Vincentian Family Annual General Meeting in Nigeria

A communique of the Annual Meeting of the Vincentian Family February 24-26, 2017.

We the members of the Vincentian Family, Nigeria held our Annual General Meeting at Daughters of Charity, St. Louise’s Provincial House, Ogale, Nchia-Eleme, Rivers State. Having reflected on the theme, “I was a stranger and you welcomed me” presented by Rev. Fr. Cletus Kplap, we now address our communique to the various branches which include:

Ladies of Charity
Congregation of the Mission
Daughters of Charity
Association of Miraculous Medal
Society of St. Vincent de Paul
Vincentian Marian Youth

The leader of the various branches of the Family was present. The meeting had 64 people in attendance.

We present communique thus:

Collaboration: The Family emphasized the need for coordinate collaboration among the various branches of the Vincentian Family in rendering services to the poor and the needy in our society.
The Family expressed concern on the economic recession being experienced in the country and therefore call on the government at all levels to provide palliative measures and create the enabling environment for a non-governmental organization to assist the vulnerable and further ameliorate the growing state of poverty in our society.
Improvement of services: In discussing the roles of the various branches, the Family encouraged the branches to improve and intensify their services to our “Lords and Masters”, providing their needs and visiting them in their homes.
The Family further encouraged members not to be discouraged or regret their charity to the poor, most especially, in the face of deception, fraud, lies, insincerity and outright rejection.
The Family notified the members of the 400th anniversary of the existence of the Vincentian Charism, and after extensive deliberation resolved that Family members at various Provincial levels should plan and celebrate the event between September 27th and October 1st, 2017 and report back.
The Family encouraged all branches to always present a comprehensive report of their activities during the Annual General Meeting. It was also resolved that apart from the Annual General Meeting should hold meetings at the provincial level.
The Family expressed joy and happiness over the outstanding role of the Daughters of Charity in crisis intervention. A crisis intervention committee was constituted thereafter.
The Vincentian Family thank God for a successful Annual General Meeting and further expresses appreciation to His Lordship Most Rev. Dr. Camillus Etokudoh, the Catholic bishop of Port Harcourt for this fatherly concern and support towards the Family.
Finally, we pray that God gives us the grace to achieve all we have planned for the better service of the poor.

Very Rev. Fr. Cyril Mbata, CM. President

Bro. S. Ojubiaja SSVP. Secretary