Vincentians

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02-11-2021 Letter From Our Servant Leaders
02-11-2021 Letter From Our Servant Leaders 299 374 SVDP USA

“Charity must never look to the past, but always to the future, because the number of its past works is still very small and the present and future miseries that it must alleviate are infinite,” said Frédéric Ozanam.

How true those words ring today as we Vincentians face a future fraught with the uncertainty of the pandemic’s impact on our economy, our social interactions, and our ability to serve those in need. After a year in which our Home Visits have more often than not turned into video visits, our ability to serve the needs of the poor through food pantries, feeding kitchens, and thrift stores has been tested, and our volunteer base has been disproportionality impacted by the fear and reality of the COVID-19 virus, we must now look to the future and plan for how we continue our work in a world none of us has ever known, and which we cannot clearly envision.

I think we know that tomorrow will look nothing like yesterday. How many of us, in March of 2020, fully expected that by the end of that summer life would be back to normal? I know I did. Then it wasn’t. And it wasn’t at Thanksgiving, or Christmas, or now. The year went by and the world seemed to stand still. But it didn’t – it changed; dramatically.

And we changed with it. We found new ways to operate food pantries, serve meals, visit the poor, and comfort the needy. Our Conferences and Councils used new and innovative ways to raise needed funds to serve the poor. We found new volunteers; younger, more ‘tech savvy,’ more open to innovation and change. They have helped us change in real time for the new future. And what a wonderful thing that is to see!

Now, as we begin to see an end to this pandemic, it is critical that we “never look to the past, but always the future” and begin to make the systemic and structural changes to our Society in this new and changing reality that is our world. We must look at the innovative and creative ways in which we have operated these past months, analyze what worked and what did not work, and then build on the successes. This may cause us some degree of consternation as we are going to have to face the reality that one of our core principles, the Home Visit, probably is not going to look the same.

So, what could these changes look like? One way, I believe that we must make a conscious and concerted effort to increase our collaborative efforts with other organizations who can help us fill the gaps in our charitable ‘delivery model.’ Going to the poor does not always have to be going to their place of residence, as preferable as that may be. We can learn much about the sufferings of those in need by being in their communities and learning from others who serve.  I have seen organizations here in Georgia that have set up service centers in the local communities, using houses of worship and other physical locations to deliver assistance safely with appropriate social distancing and the ability to have better access to the technology necessary to provide access to needed services. Being in the community means that instead of relying solely on the parish property as our ‘base of operations’, we go to the poor where they live; not the house in which they live, but the community in which they live. I believe that will also give us a fuller and more realistic perspective on the challenges and realities that are faced by those we serve. And we can increase outreach and collaboration to become more effective in offering holistic and impactful support.

We also have the unique opportunity to create volunteer and service opportunities for those who in the past may have not considered the Society as they discerned how they wanted to live out their faith. We must be honest with ourselves and admit that in the past we have sometimes (oftentimes) not valued those who want to serve, but do not want to do Home Visits or attend bi-weekly meetings. That has, I believe, left many young people and people with unique and important talents, no choice but to look elsewhere. If we maintain a stance of rigidity and adherence to practices that are not aligned with the reality of tomorrow’s world, we will continue to see a decline in our membership and eventually see that new world reality pass by and leave us behind. The work we do is much too important for us to let that happen. Let us commit to finding new ways to leverage technology, innovation, and new thinking so that we can make a greater and lasting impact.

Some may balk at these ideas and say that we must adhere to the past to maintain our values and principles. But I say we can look to Frédéric for inspiration and guidance on that probable change. “Let us do without hesitation whatever good lies at our hands,” said Frédéric Ozanam.  And what is at our hands today and will be tomorrow is not what may have been at our hands yesterday.

So, let us continue that use of the ‘good at our hands’ to accomplish the one and only thing that matters; “We are here on this earth to accomplish the will of Providence,” said Frédéric Ozanam.

John Berry
National Council Vice President
Southeast Region

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A Brief History of the St. Vincent de Paul Conference at St. Columba Catholic Church
A Brief History of the St. Vincent de Paul Conference at St. Columba Catholic Church 2560 1707 SVDP USA

Oakland, California’s St. Columba Catholic Church is home to a vibrant St. Vincent de Paul Conference rooted in African-American traditions. In honor of Black History Month, please enjoy this history of the Conference at St. Columba, written by President Jo Ann Evans.

