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Beginning this September, famvin.org will launch a new monthly editorial series exploring the most pressing challenges facing our world through the eyes of the Vincentian Family. Rooted in the Gospel and inspired by the charism of Saint Vincent de Paul, these reflections will examine the realities that shape our societies while highlighting the countless ways Vincentians are already responding with compassion, justice, and hope.
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.
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 Family reflects on urgent initiatives: opening our eyes to reality through a Gospel lens, truly integrating young people into leadership and decision-making, and strengthening advocacy amid the UN crisis, defending the poor in the face of global instability.
This gathering in Lima is the first of several continental encounters that will mark our path in the coming months: in June, in Nairobi for the first gathering of the Vincentian Family in Africa and Madagascar; in October, in Indonesia for the first gathering of FAMVIN in the Asia-Pacific region; and finally, in April 2027, in Rome for the first gathering of the European FAMVIN.
At Easter, the Vincentian Family is called to live resurrection through renewed mission and flexible, mission-centered structures. By strengthening councils, formation, communication, and youth engagement, and placing the poor at the center, the Family ensures its charism is shared, collaborative, and responsive worldwide.
The Vincentian charism today calls for adapting ministry to new forms of poverty through creativity and collaboration. Organized charity seeks systemic change that transforms structures and promotes dignity. It is a long process requiring communal discernment and celebrating each step forward.
As Lent ends and the Fifth Centenary begins, the Vincentian Family is called to renew its shared charism through prayer, collaboration, and synodal leadership. Embracing diversity across branches, engaging youth, and fostering systemic change, it seeks to incarnate the Spirit’s guidance in creative, prophetic service to the poor worldwide.
On March 19, the Feast of St. Joseph, the Vincentian Family around the world is invited to participate in a simple yet deeply meaningful initiative: a united day of prayer for global peace.
Vincent de Paul’s faith is trust in God expressed through concrete service to the poor. Faith and works are inseparable: to evangelize is to meet both spiritual and material needs with love. Prayer and action, lived in community, foster an organized, transformative charity rooted in human dignity.
The Vincentian Family would like to thank all those who supported our efforts in the “Saints Alive Today!” International Contest of Young Vincentian Storytellers which involved participants creatively showcasing how Vincentian Saints or Blessed are still relevant today.
Entering Lent, the Vincentian Family is invited to embrace its identity and mission with courage and trust in the Spirit. A “culture of vocations” calls all members—lay, consecrated, and young—to shared discernment, collaboration, and service to the poor, renewing structures and leadership to keep the charism alive, inclusive, and responsive today.
