Leadership

Helping families on the brink of homelessness saint vincent de paul 2
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The Catholic Exchange feature: Michael Acaldo talks about the Catholic Way to Address Homelessness
The Catholic Exchange feature: Michael Acaldo talks about the Catholic Way to Address Homelessness 1080 720 SVDP USA

The Catholic Way to Address Homelessness: An Interview with Michael Acaldo

Published in the Catholic Exchange December 26, 2024 by author and writer Joshua Nelson 

omelessness is a growing crisis in the United States, with over 580,000 people experiencing homelessness on any given night, according to Notre Dame’s Lab for Economic Opportunity. Rising housing costs, mental health challenges, and systemic poverty have left countless individuals and families vulnerable. Yet, in the face of this daunting reality, the Catholic Church offers a unique and deeply compassionate response, rooted in the Gospel and embodied through organizations like the Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SVdP).

Michael Acaldo, the newly appointed CEO of SVdP USA, has dedicated more than 30 years to addressing homelessness. His leadership reflects the Society’s longstanding mission to meet people where they are and prevent homelessness before it begins. Drawing on his faith and decades of service, Acaldo views homelessness not merely as a social issue but as a profound call to live out Christ’s command to love one another.

A Catholic Framework for Addressing Homelessness

The Catholic perspective on homelessness begins with recognizing the inherent dignity of every person. This principle, articulated by theologians such as St. Thomas Aquinas, stems from the belief that all humans are made in the image and likeness of God. As St. Vincent de Paul himself said, “Go to the poor: you will find God.”

For Catholics, the solution to homelessness must go beyond providing temporary relief. It involves affirming the dignity of those in need through compassion, community, and long-term support. Pope Francis has frequently urged Catholics to see the face of Christ in the poor, reminding us in Evangelii Gaudium that “the worst discrimination which the poor suffer is the lack of spiritual care.” This insight underscores the dual nature of Catholic service: addressing both material and spiritual needs.

SVdP’s Mission: Prevention and Compassion

At the heart of SVdP’s approach is homelessness prevention. Michael Acaldo emphasized the importance of early intervention: “When someone becomes homeless, it’s much harder to help them out of that cycle. But a little investment—a rent payment, utility assistance, or a hot meal—can turn the tide before a crisis spirals out of control.”

SVdP’s Home Visit program is a cornerstone of this mission. Volunteers, known as Vincentians, visit individuals and families in their homes to assess their needs and provide personalized support. This model, established nearly 180 years ago, is a powerful example of Pope St. John Paul II’s teaching in Sollicitudo Rei Socialis: “Solidarity is not a feeling of vague compassion or shallow distress at the misfortunes of so many people, both near and far. On the contrary, it is a firm and persevering determination to commit oneself to the common good.”

Through their work, Vincentians often uncover hidden struggles, such as families without enough food, children sleeping on floors, or individuals unable to afford medical care. Each encounter is an opportunity to restore dignity and stability. As Acaldo put it, “Every person is a person. They’re not an object; they have their own story. And we meet them where they are.”

The Role of Faith in Action

For SVdP, addressing homelessness is not just about social service—it is a spiritual mission. “We’re a spiritual organization first,” Acaldo explained. “Our work is rooted in love and the Gospel call to see the face of Christ in those we serve.” This spiritual foundation inspires Vincentians to approach each person with humility, accountability, and hope.

One of SVdP’s most moving traditions is beginning home visits with prayer. Often, the individuals being served lead these prayers, expressing a profound faith that transcends their circumstances. Acaldo shared how one person, on the brink of eviction, prayed, “Lord, I knew You would send help.” Such moments reveal the deep connection between service and evangelization, a concept echoed by St. Teresa of Calcutta: “If you can’t feed a hundred people, then feed just one.”

A Broader Catholic Response

The Catholic Church’s response to homelessness also involves advocating for systemic change. Acaldo highlighted the need for policies that address rising housing costs, mental health care, and disability support. He emphasized that preventing homelessness is not only compassionate but cost-effective, saving society money while preserving the dignity of individuals and families.

In addition to advocacy, the Church encourages simple acts of charity. Many Vincentians carry small care packages in their cars—water bottles, granola bars, and information on local shelters—to offer immediate aid to those on the street. As Acaldo explained, “The smallest gestures can make a world of difference. A bottle of water or a kind word can remind someone of their worth.”

