A Global Invitation to Prayer and Hope

The Vincentian Family warmly invites members, collaborators, and friends around the world to gather in prayer during a special virtual vigil on Friday, April 24, held in solidarity with the First Conference on Transitioning Away from Fossil Fuels taking place in Santa Marta, Colombia.

This moment of prayer is more than a symbolic gesture. It is a shared act of faith and advocacy rooted in the Vincentian commitment to stand with people living in poverty, protect creation, and promote justice. As world leaders and stakeholders gather to discern pathways toward a just transition away from fossil fuels, the Vincentian Family joins hearts and minds across continents to support this important work through prayer.

The vigil will take place via Zoom at:

• 3:00 PM Atlantic Time
• 2:00 PM Eastern Time
• 1:00 PM Central Time
• 12:00 PM Mountain Time
• 11:00 AM Pacific Time
• 10:00 AM Alaska Time

The gathering will be recorded and shared with all who register.

Download the complete brochure by clicking here.

A Conference with Global Significance

The vigil coincides with the opening of the First Conference on Transitioning Away from Fossil Fuels, hosted by Colombia and the Netherlands. The conference brings together national governments, local authorities, Indigenous communities, civil society organizations, academic institutions, and other stakeholders committed to advancing a just and equitable energy transition.

Its purpose is to initiate concrete cooperation among countries and institutions seeking pathways toward reducing dependence on fossil fuels while ensuring justice for affected communities and future generations. The conference reflects a growing global awareness that environmental responsibility must be addressed through collaboration, dialogue, and shared commitment.

This international effort resonates strongly with the Vincentian understanding that care for creation is inseparable from care for people living in poverty.

Prayer as a Form of Vincentian Advocacy

For the Vincentian Family, prayer is never passive. It is a powerful expression of solidarity and a source of strength for transformation.

As global leaders gather to address the urgent challenges facing our planet, the Vincentian Family unites in prayer that they may receive courage, wisdom, and perseverance in their responsibility to protect creation. Participants will pray especially for communities already suffering the consequences of climate change and environmental degradation.

This shared prayer reflects the Vincentian conviction that faith must be lived through action, compassion, and advocacy on behalf of those most vulnerable.

Part of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious Initiative: 100 Days of Prayer, Fasting and Advocacy

This vigil is part of the initiative known as the 100 Days of Prayer, Fasting and Advocacy, promoted by the Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR). This international effort invites people of faith to accompany important global climate processes through sustained spiritual commitment and public witness.

By participating in the vigil, members of the Vincentian Family join a wider network of religious communities working together for ecological conversion and systemic change. This collaboration highlights the shared responsibility of faith communities to care for our common home and to support global efforts toward environmental justice.

Rooted in the Vincentian Charism: Care for Creation and the Poor

The transition away from fossil fuels is not only an environmental concern. It is also a deeply human and spiritual responsibility.

Communities living in poverty are often the first and most severely affected by environmental degradation and climate instability. For this reason, ecological advocacy is inseparable from the Vincentian mission of service, justice, and charity.

Inspired by the legacy of Saint Vincent de Paul and Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, the Vincentian Family continues to respond to the needs of the present time with creativity, courage, and faith. Today, that response includes a renewed commitment to protecting creation and supporting initiatives that promote a sustainable and just future for all.

A Week of Prayer, Reflection, and Action

The vigil marks the beginning of a broader week of prayer accompanying the conference from April 24 through April 29. Throughout these days, participants are encouraged not only to pray but also to take concrete steps in support of environmental responsibility and climate justice.

These steps include engaging with public leaders, learning more about the global transition away from fossil fuels, spending time in reflection on the beauty of creation, evaluating personal and community ecological impact, and deepening familiarity with the teachings of Pope Francis on care for our common home.

This rhythm of prayer and action reflects a central Vincentian insight: authentic spirituality always leads to concrete commitment.

Join the Vigil: A Simple but Powerful Step Forward

At a time when our world faces urgent ecological challenges, the Vincentian Family offers this vigil as a moment of unity, faith, and hope.

By gathering across borders and time zones, participants affirm that prayer can strengthen leaders, inspire communities, and renew our shared commitment to protect creation—especially for the sake of those most vulnerable today and for generations yet to come.

All members of the Vincentian Family and friends of the charism are warmly encouraged to participate and to invite others to join this global moment of prayer for our common home.

Register to participate in the vigil by clicking on the image below: