The Vincentian Center for Church and Society at St. John’s University is proud to present the text of Sr. Evelyne Franc’s presentation during the Vincentian Convocation during Founder’s Week at SJU.
In this 10th Annual Vincentian Chair of Social Justice Lecture, delivered at St. John’s University on the 29th of January 2004, S. Evelyne Franc calls the poor and marginalized, “a living criticism of the 21st century.”
Tracing an awareness, an encounter and a commitment in the lives of 19th century Rosalie and Frederic, and in the lives of 17th century Vincent and Louise, Sister Evelyne highlights the critical perspectives of the Vincentian Family. She offers two examples of the work of the Daughters of Charity in the service of the poor and urges all of us, united in and energized by love of Christ and love of the poor, to go deeper into the lives of Vincent, Louise, Rosalie and Frederic. So that together, we can imitate their energy and steadfastness and make the goal of “a civilization of love and justice” our primary commitment in life.