“In the Philippines, a grand fiesta-like celebration in their honor has been prepared at the Santuario de San Vicente de Paul in Quezon City, to be participated in by the Vincentian Family composed of 14 organizations present in many dioceses. Launching festivities will be held in various places in the Philippines where the Vincentian Family is present. ” VinFam Coordinating Council
(Full press release from the Philippines VinFam Coordinating Council)
Catholic faithful around the world will commemorate this September 27 the 350th death anniversary of St. Vincent de Paul and St. Louise de Marillac, the patron saints of those involved in charity and social works, respectively.
The commemoration is part of the Jubilee Year for all the Vincentians here and abroad with the theme “Charity – Mission” to give homage to Sts. Vincent and Louise who in their lifetime stood as witnesses to and examples of love and service of those in situations of poverty and misery.
In the Philippines, a grand fiesta-like celebration in their honor has been prepared at the Santuario de San Vicente de Paul in Quezon City, to be participated in by the Vincentian Family composed of 14 organizations present in many dioceses. Launching festivities will be held in various places in the Philippines where the Vincentian Family is present.
“Since the Vincentian Family is present in many of the dioceses and schools in the Philippines, the program of the Jubilee Year will reinforce the thrust of the Second Plenary Council of the Philippines to build the Church of the Poor,” said Sr. Mary Ann Guevara, DC, head of the Vincentian Family executive committee
Apart from the liturgical celebrations that would be observed in various parts of the country, Sr. Guevara likewise stated that the Vincentian Family has also organized various activities aimed at deepening the Vincentian charism.
Foremost among these are a Vincentian Youth Congress, a Jubilee Formation Series, mobile photo exhibits, commemorative song album, and the recitation of a special jubilee prayer in observance of the Jubilee Year from Sept. 27, 2009 to September 27, 2010.
A special project for the Jubilee Year is micro-financing to alleviate the conditions of persons in situations of poverty.
She likewise added that all members of the Vincentian Family, including those who studied in schools run by the Vincentian Fathers and Daughters of Charity are encouraged to join various competitions planned for the Jubilee Year celebration.
These contests include a national search for best practices of Vincentian Charity, jubilee year theme-song writing, video essay and oratorical matches.
A special stage presentation, entitled “San Vicente: A Zarzuela,” is being arranged by the Adamson University’s Office for Vincentian Identity and Mission in coordination with the Vincentian Family Coordinating Council.
The Vincentian Family has a rich and long tradition of Charity and Mission that dates back to 1617 for the Ladies of Charity, 1625 for Congregation of the Mission and 1633 for the Daughters of Charity. At present there are more than 250 congregations and associations who live out the Vincentian Charism in more than 90 countries spread in all the continents.
The Vincentian Family is made up of religious congregations and associations, that were either founded by St. Vincent and/or that follow the Vincentian spirituality and charism of service to the poor.
In the Philippines the following groups make up the Vincentian Family: The Ladies of Charity – International Association of Charities; The Congregation of the Mission (Vincentian Fathers and Brothers); The Daughters of Charity; The Association of the Children of Mary Immaculate – Vincentian Marian Youth; The Society of St. Vincent de Paul; The Young Ladies Association of Charity; The Sister Handmaids of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul; The Association of St. Louise de Marillac; Brothers of Charity; The Association of the Miraculous Medal; Sisters of Charity of Our Lady Mother of Mercy; and the Alumni Associations of the schools administered by the Daughters of Charity and the Congregation of the Mission and the Vincentian Family Multi-purpose Cooperative. (30)
Tags: 350th Anniversary, Philippines
