A Jubilee of Service and Charity

On April 17, 2025, we celebrate the 400th anniversary of the founding of the Congregation of the Mission by Saint Vincent de Paul. This milestone not only honors the legacy of a saint who transformed charity and service into pillars of Christian life, but also invites us to rediscover the relevance of the Vincentian charism in today’s Church and world. The Congregation was born from a profound experience of Saint Vincent: the “fire of love” that led him to identify with the poor and marginalized. This foundational spirit continues to inspire more than 100 branches of the Vincentian Family in their commitment to serve Christ in the poor.

Outline of Pope Francis’ Letter

In his letter addressed to Fr. Tomaž Mavrič, Superior General of the Congregation of the Mission, Pope Francis structures his message around:

1. Gratitude and best wishes: He expresses joy for the anniversary and offers prayers for renewed fidelity to the Vincentian charism.
2. Remembrance of the beginnings: He recalls the early days of the Congregation and Saint Vincent’s missionary passion.
3. Current relevance of the Vincentian charism: He highlights the enduring legacy of Saint Vincent in serving the poor and forming priests and laypeople.
4. A call to missionary discipleship: He invites the entire Vincentian Family to renew their love and service to the peripheries of today’s world.

Read the Full Letter Here:

Letter of Pope Francis to Fr. Tomaž Mavrič, Superior General of the Congregation of the Mission

Key Ideas and Reflections:

1. The “fire of love” of Saint Vincent: Saint Vincent experienced an inner ardor that led him to see Christ’s face in the poor. This “fire” is not just a historical memory but an invitation for all members of the Vincentian Family to renew their commitment to charity.
   Reflection: How can we rekindle this “fire” in our communities today?
2. The importance of organization in charity Saint Vincent understood that effective charity requires organization. The creation of the Confraternities of Charity and the Daughters of Charity demonstrates how well-structured works can transform lives.
   Reflection: Are we organizing our charitable initiatives in ways that effectively respond to current needs?
3. Formation as a pillar of the Vincentian charism Saint Vincent saw the formation of clergy and laypeople as essential to renewing the Church. His legacy of seminaries and retreats reminds us that education is a form of charity.
   Reflection: How can we foster comprehensive formation that combines faith and action in our communities?
4. The witness of the Vincentian Family The Vincentian Family has grown to encompass more than 100 branches dedicated to service worldwide. Its diversity is a richness that reflects the universality of the Gospel.
   Reflection: How can we strengthen collaboration among the various branches of the Vincentian Family?
5. The call to the peripheries The Pope emphasizes the need to serve the peripheries, both physical and existential. This requires stepping beyond our comfort zones to seek out the most abandoned.
   Reflection: Where are the peripheries in our lives, and how can we approach them?

Questions for Personal Reflection and Group Discussion:

1. What does the “fire of love” that moved Saint Vincent to serve the poor mean to you?
2. How can we better collaborate as a Vincentian Family to respond to current needs?
3. In what ways are we called to renew our commitment to existential peripheries?
4. What role does formation play in our lives as committed Christians?
5. How can we make our works of charity more effective and sustainable?
6. What can we learn from Saint Vincent’s example to face today’s challenges?
7. How can we involve young people in the Vincentian mission?

May this letter inspire a renewed missionary zeal in all members of the Vincentian Family. Let us follow Saint Vincent’s example, recognizing the poor as our “lords and masters” and serving them with love and humility.