Invited by her employer, the Fondation Vincent de Paul, and the Sisters of Charity of Strasbourg, Laurence took part in one of the reflection workshops on “Vincentian Values in Care.” Alongside professionals, religious, and volunteers from around the world, she helped create an environment for deep listening, shared experience, and intercultural dialogue—centered on the dignity and care of the most vulnerable.

In her own words, this encounter was “a true moment of sharing” and a witness to how Vincentian values transcend borders and become concrete through compassionate service. From palliative care in France to community support across the globe, she reminds us that at the heart of Vincentian care is the recognition of the other in their vulnerability and humanity.

Watch the video and be inspired by this beautiful testimony of service, faith, and global connection:

Transcript:

Laurence Spieser, palliative care manager – Clinique de la Toussaint (Fondation Vincent de Paul) – Strasbourg (France)

My name is Laurence SPIESER and I have been a palliative care manager at the Clinique de la Toussaint in Strasbourg, eastern France, for almost three years. I was invited to participate in the FamVin 2024 global gathering by the « Fondation Vincent de Paul » in Strasbourg, my employer, and the Congregation of the Sisters of Charity in Strasbourg. Participating was a real moment of sharing for me. I found great humanity and incredible interculturality.

I was asked to participate in the focus group on the theme of “Vincentian values in care.” I was very happy to prepare this time of reflection with Dr. Xavier Mattelaer (doctor in charge of palliative care services at the Toussaint Clinic in Strasbourg), Mr. Jean-Louis Bonnet (former president of the Vincent de Paul Foundation and volunteer at the Congregation of the Sisters of Charity of Strasbourg), Fr. René Stockmann (Superior General of the Congregation of the Brothers of Charity in Ghent, Belgium, and Belgian specialist in psychiatric care), Father Emile Ghali Ghattas, Lazarist member of the executive board of FamVin Internationale, and Sister Michelle Marvaud (Daughter of Charity).

During this time of preparation, we explored Vincentian values in order to offer a time of encounter based on exchange, sharing of experiences, reflection, and “human” richness. Indeed, we wanted this reflection to be enriched by the experiences and life stories of each participant. The idea was to facilitate dialogue among all participants from around the world.

The workshop was a real opportunity for exchange, where everyone had an opportunity to express themselves and share how Vincentian values are reflected in their daily care for the most vulnerable. Care can have many meanings, many aims, or many objectives, but what is central is the place of the Other, the place given to the person in their vulnerability. This vulnerability can take many forms, but Vincentian values have the strength to respond in a just and humane way to providing support that is meaningful regardless of our country, our place, or our role.

We carry these Vincentian values with us every day in our support for patients in palliative care. We welcome a person in their vulnerability, in their individuality and in their experience, not a sick person. This difference is meaningful because it places the person at the heart of the support, maintaining their dignity as a human being.

In Rome, through this workshop, I was first able to see how Vincentian values transcend borders and can be transmitted through very diverse actions that are always focused on the most vulnerable. The opportunities for sharing, both individually and in groups, allowed us to experience and grow through the Vincentian charism. These three days also allowed me to meet new people, forge bonds, and open up new possibilities.

Read or download the final document of the Second Convocation of the Vincentian Family: “Keeping the Fire Burning to Be Pilgrims of Hope.”

https://famvin.org/en/2025/02/15/keeping-the-fire-burning-to-be-pilgrims-of-hope-document-of-the-second-convocation-of-the-vincentian-family/