Stories of Transformation

SVdP’s impact is best illustrated through the lives it touches. Acaldo recalled the story of a man in Baton Rouge who, on Christmas Day, asked to call his mother in Minnesota. Homeless and alone, the simple act of reconnecting with his family brought him to tears. “It was like giving him a million dollars,” Acaldo said. Another story involved a legally blind British citizen stranded in Louisiana after a hurricane. With SVdP’s help, he was reunited with his family in Great Britain, a testament to the organization’s commitment to seeing every case through.

A Call to Action

The Catholic Church invites everyone to participate in the mission of serving the poor. Acaldo urged readers to visit svdpusa.org to find local councils, volunteer opportunities, and resources for starting new SVdP chapters. He also encouraged Catholics to pray for those in need and for the volunteers who serve them.

As Pope Benedict XVI wrote in Deus Caritas Est, “Love of neighbor . . . consists in the very fact that, in God and with God, I love even the person whom I do not like or even know.” This love, embodied by SVdP, transforms not only those who are served but also those who serve.

Conclusion

Homelessness is a profound challenge, but the Catholic approach—rooted in compassion, prevention, and spiritual care—offers hope. Through organizations like SVdP, the Church continues to be a beacon of light for those in the darkness of poverty. By responding to Christ’s call in Matthew 25, we can help ensure that every person has not just a roof over their head but the dignity and hope that come from being truly seen and loved.

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12-19-24 A Letter From Our Servant Leaders
12-19-24 A Letter From Our Servant Leaders 1200 1200 SVDP USA

Words. What are they to you and how do you use them? Are words just a way to communicate, or are they a way to express deep emotion, ideas, and thoughts that engage others?

I believe that we often forget how powerful words can be. But that power can be both good and bad. Words can be used to lift up, and to tear down. They can be used to inspire, and to belittle. They can be used to praise, and to curse. The power of words can be understood in one way by the realization that their use is specifically addressed three times in the Ten Commandments!

But where words hold the most power, the most value, and the most beauty is in the telling of stories. When we hear ‘stories’ we often think fiction, but stories are also the narratives of history. And it is in the telling of those stories that words teach us, ground us, and keep us connected to our roots and our history. It is through stories, even before the written word, that we evolved as a family of humanity.

The story of Christmas is a story of hope, love, and divine intervention. It is a story that speaks to the very core of our humanity, reminding us of our inherent dignity and worth. In the humble birth of Jesus, we see God’s unwavering love for humanity, a love that knows no bounds. And in that story, St. John writes the most beautiful 25 words ever written by man:

“For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)

This love is not an abstract concept. It is a love that calls us to action, that demands we act if we are true believers! It calls us to be instruments of God’s love in the world. As St. Vincent de Paul reminds us, “Charity is not merely a feeling of pity, but a lively sense of the sufferings of others which leads to prompt action.”

As I write this column the week before Christmas, when many of us will gather with loved ones to celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, I wanted to reflect on the profound meaning of Christmas in the context of our shared experiences and responsibilities as Brothers and Sisters in Christ, navigating a world that is both changing and challenging.

In our increasingly interconnected world, God calls us to be witnesses to his love, not just within our own communities, but also across the globe. As Blessed Frédéric Ozanam said, “Love is not merely a sentiment, but a force of nature, a power which moves the world.” This power of love can transform lives, heal wounds, and bring about lasting peace.

Our country and our world today are marked by division, conflict, and injustice. Yet, the message of Christmas is one of unity, reconciliation, and hope. Jesus came to break down the barriers that divide us, to bridge the gaps between rich and poor, strong, and weak, friend and foe. As we celebrate His birth, let this Christmas season renew our commitment to building a more just and compassionate world, in which every person is valued and respected.

Let us also reflect on the challenges we face as a society. The pandemic, although it seems a long time ago, exposed the deep and ongoing fragility of our world and the inequalities that persist today. Climate change threatens our planet and the well-being of future generations. Amid these challenges, it is easy to feel overwhelmed and discouraged. However, we must not lose hope. As Christians, we believe in a God who is always present, even in the darkest of times.

