The Second Convocation of the Vincentian Family, held in Rome in November 2024, reaffirmed the commitment to responding to the cry of the poor and the earth through synodality and structural transformation. Sister María Donat, a Daughter of Charity, highlighted the richness of the gathering and the need to live out service with simplicity, promoting structures that transform the reality of the poorest and foster human dignity and care for the planet.
Lent is a time of spiritual renewal, and the story of the Andes survivors serves as a powerful metaphor for this journey, showing how abandonment and suffering can lead to profound encounters with God. Just as the survivors discovered faith and inner transformation amidst extreme hardship, Lent invites us to cultivate virtues like simplicity, humility, gentleness, mortification, and zeal, allowing our spiritual garden to bloom as we prepare for Easter.
The Second International Vincentian Family Gathering in Rome (November 14–17, 2024) renewed the commitment to serving the poor with creativity and unity, as highlighted in its final document, “Keeping the Fire Burning to Be Pilgrims of Hope.” Wendy Fuentes from Honduras shared how the event enriched her spiritually, strengthening her passion for service through shared experiences, Eucharistic celebrations, and reflections with Vincentians from around the world.
The origin of the International Association of Charities (AIC) dates back to a Sunday in August 1617 in Châtillon, France. During a mass, Saint Vincent de Paul called upon his congregation to assist a needy family.
With joy and hearts full of hope, we present the II Convocation of the Vincentian Family document entitled, “Keeping the Fire Burning to be Pilgrims of Hope”.
Founded by Saint Vincent de Paul in 1625, the Congregation of the Mission focuses on evangelizing the poor, forming clergy, and revitalizing rural communities through missions and spiritual renewal. With a legacy of profound global impact, the Congregation continues its work in 97 countries, adapting to modern challenges while remaining committed to its foundational mission of service and faith.
The Vincentian mission of being “clothed in the spirit of Jesus, the evangelizer of the poor” highlights solidarity with the marginalized as central to the Kingdom of God. Inspired by Saint Oscar Romero, it advocates prioritizing the poor over worldly powers and underscores the importance of a synodal Church driven by communion, participation, and mission to foster transformative action and mercy.
The Sisters of Charity of St. Jeanne Antide Thouret have published on their website a talk by Fr. Valerio di Trapani as part of the ongoing formation program of the Sisters.
The soon-to-be cardinal is known for his closeness to vulnerable communities and his commitment to Gospel values. During his episcopacy, he has worked tirelessly for social justice, the defense of human rights, and the formation of new generations of priests and committed laypeople.
The Second Convocation of the Vincentian Family, November 14-17, will be a space to listen to the diverse voices within the Family, including ordained, married and single lay people, and all those committed to the Vincentian charism.
In 2002, after being made redundant from St John of God Hospital in Scorton, North Yorkshire, I found myself on a life-changing journey to Kumi Hospital in eastern Uganda.
As usual at this time, Fr. Tomaž Mavrič, CM, President of the Executive Board of the Vincentian Family, has sent a reflection to the entire Vincentian Family on the occasion of the feast of Saint Vincent de Paul on September 27.
