We in Chicago are pleased and honored to host the 91st National Meeting. Chicago last hosted this event in 1940. Our city has exploded in business, beauty and attractions in these intervening years and will serve as an excellent setting for our National Meeting.
From the letter of invitation…
Our dynamic city offers opportunities not available in any other city in the United States. Come and be a part of the Vincentian experience and see first hand the terrific venues, museums, shows, restaurants of all cuisine, wall and shop on the “Magnificent Mile”, visit Navy Pier, take a boat ride and see our spectacular lakefront, visit our new Millennium Park, take in a baseball game ride and ride on a free trolley bus. These are only a few of the many things you’ll be able to enjoy.
Our theme for the Society’s 91st National Meeting is “Frédéric’s Vision – Answer the Call”.
You will note on these pages an image of the “Ozanam Icon” which hangs in the National Council’s Office in St. Louis. This icon was a gift of the Archdiocesan Council of Chicago to all Vincentians in 1988 in memory of Ed Crawley, our deceased Executive Director. It will be on display at our convention hotel in 2005.
The theme Chicago has chosen came about because of this icon. When it was commissioned, Ed Crawley suggested that Frederic look directly at the onlooker with a sense of urgency in his eyes. Frederic knows how great the need is, and he seems to be asking the viewer “to help me with my brothers and sisters, I cannot do this alone”. “Let this be your calling too”. From this we conclude that our theme “Frédéric’s Vision – Answer the Call” is quite fitting.