The story of Christmas reminds us that God is with us. The name Emmanuel itself means “God With Us.” This is a truth that gives us the courage to face the challenges of our time with faith and determination. Let the example of Mary inspire us. She, who despite her youth and uncertainty, embraced God’s plan for her life. Let us also follow the example of Joseph, who was willing to put aside his own plans to care for Mary and the child Jesus.

As we gather with our families and loved ones this Christmas, let us not forget those who are alone or struggling. Let us reach out to them with compassion and care, offering them a listening ear and a helping hand. Let us also remember those who are suffering from poverty, hunger, and injustice. Let us pray for them and work to alleviate their suffering.

In the words of St. Paul, “Let us not grow weary in doing what is right, for we will reap at the proper time, if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9).

While our work oftentimes seems overwhelming, and we question whether we are really making a difference, let us not grow weary in our efforts to build a more just and compassionate world. Let us continue to work for peace, justice, and love, knowing that God is with us every step of the way.

This Christmas, let us embrace the true meaning of the season — the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Let us celebrate His love, and let it inspire us to be beacons of hope and love in a world that desperately needs it. May the peace and joy of Christmas fill our hearts and homes, and may we carry this spirit of love and compassion throughout the year.

Debi and I wish you and your loved ones a Blessed and Merry Christmas and a Joyous New Year!

John

John Berry
National President

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Podcast: National President John Berry’s vision for SVDP USA’s role in homelessness prevention
Podcast: National President John Berry’s vision for SVDP USA’s role in homelessness prevention 627 621 SVDP USA

National President John Berry’s vision for SVDP USA’s role in homelessness prevention

In the latest episode of the St. Vincent de Paul Louisville video podcast, our National President John Berry shares his unexpected journey into the SVDP USA organization and his deep passion for homelessness prevention.

Listen to Episode 32: With Arms Wide Open on the SVDP Louisville podcast now. 

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Making a difference: heading towards Christmas
Making a difference: heading towards Christmas 1280 853 SVDP USA

Making a difference: heading towards Christmas

Published in the Catholic Herald December 15, 2024 – Story by Michael Acaldo, CEO of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul USA

December is a special month for the Society of St Vincent de Paul. Helping those in need is a year-round mission for Vincentians, but there’s a bit more excitement in the air when you’re handing out gifts to grateful, smiling children.

Before becoming the CEO of the Society of St Vincent de Paul (SVdP) USA this year, I spent thirty-four Decembers leading SVdP in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Each Saturday, we would distribute presents to thousands of children – many wearing worn and tattered clothing that I suspected they had slept in the night before. For some of these kids, this was the only gift they would receive all year, and that reality never failed to leave a lasting impression.

But it wasn’t just the children who received some care. Adults did, as well. Few things are more humbling than standing before a big, worn-down man with his Christmas gift in his hands and tears in his eyes – for that’s when you see the face of Christ staring back at you.

I’ve been reflecting on these memories this Advent. In recent weeks, I’ve gone coast to coast to meet with many of our 90,000 Vincentians in the US. In doing so, I’ve seen firsthand the commitment, sacrifice and love that they show day in and day out.

It has led me to ask some simple, but important, questions. Why do so many people give of their time and treasure to help their neighbors? Why do they enter homes that are often in areas of town most people would avoid? Why do they make the journeys of the poor and outcast part of their own personal journeys?

The answers are found in the stories of Vincentians like Rosie Martina. Rosie is 101 years old and, with the help of his daughter and son, he continues to make food pickups each week. When Rosie’s wife died a few years ago, he asked me to say a few words at the Saturday morning funeral. That very evening, I found him serving a meal to men experiencing homelessness at one of our shelters. I asked him what he was doing there.

“This is where Laura would want me,” he said. “I’m doing her job – and mine.”

In effect, he was meeting Christ in the people he served in that food line, and in turn, Christ was showering him with the grace that abounds to those who follow His command to love our neighbor.

There are Rosie Martinas all across our country – from Phoenix, Arizona, to Dayton, Ohio, to Baltimore, Maryland. They come in all ages and all demographics. They bring different talents and treasures. And they understand that by helping others, they receive more than they can ever give.

This is the heart of the Vincentian difference.

While Vincentians run thrift stores, shelters, and even pharmacies across the country, the true joy and impact of our work comes through our Home Visit encounters, where we meet people where they are – literally – to gain a better understanding of who they are, what they need, and how we can help.

