in the context of the World Day of the Poor was a moment of spiritual renewal and a reaffirmation of the mission to serve those most in need. This event not only celebrated the unity of the Vincentian Family but also strengthened its mission to continue working for the poor and marginalized.

Pope Francis’ call to live a coherent and committed faith resonates deeply in the hearts of all who participated in this day. The invitation to see Christ in the poor and serve them generously is a powerful reminder that the Gospel is not just a theory but a practice of love that transforms lives.

Inspired by the charism of St. Vincent de Paul, the Vincentian Family reaffirms its commitment to continue its work on behalf of the most vulnerable, aware that in every act of charity, they are responding to Jesus’ call to love and serve.

Prayer Inspired by Pope Francis’ Message for the World Day of the Poor

Lord, hear the prayer of the poor, which rises to your presence with the strength of faith and hope.
Make us able to live with humility, recognizing that we are all in need of your love.
Grant us a generous heart, willing to share the suffering of those who have the least and to be instruments of your justice and mercy.
May our prayer not remain in words but be transformed into concrete acts of charity, drawing us closer to the poor as brothers and sisters and sharing with them the gift of your peace.
Help us never to forget that in the faces of those who suffer, we see the face of your Son Jesus, who invites us to love them with the same love that You give us.
Through the intercession of Mary, Mother of the poor and humble, we ask you to guide us on this path of prayer, service, and dedication.

Amen.