Bengaluru, April 22, 2026 – The Vincentian Family Formation Programme 2026, held from 18th to 22nd April 2026 at St. Vincent’s House, Hallehalli, Bengaluru, concluded on a grace-filled note, inspiring 37 participants to deepen their commitment to compassionate service for the poor.

Organized under the theme “Dilexi Te – I Have Loved You”, drawn from the Apostolic Exhortation of Pope Leo XIV, the five-day programme brought together members from various branches of the Vincentian Family in India.

The programme was inaugurated on 18th April by Rev. Sr. Joanna Tuscano, Visitatrix of the Southern Indian Province of the Daughters of Charity, with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp led by Rev. Dr. Francis Puthenthayil CM, National Coordinator of the Vincentian Family, along with other dignitaries. In their addresses, Rev. Sr. Joanna Tuscano, Rev. Dr. Francis Puthenthayil CM and Rev. Sr. Rose Chirayil DC urged participants to strengthen their Vincentian mission through unity, love, generosity, and a compassionate heart for those in need. Rev. Fr. Shajan Pudussery CM, the Chairperson of the Formation Commission, welcomed all the participants and Rev. Sr. Sibina DC, Secretary of the Formation Commission, proposed the vote of thanks.

Key Highlights and Resource Persons

• Day 1: Rev. Dr. Jimil Mylkarapurath VC delivered sessions on “Anawim – The Poor of Yahweh and the Language of Compassion”, emphasizing that true compassion involves giving life to others. Rev. Fr. Shajan Pudussery CM presented the historical origin and development of the Vincentian Family along with an explanation of its logo.
• Day 2: Rev. Dr. Binoy Pudussery CM conducted insightful sessions on “Inspirational Fountains: Material and Spiritual Poverty – Mission for the poor” and the ground-breaking socio-political initiatives of St. Vincent de Paul, particularly the events at Folleville and Châtillon in 1617. Participants engaged in group discussions on various dimensions of poverty and the call to respond with love and respect rather than pity.
• Day 3: Bro. Joseph Pandyan (SSVP) spoke on the life of Frederic Ozanam. Sessions followed on the History of Church’s compassionate ministry by Rev. Dr. Francis Puthenthayil CM and the inspiring life of Rosalie Rendu by Rev. Sr. Rose Chirayil DC.
• Day 4: Rev. Sr. Joicy Joy SCN explored the foundational principles of Catholic Social Teaching in light of Dilexi te, referencing key documents such as Rerum Novarum, Pacem in Terris, and Gaudium et Spes. Rev. Dr. Ann Mariya SCV addressed the “Urgency of Contemporary Empathetic and Compassionate Ministry”, while Rev. Sr. Sibina DC presented the transformative life of St. Louise de Marillac. The day concluded with group discussions and a creative skit.
• Day 5: Participants presented group reports, shared personal reflections, and formulated future resolutions under the guidance of Rev. Dr. Francis Puthentyil CM and Rev. Fr. Shajan Pudussery CM. The programme concluded with Holy Eucharist and a powerful homily reminding everyone that Vincentians are called to use their God-given talents to serve the poor rather than remain indifferent.

Daily Eucharistic celebrations, morning, evening and night prayers, Rosary, Angelus, and joyful recreation sessions organized by the Sisters and Fathers fostered a spirit of prayer, fraternity, and communion.

The programme profoundly strengthened the participants in faith, compassion, and commitment to the poor. Through rich inputs on the lives of Vincentian saints and pioneers — St. Vincent de Paul, St. Louise de Marillac, Frederic Ozanam, and Rosalie Rendu — as well as reflections on poverty, Catholic Social Teaching, and contemporary ministry, participants gained deeper insights into the Vincentian charism.

They resolved to carry forward the spirit of “Dilext Te – I Have Loved You” by responding more actively and courageously to the needs of the marginalized, the elderly, youth, migrants, and all who suffer, living out Christ’s love in concrete acts of service.

The Vincentian Family Formation Programme 2026 proved to be a transformative experience, renewing the participants’ zeal and fostering greater unity across the Vincentian branches in their shared mission to the poor.

Shajan Pudussery, CM