September 6–8, 2025 – Beira.

The city of Beira, in the heart of Mozambique, witnessed a deeply significant moment in the history of our Family in the country: the First National Meeting of the Vincentian Family of Mozambique. Under the inspiring theme: “Vincentian Family, arise, set out on the way, look at the reality of the poor and act in collaboration,” 123 participants from all Vincentian branches and various regions of the country gathered in a spirit of fraternity, collaboration, discernment, and shared commitment.

Over the course of three days, representatives of the present branches shared experiences, moments of celebration, lectures, and deep reflections on the Vincentian identity and mission in the Mozambican context. It is a country rich in human, cultural, and natural resources, but marked by high poverty levels affecting more than 60% of the population. In response to this reality, the approximately 2,000 members of the Vincentian Family in Mozambique have courageously and hopefully embraced the challenge of responding to multiple forms of poverty: food insecurity, malnutrition, lack of education and dignified work, poor health care and housing, the effects of climate change on the lives of the poor, among other challenges.

The meeting took place in a sober, simple, joyful atmosphere filled with rich spirituality, where prayer and action went hand in hand. Spaces for deep dialogue were created to discern concrete paths toward greater collaboration among the branches and to strengthen the national identity of the Vincentian Family, enhancing its presence in areas of greatest vulnerability.

The conclusions of this meeting will be compiled into a guiding document that will serve as a tool for reflection and planning in local communities. Key topics discussed included:

• The urgent need for missionary collaboration as a Vincentian Family.
• The self-sustainability of the Vincentian ecosystem: shared encounters, common spirituality, prophetic and missionary action.
• Ongoing formation in history, identity, and charism.
• Strategies for encounter, communication, and financial sustainability for Vincentian projects.

This first meeting not only strengthened the bonds among members but also ignited a light of hope amidst many challenging realities. We express our heartfelt congratulations to the Vincentian Family of Mozambique, thanking them for their warm hospitality and their testimony of faith and service. A special thanks to the National Council of the Vincentian Family for the extraordinary effort made to organize this first gathering. We encourage them to remain connected with the global body of the Vincentian Family, so that together we may continue to respond with compassion and creativity to the cries of the poor and of the earth.

Fr. Memo Campuzano, C.M.