A Brief History of the St. Vincent de Paul Conference at St. Columba Catholic Church

Long before there was a Conference at St. Columba, members used to assemble grocery bags to be given to those who came by and asked for food. According to oral history, the groceries were distributed from the rectory next door to the church. Sometimes the bags held sandwiches. Other times, they contained staples that could be added to the pantries of those who came looking for food.

Spending time discussing the genesis of St Vincent de Paul Conference at St, Columba Church was like viewing into the windows of history as the SVdP Conference was formed in late 1998, early 1999. At the prompting of Mrs. Maud Green whose husband, Bill, was one of the founding members, I called Mrs. Bea Morgan to fill in the pages of an extraordinary story of caring people. They were approached by their pastor at the time, Fr. Tony Herrera, who suggested that their gestures of kindness and generosity could become formalized to establish an organization such as St. Vincent de Paul Society, and to begin a Conference at St. Columba. With very little prodding, Al Morgan, prominently known for his generosity and enthusiasm in helping the less fortunate and for having a big heart, called on a few of his friends to begin St. Columba’s SVdP Conference.

With five members donating $100 each as their starting “kitty”, Al Morgan, Al Muldrow, Bill Green, Hilton Hill, and Robert LaSalle opened up and began serving anyone who came to them for food, a stay at a motel, furniture, and sometimes vouchers for food at McDonald’s. No one was turned away.

Home Visits were common, and some regulars even had Al’s telephone number and called him when they were in need. On many occasions Bill and Bea went out to help someone who called them for help. One such call was for furniture to furnish an entire apartment with everything from napkins and silverware to bed, sofa, kitchen table with chairs, towels, sheets, EVERYTHING. And the caller wasn’t even Catholic, but attended a church not far from her newly furnished apartment! She had heard that Catholics were generous, and indeed, we are.

Fast forward through many years of service to 2016, when our Conference supported stable hands and migrant workers at Golden Gate Fields, college students, members of communes, and our guests. Anything left over was often taken to Guerneville by one of our volunteers (a Christian Brother) who knew of the needs of a community of migrant workers and travelers (unhoused population).

Our Vincentian volunteers became proficient at sorting through produce and food given to our conference through a grocery rescue program. The display of fruits and vegetables, bread, pastries, and miscellaneous items were comparable to a grocery store’s display, neatly arranged.

March of 2020 changed that. Just as we were preparing for St Patrick’s Day with decorations and candy for our guests, the pandemic paid all of us a visit and has refused to leave. After the shock of learning what SIP (shelter in place) meant, our routine for service and operation had to be reimagined.

Now, instead of grocery bags filled with food, we collaborate with a caterer and two other organizations weekly to offer salads, entrees, desserts in take-out containers in an outdoor setting. Due to the ages of our volunteers, many are unable to help with the weekly take-out meals, but other parishioners have stepped in to make sure that our program continues.  At Thanksgiving, instead of the turkeys and all the trimmings that we customarily provide, we offered gift cards for our families to shop for themselves, and at Christmas, our benefactors helped us to bless the families with gift cards, boxes of food and Christmas presents.

From serving sandwiches from the rectory in the early days to formally becoming a St Vincent de Paul Conference to dealing with the restrictions of a pandemic, our conference continues our work and mission to help those in need and to share the blessings that we have received. By the Grace of our Creator, we will continue for many more years to serve to the best of our ability.

Learn More

To learn more about St. Columba Conference, or other St. Vincent de Paul Conferences in the Western region, please contact:

Wallita Sykes-Bush
Western Region Representative
National Multicultural Diversity Committee
African American Task Force

________________________

Does your Council or Conference have a story to share? Email us at mystory@svdpusa.org.

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Contemplation – What Great Reason We Have to Be Cheerful
Contemplation – What Great Reason We Have to Be Cheerful 940 788 SVDP USA

There is an old expression that “you can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar,” and I suspect most of us can confirm this from our own personal experience. Nobody wants advice from a sourpuss; many will even decline a helping hand offered from beneath a furrowed brow. As Ella Wheeler Wilcox put it in her poem Solitude:

Rejoice, and men will seek you;
Grieve, and they turn and go;
They want full measure of all your pleasure,
But they do not need your woe.

It turns out that cheerfulness is not simply a nice thing to offer but is a necessary component of our Vincentian virtue of gentleness.

