Our vocation to serve the poor follows Christ’s example, who came to us before we ever sought Him. Like St. Vincent and Frédéric, we recognize God’s hand in every call to charity and strive to serve in humility and love.
Society of St. Vincent de Paul
Contemplation: The Sorrows We Cannot Avoid
Suffering often challenges our faith, yet as Vincentians, we are called to respond with compassion, doing all we can to relieve the neighbor’s pain while recognizing that our deeper mission is to grow in holiness by serving Christ in the poor. Even when material aid falls short, we bring true hope through acts of love, presence, and friendship that reveal God’s enduring light in the midst of darkness.
Contemplation: The Medium is the Message
God, who once spoke through prophets and storms, ultimately chose to communicate through the humility of the Incarnation, becoming one with humanity to share in its suffering and offer divine love. This same spirit of humble, personal presence inspires a way of serving the poor that prioritizes friendship and love over institutional distance or authority.
Contemplation: Lord, Let Our Eyes Be Opened
A series of brief portraits presents individuals facing homelessness, poverty, and crisis, each paired with a challenging Gospel question. The reflection ends with an invitation to contemplate what it means to act as Christ did.
Contemplation: Open to All
Membership in the Society of St. Vicent de Paul calls for a genuine commitment to neighbors in need and an openness to all who seek to live their faith through service. Growth and faithfulness to the mission depend on welcoming both new members and their ideas, fostering collaboration, friendship, and a shared journey toward holiness.
Contemplation: God’s Will is the Way
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul emphasizes decision-making by consensus rather than voting, recognizing that true discernment requires listening to all voices, as the Holy Spirit may speak through anyone. This approach fosters unity rather than mere unanimity, ensuring that decisions are made through humility, patience, and a shared pursuit of God’s will.
Devastating Earthquake in Myanmar: SSVP Launches Emergency Response and Calls for International Solidarity
On 28 March 2025, at 12:50 pm, a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar, with its epicentre located approximately 34 kilometres north of Sagaing. The International General President immediately contacted Veronica Ei Mon Myint Maung, SSVP Youth President in Myanmar, who has urgently sent us this report.
Contemplation: Mercy Triumphs
Imitating Christ, as taught by Vincentian tradition, means not only performing works of mercy but doing so purely out of love, without seeking reward. This imitation excludes judgment, focusing instead on embodying God’s mercy and following the narrow path that leads to the poor and those in need.
Contemplation: Is It Okay?
A homeless man sleeping outside a parish hall raises both a practical and moral question about what should be done. While his presence is not forbidden, the deeper issue is the injustice of homelessness, calling for both compassion and action guided by faith and social responsibility.
Ozanam: 100 Years on the Road to Sainthood
On March 15, 2025, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul celebrated the 100th anniversary of the opening of the canonization process of Antoine Frédéric Ozanam, highlighting his legacy of charity and social justice. The hope for his canonization remains alive, driven by new reports of miracles and the dedication of Vincentians to intensify their prayers and actions in his memory.
Contemplation: Between Doing and Being
While Vincentians are called to selfless action in serving others, they must also recognize the need for rest and renewal, following St. Vincent’s advice to balance work with replenishment. True virtue comes from consistent practice, but without moderation, even good works can lead to burnout, making rest an essential part of sustaining compassionate service.
SJU Conference takes on CMSG: Advocating for Justice as Young Vincentians!
College students from St. John’s University SVDP Conference attended the Catholic Social Ministry Gathering (CMSG) this past January. At the event, which takes place on Capital Hill in Washington DC, they attended workshops and participated in discussions about pressing domestic and global challenges. They also had the opportunity to meet with elected officials and advocate for change.
