One of the goals of the Vincentian Family Office is to update the database of the Vincentian Family’s Branches around the world. There are more than two hundred Religious Communities and Lay Associations.
What constitutes a Branch of the Vincentian Family? Here are some guidelines:
- Those communities or groups which have taken their inspiration from Saint Vincent de Paul and/or other Vincentian Family Founders.
- They define themselves as following the Vincentian Charism.
- They are formally established with:
- Written by-laws / constitutions /norms, and
- Recognition by at least local ecclesial authority (Ordinary or whoever.)
It is great to see how many people inspired by the spirit of Saint Vincent de Paul and Saint Louise de Marillac have founded communities or groups to serve those who are poor. The Charism is the same, but the ministries are varied. As Vincentian Family, it is important to identify where the Vincentian groups are in order to create networks that enable all of us to better serve those who are living in poverty. By doing that, we will also be witnesses of collaboration and unity, and our service will have a major impact on our society.
Do you know how many branches are in your country? It would be interesting to learn from those communities or groups. Every branch has its own history and ways of serving those who are poor.
Tags: branches, database