While these Home Visits are rooted in the Gospels, they’re also part of a practical strategy – one aimed at providing people with the often-small amounts of help they need that is the difference between staying housed or not.

Research by the US National Alliance to End Homelessness reveals that it costs an average of $35,578 per year to support a person who is chronically homeless, including costs for emergency shelters, healthcare, and law enforcement. In contrast, preventing homelessness through early intervention costs, on average, $2,000 per household.

Sometimes it’s a simple act that makes a difference. In one Home Visit, a Vincentian I know noticed that a woman’s mobile home needed insulation. The simple act of installing the insulation lowered her electric bill enough to keep her housed.

These are the fruits of accompaniment, and they ripple through the nation every day, affecting countless people – not the least the Vincentians themselves, who are uplifted by the act of uplifting others.

I’m especially blessed this year. I have the honor of being a part of an organization that will celebrate its 180th anniversary in the US in 2025. And earlier this month, I welcomed my first granddaughter into the world. She is already surrounded by the comfort that comes with a close group of family and friends. Yet, when I gaze at her, all bundled up in swaddling clothes, I’m mindful of those who don’t have others to lean on in the way that she will.

It can be discouraging. But then I remember the words of Blessed Frédéric Ozanam, who founded the Society of St Vincent de Paul in Paris in 1833: “The problems in front of us are infinite, and we need to be up to those challenges.”

The men and women of St Vincent de Paul are, indeed, up to the challenge, and our work goes on. Merry Christmas from all of us, when it comes.

Michael Acaldo became CEO of the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul USA on October 1. Prior to that he was the CEO of the SVdP Council of Baton Rouge. He joined the Vincentians in 1990.

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12-12-24 A Letter From Our Servant Leaders
12-12-24 A Letter From Our Servant Leaders 1200 1200 SVDP USA

“Christmas came without ribbons!

It came without tags! It came without packages, boxes or bags!” These words, from Dr. Seuss’s classic tale How the Grinch Stole Christmas!, place the upcoming Christmas Season into proper perspective.

As Vincentians, we all know that it is not the decorations, the gifts, or the glitz that are essential for Christmas. Jesus’ birth is the reason for the season and the time to celebrate the beginning of our faith!

Who would ever want to be a Grinch during this most wonderful time of the year? Well, many of the general public might be shocked that St. Vincent de Paul had a temper and anger that would have made the Grinch proud!

Deacon Omar Gutierrez wrote this about our beloved saint, “Chesterton once said that the difference between a sinner and saint is not that the saint doesn’t sin. The difference is that the saint knows they’re a sinner. This is what strikes me with St. Vincent de Paul. You might expect, and certainly you will get to some degree, a listing of all the amazing charitable works this grand saint of seventeenth century France undertook. However, what is seldom mentioned in the popular accounts about St. Vincent is his bad temper.”

He goes on to write, “St. Vincent de Paul, the irritable saint, was not driven by anger at the injustices of the world…Rather, he was driven by his deep love for Christ, who taught him how to get over himself and his anger.”

St. Vincent de Paul realized that what Christ asks of all of us is these important questions: What are we going to do with our priceless gift of faith? How are we going to put it into action? How are we going to see the face of Christ and be the face of Christ?

Everyone should love the Advent and Christmas Seasons! Christmas is truly a Vincentian celebration because we are the gift givers of love to those in need.

Every day of the year, Vincentians share the Christmas Spirit of love with those who need it most. St. Vincent de Paul Conferences and Councils throughout our country do so much to ensure those experiencing poverty feel Christ’s loving touch.

Together, we will provide food baskets so those we serve have a Christmas meal, distribute coats and gloves to keep people warm, fill prescriptions that save lives, and provide a myriad of services to help people avoid homelessness.

This time of year allows us to focus on what is really important in our lives. For us, it is our spiritual journey as Vincentians. Where has Christ led us thus far and where is He going to lead us next?

This week, Tim Williams and I had the great honor of visiting Father Ron Ramson, CM, at the National Shrine of the Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal. Wow, what a blessing for Tim and me to spend time with this extraordinary priest!

At 92, Father Ron will amaze you with his energy and knowledge of our beloved Blessed Frédéric Ozanam. As many of you know, he published a book entitled, I, Frederic…In His Own Words, and he is working on getting it made into a movie. More information on the book and movie can be found here.

