For the first time in the history of the Vincentian Family, the four commissions which serve the entire Vincentian Family met in Rome from Thursday night, January 19 to Sunday afternoon, January 22, 2017. The three coordinators of these groups, Frs. Giuseppe Turati, CM (the Commission for the Promotion of Systemic Change), Aidan Rooney, CM (.famvin) and Joseph Agostino, CM (the Vincentian Family Haiti Initiative Commission and the Vincentian Family Collaboration Commission) chose to hold a plenary session while at the 2016 meeting of the international leaders of the Vincentian Family (VF).
Our keynote speaker on Friday morning was Fr. Tomaž Mavrič, CM. He addressed the reality of the VF today and the importance of the work of the Commissions to assist us in our service of those living in poverty. He also presented the 4 initiatives of this Jubilee Year (Vincentian Family Symposium, Heart of St. Vincent Pilgrimage, Homeless Project, and Film Festival). Fr. Tomaž highlighted the importance of the members of the Commissions knowing each other and our purposes, emphasizing that communication is our largest international mission! Furthermore, he emphasized that saying “I am from this branch of the Vincentian Family” is not adequate. We need a wider perspective. We are stronger only when we act together.
On Friday afternoon, the participants continued the process of knowing one another with presentations on the work of each of the Commissions as well as the international Vincentian Family Office.
Saturday began with a presentation of “Living into a Structure: Relationships in the Vincentian Family” by Fr. Joe Agostino. This document, approved by the Vincentian Family Executive Committee earlier in January, provides an orientation to the relationships among the various entities of the VF. A fruitful discussion followed.
The Commissions then had time on Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning to work on their own Agendas.
The participants positively evaluated the experience of the meeting. Many felt that such a joint session should occur every two years. The coordinators will speak about this proposal, as well as other suggestions which were offered by the participants.
To access the commission plans, click on the next links:
- .Famvin Commission Plan
- Collaboration Commission Plan
- Systemic Change Commission
- Strategic Plan of the VFHI Commission
Tags: Commissions, Famvin400, Meeting
