United Nations

The structures that force people to leave their homes— unjust economic systems, political unrest, exploitative labor practices, and discriminatory policies— cannot be fixed by charity alone.

Earlier this year, I was invited to join the Sisters of Charity Federation Board for their meeting in Cincinnati. In addition to sharing updates on our ministry at the United Nations, I was also blessed to join them in prayer.

Those of us who follow the teachings of St. Vincent de Paul and St. Louise de Marillac are ever mindful of the value that our energies, efforts and actions create in serving the poor, and how critical planning and strategizing are in realizing our goals.

As February unfolds at the United Nations in New York, two major global policy processes are shaping conversations about justice, inclusion, dignity, and human flourishing — themes that resonate deeply with the Vincentian mission of walking with the poor and advocating for systemic change.

As major branches of the Vincentian Family reach significant milestones in their history during these challenging times, we are once again invited to examine ourselves before a world whose face is rapidly and dramatically changing.

The annual Conference of the Parties (COP) concluded in mid-November in Brazil with disappointing results. This 30th session had high hopes, as world leaders met to address our warming planet and the need for urgent action.

It is difficult as we close this first quarter of the 21st century and the Jubilee year of Hope, to stay focused on the great hope of our faith and the belief so beautifully expressed in Dilexi Te (Pope Leo XIV, 2025) that God loves us and by serving people living in poverty, we love God.

As a brand new NGO Society of St. Vincent de Paul representative from the United States to the United Nations, I look at my role through the eyes of a Vincentian.

The season of Easter, of Spring, of hope and renewal has finally arrived – and just in time.