I have known Father Ron for decades, and he called me right after I was blessed to be named the incoming National CEO. Father Ron has impacted my spiritual journey and continues to do so. He is an example of our Vincentian virtues of Simplicity, Humility, Gentleness, Selflessness, and Zeal.

St. Vincent was not perfect, like all of us, but like the classic Christmas cartoon, his spiritual journey led his heart and soul to grow, but much more than the “three sizes” in the classic.

As Vincentians, every day is an opportunity for us to grow spiritually in the tradition of our patron St. Vincent de Paul and our founder Blessed Frédéric Ozanam. As One Society, what a wonderful time to grow together in our Conferences, Councils, and National Council.

I hope on that this day of the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, you feel our Blessed Mother’s loving hand in your spiritual journey.

May you and your family feel the Christmas Spirit of love and hope during Advent and our upcoming Christmas Season. With deep appreciation for your support, we wish you and your loved ones a blessed and wonderful Christmas and a new year filled with blessings.

Merry Christmas,
Michael J. Acaldo
National CEO

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A Homelessness Agenda for the Incoming Administration
A Homelessness Agenda for the Incoming Administration 1080 1080 SVDP USA

By John Berry, President of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul USA

America is facing a homelessness crisis. In some respects, the issue is politicized (and thus vulnerable to partisan gridlock) — particularly regarding law and order, drug policies, and how best to address inequalities. But here’s the good news: This is a crisis we can solve together.

Recent polling suggests Americans fundamentally agree on both the nature of the crisis and solutions to it. And homelessness prevention policies show great promise in helping those among us who are living on the edge. During the election, there was a great deal of focus on the economy and those who continue to struggle to pay their bills each month. Now, in the spirit of fresh starts with a new administration, here is an agenda offering a unique approach that reflects consensus thinking among the public and can go far towards ending homelessness in America.

Broad Agreement 

The National Alliance to End Homelessness conducted a national public opinion poll through Morning Consult at the beginning of June. It found that Americans see eye-to-eye in key respects concerning the causes of homelessness and how it ought to be treated. Survey respondents agreed that:

  • Homelessness today is driven by economic factors as much as personal ones. In a marked shift from previous polls, about as many people attributed homelessness to economic factors like inflation and rising housing costs as to drug and alcohol abuse or mental illness.
  • The problem cannot be solved by increased law enforcement or government programs. Over 80% of respondents agreed that more policing will not solve the homelessness crisis; approximately half of those polled also doubted the effectiveness of governmental or federal efforts.
  • Homelessness is best addressed at the local level. Almost three quarters of those surveyed expressed confidence in the efforts of the homelessness services sector, nonprofits, and faith-based organizations to solve homelessness. And 68% of respondents were confident in local efforts — a number that drops to 62% and 55% at the state and national levels, respectively.

More than three-quarters of respondents also agreed with the statement, “homelessness is solvable, but it requires a level of leadership and investments that elected officials are hesitant to make.” The public broadly agrees, in short, that homelessness is a complex crisis demanding coordinated effort—and that the surest way forward is to empower initiatives and services at the local level.

Prevention Is Worth a Pound of Cure 

These findings align closely with something my organization, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, has encountered in working with unhoused populations around the country: The people most in need of assistance are often the most reluctant to seek out or accept government assistance. Just consider: How many times have they been marginalized, disqualified, or pushed into some position of humiliating dependence on their way to the street? Little wonder that people who have lost everything might carry skepticism about authorities or be disinclined to jump through bureaucratic hoops!

Instead, effective programs for helping the currently unhoused or the at-risk can only be built on relationships. The state is fundamentally ill-equipped for that sort of person-to-person encounter, which is why nonprofits and voluntary organizations must lead the way.

This is where homelessness prevention programs come in. Prevention programs are flexible and personalized, so they can help to cover rent and pay utilities, procure food or childcare, help with employment searches, and negotiate with landlords. According to a recent study conducted by Notre Dame’s Lab for Economic Opportunities (LEO), persons who received an average of $2,000 in emergency financial assistance were “81 percent less likely to become homeless within six months of enrollment and 73 percent less likely within 12 months.” Support goes a long way in fighting homelessness, in other words, when it is individually tailored and personally delivered.