It is true that some people, as St. Vincent de Paul once explained, are gifted by God with a “cordial, gentle, happy manner, by which they seem to offer you their heart and ask for yours in return,” while others, “boorish persons like [himself,] present themselves with a stern, gloomy, or forbidding expression…” [CCD XII:156]

But a virtue, our Catechism tells us, is “habitual and firm disposition to do good.” [Catechism:1833] Habits, good and bad, can be changed, and our disposition towards cheerfulness can be natural, or it can be acquired.

St. Vincent reminded his missioners of Christ’s great gentleness through His own sorrows, His own suffering. Throughout His passion “no angry word escaped Him,” and even at the moment of His betrayal He greeted Judas as “friend.” [CCD XII:159]

As in all things, we seek to follow Christ’s example, to accept our own suffering, as Vincent once said, “as a divine state,” confident that our true hope lies in doing His will. And if we truly seek to “serve in hope,” our very countenances should shine with confidence, hope, and good cheer – especially so every time we are blessed to serve Christ in the person of His poor.

As Vincent reminded Louise: “Be quite cheerful, I beg you. Oh, what great reason people of good will have to be cheerful!” [CCD I:84]

Contemplate: What is keeping me from smiling, and how can I surrender it to God?

Recommended Reading: Vincentian Meditations

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Contemplation – Our Gifts to God
Contemplation – Our Gifts to God 940 788 SVDP USA

We often use the term “charism” when describing our Vincentian Spirituality. During this week in which we celebrated the 404th anniversary of Vincent’s homily at Folleville on the Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul, which marked the first mission. it seems like an appropriate time to examine our shared Vincentian charism.

We sometimes simplify the meaning of charism to talents we may have, and surely our talents are gifts. But the gifts of the Holy Spirit run deeper.

The Church defines charisms as “graces of the Holy Spirit which directly or indirectly benefit the Church…” [Catechism: 799] Like the word grace itself, the root of the word charism comes from a Greek word referring to gifts or favors. These gifts are given to all of us freely and gratuitously.

If we think of our charisms as the seeds in the parable of the sower, we should seek to become the rich soil that yielded a hundredfold what was sown. [Mk 4:1-20] The gifts themselves are our calling – how we use them in the service of God and His Church is our answer.

Or to paraphrase the late writer and motivational speaker, Leo Buscaglia, “Your [charisms] are God’s gift to you. What you do with them is your gift back to God.”

We also recognize special charisms given to individuals or groups that inspire the founding of religious families within the church, such as the Congregation of the Mission, which dates its founding to that 1617 mission in Folleville.

At that time, and even more so as he contemplated it in his memories, St Vincent discerned the special charism that had been given to him, and that he freely shared with all who sought – and seek – to follow his way.

The Vincentian charism calls us to “love God with the strength of our arms, and the sweat of our brows;” to trust in God’s providence; and to follow Christ’s teaching to see and serve Him in the person of the poor. This is the specific way in which we, as Vincentians, seek to live the Gospel daily.

These things are not instructions, or burdens – they are gifts to us!

What we do with them, is our gift to God.

Contemplate: What personal charism do I try to return to the church “one hundredfold?”

Recommended Reading: Praying with Vincent de Paul

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02-04-21 News Roundup
02-04-21 News Roundup 1200 1200 SVDP USA

Through the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Vincentians across the United States and around the world are finding spiritual growth by providing person-to-person service to those who are needy and suffering. Read some of their stories here:

INTERNATIONAL
NATIONAL

Help us share the good news of the good work being done in your local Conference or Council! Email us at info@svdpusa.org with the subject line Good News.

Fr. Augustus Tolton
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Black History Month Series – Father Tolton: How Persistence Propelled Him to Priesthood
Black History Month Series – Father Tolton: How Persistence Propelled Him to Priesthood 2048 1765 SVDP USA
Black History Month Series
Presented by the SVdP African American Task Force

Father Tolton: How Persistence Propelled Him to Priesthood

“Since the Bible says we ALL were made in the image and likeness of God, “Why isn’t my likeness accepted by others?” “Why aren’t there clergy that look like me?” “Am I inferior?”

These are some of the questions with which many Christian people of color wrestle.

