“St. Vincent left a wonderful gift within the Church. He has placed it, to a large extent, in your hands and in mine. Pass it on to the young.” The Spirit is challenging Vincentians in the various branches of the Vincentian Family to identify and support people in naming and recognizing the gift and the tradition they stand in.
The Magi were “men with a restless heart seekers after God. In Jerusalem the Magi ask questions: they inquire where the Child is to be found.
St. Vincent de Paul looked beyond his horizons to find Christ.
Leaders of 97 branches of the Vincentian Family gathered. They represented over 2 million people bringing “good news” to countless millions in 156 countries. One could see the blooming of the Vincentian Family.
We are people with a mission…to do what Jesus did. People who use the skills of their profession in frontline “field hospitals” or mobilize those who are committed to “seeking long-term solutions.”
We have thought about Mary’s reaction when she heard that she would be pregnant. Have you ever wondered what Mary’s mother Ann thought when she was pregnant with Mary?
St. Vincent instinctively realzed the role of lay persons in bringing about systemic change.
Pope Francis’ “field hospital” and VIncent de Paul’s Rented Room Ecclesiology spreading “like a great fire” among lay professionals in 13 fields.
Musicians, lawyers, graphic artists, psychologists, translators, alumni of Vincentian institutions are discovering professionals like themselves. They desire to serve those in need with their specific skills.