The Vincentian Family offers us the second article in a three-part series written by Father Memo Campuzano, C.M. following the Convocation of the Vincentian Family in Rome.  Father Memo challenges all of us, both individually and communally, to allow the living fire of our Vincentian charism to transform our individual contemplation, our common discernment, and our courageous service to others. The radical integrity of our faith in action can be a collective witness that ignites the hearts of others.

Open-Eyed Contemplation: Reclaiming a Spirituality That Transforms

“Let us give ourselves totally to God from now on […], so that we may always and everywhere hunger and thirst for this justice.” – Saint Vincent

In an age of anxiety, artificial intelligence, ecological crises, socio-political and economic fragmentation and inequity, and rapid change, the Vincentian Family is summoned to rekindle the spiritual fire at the heart of its charism. The 2024 Rome Convocation reignited this truth: the Vincentian charism is not a checklist of ministries or structures—it is a living fire, born from the transformative encounter with Christ in the poor. This is what we experienced and reflected upon in Rome as an “open-eyed mysticism”—a spirituality rooted in reality, animated by contemplation and common discernment, and expressed through courageous action.

Like Saint Vincent de Paul and Saint Louise de Marillac, whose mysticism flowed from the streets and into the heart of society, we are called not to flee the world, but to see it more clearly—to see Christ in its wounds, its poor, and its yearnings. Vincentian spirituality is “a faith that contemplates the suffering Christ in the world and responds with creative, concrete, and courageous love.”

Contemplation in Action: Seeing and Doing as One

At the heart of the Vincentian way is a profound paradox: contemplation and action are inseparable. The phrase attributed to St. Vincent, “Leave God for God”, reveals this dynamic. One does not abandon prayer to serve the poor, but encounters God in both silence and service. In our Vincentian spirituality prayer is the lens through which we see the world with transformed eyes. We are not merely moved by suffering—we are changed by it.

This “open-eyed mysticism” refuses to be passive. It moves us to ask uncomfortable questions—about justice, dignity, and equity—and empowers us to act from a place of deep spiritual rootedness. In the face of global crises—wars, displacement, secularism, environmental breakdown—Vincentian spirituality becomes a source of resilience and clarity and the central place to begin the reinterpretation of our identity and mission.

Vocational Bridges: A Call Across Generations

The vitality of any charism is seen in its power to call others. Today, traditional forms of vocation face challenges, yet the Spirit continues to speak. Action 4.8 of the Convocation calls for the building of a vocational culture that transcends generations, cultures, and professions. This is not recruitment—it is accompaniment and hospitable invitation to experience our Charism: “Come and See”. (John 1, 29-31)

We must ask not only, “How do we invite others into our way of life?” but more deeply, “How do we help others discern the voice of God in their lives?” Whether lay or ordained, young or old, all are invited into this mission of justice and love. Especially for young people searching for meaning, the Vincentian Family can offer authenticity, purpose, and community—if we dare to speak their language and walk at their pace.

Formation as Lifelong Discernment

Entering our 5th century, formation must not be occasional—it must be ongoing, contextual, and communal. Action 4.10 urges the strengthening of a Formation Commission that fosters deep spiritual and theological growth. Formation today must wrestle with the great issues of our time—ecology, gender, justice, economics—while rooted in the Word of God, Catholic teaching, and the legacy of the founders.

Formation must go beyond workshops. It must form minds, ignite hearts, and build communities. And it must be lived together—in shared prayer, reflection, and action. This communal formation leads to vocational clarity and missionary creativity

Faith That Sees and Acts with Integrity

Vincentian spirituality demands radical integrity between faith and action. To follow Christ in the path of Vincent is to see and respond—to live a Samaritan “mysticism of the streets.” This spirituality leads inevitably to ethics: transparency, justice, stewardship, and care for the most vulnerable.

These are not optional extras—they are fruits of prayer. Real contemplation leads to ethical living. The ethical expression of Vincentian spirituality includes:

• Responsible stewardship and transparent use of resources
• Simplicity and sustainable living
• Protection of vulnerable persons (Action 4.4)
• Advocacy for justice human and environmental dignity, and the common good
• A spirit of non-violence and reconciliation in a divided world

This integrity must be visible not only in individuals, but in the collective witness of our Vincentian communities.

Spiritual Sustainability: Keeping the Fire Alive

The Vincentian charism survives not because it is rigid, but because it is alive, adaptable, and deeply spiritual. Nevertheless, we ask: how do we sustain this fire into the future?

The answer lies in reinterpreting the charism in every age, forming leaders who read the signs of the times with fidelity and creativity. Spiritual sustainability also requires that we listen to the emerging language of the Church—synodality, ecology, discernment, and non-violence. These are not additions—they are expressions of the charism for our time.

To endure, we must build a Vincentian ecosystem that includesnNetworks of spiritual accompaniment, accessible retreats and formation tools and digital resources for renewal and growth

In this age of restlessness, Vincentian spirituality offers grounding. In a world of closed eyes and hardened hearts, we are called to live with open eyes and burning hearts. Ours is a prophetic mysticism—a spirituality that moves, that loves, that acts. It is not about doing the work of God—it is about becoming the presence of God in a world yearning for light.