The Way Forward 

So, what is to be done? To start, we ask the Trump Administration to include homelessness prevention as part of its economic agenda to improve the lives of Americans who are often forgotten. This includes supporting initiatives at the state and local levels, and using the bully pulpit to show the benefits of working together to addressing the causes of homelessness before it starts.

This is not a plea to turn on a firehose of federal money. Homelessness prevention programs are highly cost effective, particularly in comparison to the status quo. (Just think: the state of California alone has spent $24 billion on homelessness in the past 5 years. That would have covered $2,000 emergency prevention grants to 12 million at-risk people, or about 20 times the number of people currently homeless nationwide!)

But the truth is, we do need many more resources to fight homelessness at the local level, and Americans agree: 71% of survey respondents said that local homelessness prevention lacks resources to make the needed impact. The federal government can help with funding, of course, but it can also encourage giving and facilitate local initiatives among the vast network of private, nonprofit and public organizations that help so many Americans each day. It’s time, in short, to rediscover the great American principle of federalism: the idea that problems can and should be solved at the local level.

John Berry

President, Society of St. Vincent de Paul USA

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CEO Michael Acaldo featured on Yes Catholic podcast
CEO Michael Acaldo featured on Yes Catholic podcast 1440 1440 SVDP USA

Embracing Faith and Service: Michael Acaldo’s Journey with the Society of St. Vincent de Paul

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul USA’s CEO Michael Acaldo was recently featured on the weekly podcast Yes Catholic.

“During my 34 years of being a Vincentian in the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, I have met so many good people and had the opportunity to witness ordinary people doing extraordinary things…I have been surrounded by people that have put their faith into action by sharing Christ’s love to the most vulnerable. This has shaped me in a remarkable way…”

Listen to the full episode as he shares about his inspiring journey of faith and service:

Yes Catholic S2, E46: Michael Acaldo on Apple Podcast

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12-05-24 A Letter From Our Servant Leaders
12-05-24 A Letter From Our Servant Leaders 1200 1200 SVDP USA

My dear Vincentian Brothers and Sisters,

As we enter this sacred season of Advent and prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ, we are reminded that this is a time of joy, love, and celebration. Yet, for many among us, the holiday season can also be a time of profound difficulty and pain. It is a season that magnifies the joy of the lights and the gifts in the eyes of little children, but it also magnifies the burdens of poverty, loneliness, and sickness in those who suffer. As followers of Christ, we are called to recognize those who struggle and to respond with compassion, love, and action.

The holiday season, marked by abundance and generosity for many, often highlights the stark contrast of scarcity for the poor. The material demands of this time — gifts, decorations, festive meals — can become a source of stress and sorrow for those who can barely make ends meet and provide the essentials for their families. As Proverbs reminds us, “Whoever oppresses a poor man insults his Maker, but he who is generous to the needy honors him” (Proverbs 14:31). The poor are not forgotten by God, and neither should they be forgotten by us.

Jesus came into the world in poverty, born in a humble stable, laid in a manger because there was no room for His family in the inn. His very birth teaches us that God identifies with the lowly and the marginalized. In Matthew 25:40, Jesus says, “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” This is our mandate: to see Christ in the poor and to extend to them the love and care that we would offer to Christ Himself.

For those who are lonely, the holiday season can be particularly painful. This is a time when families gather, friends reconnect, and communities celebrate together. But for those who are isolated — whether through the loss of loved ones, estrangement, or circumstances beyond their control — this season can deepen their sense of separation and despair.

In Psalm 68:7, we read that “God sets the lonely in families; he leads out the prisoners with singing.” God’s heart is for the lonely, and as His hands and feet on earth, we are called to reach out to those who are alone. A visit, a phone call, an invitation to join in a meal or celebration can transform someone’s holiday experience. These small acts of kindness remind them — and us — that they are not forgotten, that they are loved.

For those who are sick, the holiday season can be a reminder of what they cannot do or participate in. While others celebrate, they may be confined to hospital rooms or homebound by illness. The physical and emotional toll of sickness can feel even heavier in a season meant to bring joy.

Jesus was a healer, both of bodies and souls. He was moved with compassion for the sick, as seen in Matthew 14:14: “When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick.” While we may not have the power to heal as Jesus did, we do have the power to bring comfort. A visit, a prayer, or simply sitting with someone in their suffering are a profound expression of God’s love.

