400th anniversary! The hairdresser gasped! “I thought you were going to say, at most, a 60th wedding anniversary,” she said. We had the attention of all the women in the salon as we chatted about how AIC had grown from a kindly act in a small town in Eastern France, and how the organisational ability of one man, coupled with his vision of doing God’s work in the service of the poor, had become a global movement of almost 2 million people in 225 organisations.
It was with this heritage in mind that we planned the GB Vincentian Family Mass in St George’s Cathedral, Southwark, South London. The Vincentian leaders; Sr. Ellen Flynn DC, Fr. Paul Roche CM, Fr. Richard Diala CM, Adrian Abel SVP, Jim McKendrick SSVP, and myself Dee Mansi AIC met last year to discuss how we could collaborate in “Family” celebrations of the 400th anniversary of our charism.
There were so many high points to this first celebration on 25th February and when I see the number of people in the “team” I am not surprised how smoothly it all went. Family members came from far and wide – Glasgow, Cardiff, Lake District, Whitley Bay, and Darlington for example, as well as those based nearer to Southwark and London. Roll on our next national events on 24th June in Liverpool and 30th September in Glasgow!
Archbishop Peter Smith captured our essence, our charism. He was the perfect celebrant. Fathers Paul Roche, our homilist articulated our Vincentian character so well. Richard Diala our benevolent benefactor who wanted the best for everyone. Julius Nkafu, a civil rights lawyer, our speaker for the social justice of ‘Welcoming the Stranger’ that energised us to “keep up the good work” as were the Archbishop´s parting words. Sr Ellen and her Secretariat team of staff members and Sisters produced the order of service and recruitment leaflet on such beautiful paper. Sisters Theresa, Kay, and Moira set up their inspiring display of the Daughters of Charity heritage.
Elizabeth Palmer and Adrian Abel brought their SVP work and Ken Madine SVP who supported our lovely SVP ushers in keeping everything moving SO well and Andrew Hollingsworth of Vincentian Volunteers too. Seminarian, Chinadoo CM, Kathleen Kennedy DC, Rose Hombo AIC, Winston Waller SVP, and Paul Southgate ViP – all the acronyms of our family – reading so well.
I am brimming with pride too for “my gals” of AIC ; Christine, Jo, Rose, Iffy, and Naomi who produced a terrific display. We showed the project work we undertake with people living in poverty, including the homeless, disabled, young offenders, prison visiting, refugees, asylum seekers, and care home visits as well as collaboration with SVP youth work and justice work with Citizens UK. Numerous AIC members processed proudly behind our banner in the entrance procession to celebrate our special Anniversary. Everyone looked SO well considering we are 400 years old!
The choice of hymns was simple and know by all, which made the singing very inclusive. Hannah led us in the new 400th anniversary song ‘Welcoming the stranger’. While I’m sure they were faithful to the sheet music I got from FAMVIN, it was not up-beat, and I wondered that people might not like the very slow pace. BUT, people said that this slowness meant the words were more weighty and meaningful as they were not rushed through! Hmmm?
Amigo Hall, a few foot-steps from the Cathedral, was just the right size for the almost 200 people being refreshed. Here again, displays lined the walls, with tables café-style allowing for comfortable dining of the delicious varied hot food. It was a delight to see people greeting each other – some hadn’t seen each other in years. The atmosphere was one of trusted mutuality, fun and enjoyment at gathering! We know who we are – and we revel in it! Vincentians all!
~ Dee Mansi. AIC UK President. Chair Vincentians in Partnership
Tags: 400th Anniversary, Famvin400, National Councils, United Kingdom
