On Saturday April 18, 2026, members of the Vincentian Family from the Dioceses of Pittsburgh and Greensburg in Pennsylvania, United States, came together for an annual gathering. Seventy-two were registered.  This year the gathering was held at St. Ursula Church in the North Hills of Pittsburgh. Participants included those form the Association of Ladies of Charity, the Society of St. Vincent DePaul, the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth, and the Sisters of Charity of Seton Hill.

The full day program entitled “ENCOUNTERING CHRIST: See the face of CHRIST; Be the face of Christ” was designed as a day of prayer and reflection on our call to serve.  We began with morning mass in church celebrated by Fr. John Forbidussi, a Pittsburgh priest, who serves as parochial vicar at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish and as spiritual advisor for the SSVdP Pittsburgh Council. Next gathered in the church hall, after a breakfast of homemade breads, Sister Carole Blazina, SC led us in a reflection looking at inspiration from the icon of St. Vincent and the Beggar plus from the writing of David Spangler – “The Call.” This was followed by table discussion and time for private prayer. After lunch, Fr. John gave a keynote presentation on Encountering Christ within ourselves and those we meet in service to charity.  With reflection questions to guide conversation, participants shared at tables and then in large group.  The group was animated and spoke insights from their reflection as well as experiences living the charism.  The day ended with closing prayer utilizing the Litany of The Vincent Family.

For access to the program booklet, click here.

Carole Blazina