Dear fellow Vincentians. As we enter the New Year of 2025 and look around our world it can be very intimidating when wondering what this year may bring. There are still parts of the world at war or facing the uncertainty in the political structure of Canada and other nations. 

The cost of living will rise with higher food prices and cost of adequate housing still being a major concern in most locations. Homelessness is on the rise with many cities seeing encampments of homeless people who are living a daily life with little hope for a better future. The number of people living in poverty and experiencing homelessness may also cause apprehension and even fear in many of us. 

The void between the rich, the middle class and those living in poverty seems to be widening rather than shrinking. I am reminded of a speech Frederic Ozanam gave in the 1830’s about this void between the haves and the have nots and his fear that it could lead to division and discord. His advice was for the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul and others to step in between these two and take action and advocate for systemic changes that would alleviate the causes of this situation. 

2025 is a time for hope and a time for action. We can see systemic changes that seek to relieve poverty and homelessness. There is a real effort in many cities to address the need for more affordable housing. The cost of food remains high with many food banks reporting much higher use. Food insecurity is a major concern. It is a time for us to act, to advocate for systemic change that will restore hope for so many that live month to month, even day to day. 

Where do we start? We start with our own Vincentian sisters and brothers. We need to be open to allowing ourselves to undergo the same personal transformation that Vincent took centuries ago. It is by looking beyond all the programs and efforts to address poverty and simply seek to find Jesus in the face of those we serve. If we do this we will be inspired to have hope and take actions that do more than provide emergency assistance to our neighbours in need but also give them, and ourselves, a sense of hope for an life that includes the right to basic human dignity for all. Let us also work to give everyone a voice. 

Let us be active advocate for systemic change. Let us be tempered radicals for effective systemic change. Let us be true Vincentians. 

About the author:

Jim Paddon lives in London, Ontario, Canada and serves as the Chair of the Ontario Regional Council’s Social Justice committee.  He is married to his dear wife Pat and they have six daughters and eleven grandchildren. Jim has been a member of the Society since the 1970’s.

I respectfully acknowledge the traditional, unceded territories of the Indigenous Peoples, including First Nations, Metis and Inuit, on which lands we meet, work and live.