During this season, it is easy to focus solely on monetary giving. Financial contributions are essential and deeply appreciated. But as followers of Christ, we are called to go beyond writing a check or dropping off a bag of food. We are called to personal encounters with those in need.

In the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37), Jesus emphasizes that love for our neighbor is not abstract; it is active and personal. The Samaritan did not merely feel pity; he stopped, bandaged wounds, and provided care. He entered into the suffering of the injured man. This is the kind of love we are called to show, especially during this holy season.

There is a transformative power in giving ourselves — our time, our attention, our presence. In Acts 20:35, Paul reminds us of Jesus’ words: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” When we take the time to truly see and serve those in need, we are blessed in return. We find Christ in these encounters, and our hearts are enriched by the love we share.

Let us not forget that Jesus Himself modeled this for us. He dined with sinners, touched lepers, and spoke with outcasts. His ministry was one of personal connection and compassion. As we celebrate His birth, let us imitate His example.

How then can we respond to the needs of the poor, the lonely, and the sick this season? First, we can pray for God to open our eyes to those in need around us. Second, we can take action. Visit someone who is homebound. Volunteer at a shelter. Invite a neighbor to share in your holiday meal. Offer a word of encouragement to a struggling parent or a grieving friend. These acts of love are the true spirit of Christmas.

As we await the coming of Christ, let’s remember that He comes to us in the guise of the poor, the lonely, and the sick. When we serve them, we serve Him. May we be His light in this dark world, His hands to the weary, and His heart to the broken. And may we find joy, not just in receiving, but in giving ourselves to others. Not just in the holiday season, but always.

Peace and God’s blessings,
John

John Berry
National President

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11-27-24 A Letter From Our Servant Leaders
11-27-24 A Letter From Our Servant Leaders 1200 1200 SVDP USA

The Beautiful Exchange

In early 1997, I was in the final stages of my reconciliation with the Catholic Church, a process that had begun in earnest eight years earlier and which would be consummated at the Easter Vigil that year. During those months, I had a spiritual director, a Carmelite hermit named Fr. John of the Trinity, whose hermitage was the third story of a tenement in a rough area of New Bedford, Massachusetts.

One day, I visited Fr. John and he agreed to hear my confession. I had not yet received First Communion, but my baptism had been recognized by the Church and I was permitted to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation. On this day I made a long and intense confession to Fr. John. When I finished he looked at me, sighed, and said, “You are so arrogant.” (He actually used stronger language that I’ll spare you.)

Naturally, I was taken aback. “What do you mean, Father? I think that was a pretty good confession!”

“Oh, yes,” he said. “The confession was very good, but it’s the way you deliver it, as if you’re saying ‘Father, you won’t believe it, but I actually did this! Me! Isn’t that crazy?’” He continued, “When are you going to realize that you love sin. We all love sin. That’s what’s wrong with us. We love sin more than we love God or one another.”

He went on to give me absolution, of course, but we talked a long while about my intellectual and spiritual arrogance, the besetting sin that has always been a part of my life, both before this encounter and right up to this writing. And having diagnosed my problem, Fr. John gave me a directive that changed my life. He said, “For your penance, you are to find a way to provide sustained, intimate service to the poor.”

I was stunned by this command, and had no idea how I would fulfill it. I didn’t even know where to start looking. Then, a couple of weeks after the Easter Vigil, an announcement appeared in our parish bulletin that a Conference of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, a lay ministry dedicated to serving the poor, was being formed at the parish. I joined — and 27 years later, I’m still a member, still trying to serve my brothers and sisters in need, still trying to grow in holiness and humility. I still struggle with my besetting sin, but after all these years it feels like I’ve gotten a little better.

If that is true — and please, God, let it be so! — it is because at the heart of the Vincentian vocation is what I call the “Beautiful Exchange.” In becoming Christ to the person who cries out in need, we discover, often to our surprise, that they have become Christ to us. After all, Jesus said, “Whatever you do for one of these, the least of my brothers and sisters, you do for me.” The great privilege of being a Vincentian is that we get to minister to Jesus in what Mother Teresa called “his most distressing disguise.” And in the economy of the Beautiful Exchange, we receive far more in terms of consolation and spiritual succor than those we serve.

