In a world where charity is often reduced to acts of generosity, the Vincentian Family Formation Programme 2025 invited its participants to go deeper—to the very heart of service. Held from April 30 to May 4 in the peaceful setting of St. Vincent’s House, Halehalli, Bangalore, Indica, this gathering brought together 40 Vincentians from across India with a powerful mission: to form hearts capable of embodying effective and transformative charity. Rooted in the rich heritage of St. Vincent de Paul and inspired by the example of Blessed Frederic Ozanam and St. Louise de Marillac, the theme “Formation of Heart for an Effective Charity” called each participant not only to learn, but to be changed. Through prayer, study, dialogue, and joyful community, this program offered more than formation—it offered renewal. What follows is a glimpse into those vibrant days where hearts were shaped, spirits were stirred, and the call to serve the poor was reignited with Vincentian zeal.

Formation of Heart for an Effective Charity

The Vincentian Family Formation Programme 2025 was held from April 30 to May 4, 2025, with the theme “Formation of Heart for an Effective Charity.” The program aimed to provide a platform for participants to reflect on the importance of forming a compassionate heart for effective charity. There were 40 participants from various branches of the Vincentian Family who attended this gathering at St. Vincent’s House, the house of the Daughters of Charity, Halehalli, Bangalore.

The program began with an inaugural session and Holy Eucharist on April 30, 2025. Rev. Fr. Shajan Pudussery CM, the Chair Person of the Formation Commission of the Vincentian Family, India welcomed everyone to the programme. Rev. Fr. Sebastian Vettickal CM, the Assistant Provincial of the Southern Indian Province inaugurated the programme and presided over the Holy Eucharist. Rev. Dr. Francis Puthenthayil CM, the Coordinator of the Vincentian Family, India and Rev. Sr. Rose Kidangan DC, the Visitatrix in charge of the Southern Indian Province extended their warm greetings to all the participants. It was followed by sessions on Biblical Foundation for the Formation of Heart, Ecclesial Foundations for the Formation of Heart, Frederic Ozanam: Formation of Heart for Charity and Justice, and Vincentian Insights on the Formation of Heart. These sessions were led by resource persons including Rev. Fr. Shijoy T CM, and Rev. Dr. Francis P. CM, Bro. Tomy SSVP and Fr. Shajan P. CM respectively.

Over the next few days, participants engaged in discussions and presentations on various aspects of forming a compassionate heart, including Inspirational Aspects in the Formation of Heart, the Current Scenario of Heart and Charity, and Nurturing a Vincentian Heart. Resource persons such as Rev. Sr. Rose Chirayil DC, Rev. Dr. Joy Thuruthel CM, and Rev. Dr. James Chelapurath VC shared their insights and expertise. The final session on May 4, 2025, included a presentation on Louise de Marillac’s Practical Emphasis on Formation of Heart by Rev. Dr. Johnsia SCV, followed by a feedback session on the programme. Most of the participants found the sessions extremely helpful and inspiring.

The program also included group discussions and report presentations, which provided participants with opportunities to reflect on their learning and share their thoughts and ideas.  There was fun-filled and a meaningful recreation where the participants displayed the Vincentian formation of the heart through role plays by different teams.

The concluding Holy Eucharist set the tone for the participants to carry forward the learnings into their areas of ministry.

The Vincentian Family Formation Programme 2025 was a success, providing participants with a deeper understanding of the Vincentian values and principles. The program concluded with a sense of renewed commitment to serving the poor and vulnerable with compassion and kindness. The resource persons played a significant role in facilitating the discussions and presentations, and their contributions were greatly appreciated.

Fr. Shajan CM