My favorite definition of a Christian, which I first heard years ago from an old friend, the author Gil Bailie, is this: A Christian is a beggar who just told another beggar where he got his last meal. We are all beggars. Some of us beg for utility bill payments and a bag of food. Others of us beg for grace and forgiveness. All of us beg for simple human dignity. Different “asks,” but all beggars just the same, and positionally indistinct from one another. In Romans, Chapter 5, St. Paul writes, “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

It is essential that those of us who share the Vincentian vocation always remember that we serve others because we were first served on the Cross. In fact, our service to our brothers and sisters is nothing less than our grateful response to Him who loved and saved us before we even knew we needed saving.

Naturally, St. Vincent de Paul himself put it best when he wrote, “Let us, my sisters and brothers, cherish the poor as our masters, since Our Lord is in them, and they are in Our Lord.”

Yours in Christ,
Mark Gordon
National Vice President, Northeast Region

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11-21-24 A Letter From Our Servant Leaders
11-21-24 A Letter From Our Servant Leaders 1200 1200 SVDP USA

“God knows the sufferings of his children because he is an attentive and caring father. As a father, he takes care of those who are most in need: the poor, the marginalized, the suffering and the forgotten. No one is excluded from his heart, for in his eyes, we are all poor and needy.”
– World Day of the Poor Message, 2024

On Sunday, November 17, Pope Francis declared the 2024 World Day of the Poor. It was the eighth declaration of a World Day of the Poor, something that began under the Pontificate of Francis. In his message for 2024, the Pope declared the World Day of the Poor with the theme “The prayer of the poor rises up to God.” The expression that gives the 2024 World Day of the Poor its theme is taken from the Book of Sirach (21:5), which Pope Francis says is not sufficiently known and deserves to be discovered for the richness of its themes.

Instead of reading my words this week, I think it is more important that you read Pope Francis’s words on the poor, our obligation to the poor, and our way forward. These are excerpts from his Homily on Sunday and his message leading up to World Day of the Poor. I encourage you to go the Vatican website and read more from this year and prior years World Day of the Poor messages.

In his message for this World Day of the Poor, the Holy Father reiterates that “the poor hold a privileged place in God’s heart” and invites everyone to learn to pray for the poor and to pray together with the poor, with humility and trust. Let’s listen to his words.

The World Day of the Poor has now become a fixture for every ecclesial community. It is a pastoral opportunity not to be underestimated, for it challenges every believer to listen to the prayer of the poor, becoming aware of their presence and needs. It is an opportune occasion to implement initiatives that concretely help the poor and to recognize and support the many volunteers who dedicate themselves passionately to those most in need. We must thank the Lord for the people who make themselves available to listen to and support the poorest among us. They are priests, consecrated persons, lay men and women who, by their testimony, give voice to God’s response to the prayer of those who turn to him. This silence, therefore, is broken every time a person in need is welcomed and embraced. The poor still have much to teach us because in a culture that has placed wealth at the forefront and often sacrifices the dignity of people on the altar of material goods, they swim against the tide, highlighting that what is essential for life is something else entirely.

Prayer, then, is verified by authentic charity that manifests itself as encounter and proximity. If prayer does not translate into concrete action, it is in vain; indeed, “faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead” (Jas 2:17). However, charity without prayer risks becoming philanthropy that soon exhausts itself. “Without daily prayer lived with fidelity, our acts are empty, they lose their profound soul and are reduced to being mere activism” (BENEDICT XVI, Catechesis, April 25, 2012). We must avoid this temptation and always be vigilant with the strength and perseverance that comes from the Holy Spirit, who is the giver of life.

As we journey towards the Holy Year, I urge everyone to become pilgrims of hope, setting tangible goals for a better future. Let us not forget to keep “the little details of love” (Gaudete et Exultate, 145): stopping, drawing near, giving a little attention, a smile, a caress, a word of comfort. These gestures are not automatic; they require a daily commitment and are often hidden and silent, but strengthened by prayer. In this time, when the song of hope seems to give way to the clamor of arms, to the cry of many innocent wounded, and the silence of the countless victims of wars, we turn to God with our plea for peace. We stretch out our hands to receive peace as a precious gift for we are “poor” in this regard, while at the same time committing ourselves to weave it back into daily life.

 We are called in every circumstance to be friends of the poor, following in the footsteps of Jesus who always began by showing solidarity when dealing with the least among us.

Peace and God’s blessings,
John

John Berry
National President

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