I do not know if Augustus Tolton asked these questions, but I do know he did not allow others’ lack of appreciation for his race to prevent him from being faithful to his master’s call. Thankfully, rejection by society does not mean rejection by God.

Father Tolton came from a lineage of African Americans who had been enslaved. His grandparents Augustus and Maltida Chisley were enslaved by a Catholic family, the Mannings. When the Mannings purchased people as slaves, they had them baptized and instructed as Catholics.

The Chisleys had a daughter named Martha Jane. At 16 years old, Martha was given away as a wedding present (as a piece of property) to a Manning daughter, Susan. Susan married Stephen Elliot in 1849, and the couple with all their possessions moved to Missouri. Martha Jane Chisley would never see her parents again.

Martha Chisley’s new owners, the Elliots, lived adjacent to the Hagers, another Catholic, slave-owning plantation. On the Hagers’ plantation lived the slave Peter Paul Tolton. Martha and Peter married (they required their masters’ permission) and have several children. Their son Augustus was born April 1, 1854.

Life as a married slave was rough. Besides the endless work, the Toltons had the care of their children to worry them. Peter desired a way out of this inhumane life for his family. The thought of them all running away intrigued him but the reality of the brutal physical punishment that owners ordered when a slave was caught paralyzed him. Slave owners often organized groups to hunt people who ran away, with orders to shoot, maim (cut off a foot), or even kill any slave not in chains after night fall.

Tension in the United States around the subject of slavery was at an all-time high. As the nation entered into a civil war, many slaves began to escape to join the Union Army and fight for freedom. One was Peter Paul Tolton. Sadly, Peter and his family would never be reunited.

While Peter was fighting for freedom, Martha received word that the plantation owners might put her children up for sale. Her memories of being dislodged from her parents must have tormented her because she decided to risk her and her children’s lives and run away. By a series of miraculous events, Martha and her children evaded starvation, slave traders, and Confederate soldiers. With the direction of others, the Toltons reached Quincy, Illinois, where abolitionists welcomed and aided people escaping slavery. Martha Tolton found a family to move in with, and soon thereafter she began working at a tobacco factory, making cigars. Nine-year-old Augustus and his brother Charley worked at the factory too.

In Quincy, the Toltons began to attend St. Boniface Church. Most of the parishioners spoke German, so the homilies were in German. St. Boniface’s priest, Father Schaeffermeyer, would summarize in English the homilies for the small group of Black people who attended his parish. Martha sent Augustus to attend the St. Boniface School, at the time an all-white school. Between the bullying of classmates and their parents’ threatening letters to the priest, Augustus’ school life was unbearable. The cruelty from his peers would cause young Augustus to break down crying. Eventually Father Schaeffermeyer and Martha Tolton agreed that it was doing more harm than good having Augustus attend and withdrew him. It would be several years before he would go to school again.

Four years after the St. Boniface debacle, Augustus, then 14 years old and nicknamed Gus, reenrolled in school. This time he attended an all-Black school.

Mary also found the family a new church to attend, St. Lawrence. The pastor there was a strong-willed, determined Irishman, Peter McGirr. Father McGirr had heard about the St. Boniface incident and invited Gus to attend St. Lawrence School. He believed Gus needed a Catholic education and reassured Mary that he would personally see to it that her son would have no trouble from his classmates. Mary agreed to Father McGirr’s request. St. Lawrence School was run by the Notre Dame Sisters, and they saw to it that Gus experienced no trouble at the school.

Father McGriff received plenty of complaints from his parishioners. Like at St. Boniface, the parishioners threaten to remove their students and financial support from the parish. Father McGriff failed to give in to these ploys. Better yet, he responded with sermons about loving your neighbor as yourself. Eventually, the complaining stopped, and Gus began to flourish.

Gus Tolton was a devout young man. He learned the Latin Mass and began serving at daily Mass. Father McGriff and Gus discussed the possibility of him going into the priesthood. Unfortunately, there were no known Black priests in the United States. Several clergy members had shown interest in helping Gus get seminary training, including St. Boniface’s pastor, Father Schaeffermeyer. Though these clergymen’s financial support was noteworthy, Father McGriff couldn’t find one United States seminary that would be willing to accept a Black student. To me, here seems like a good place to give up, but that was not the case for the young Tolton or Father McGirr.

Under Father McGrirr’s directive, Tolton began to train unofficially. Different priests helped tutor the young man. Father McGirr never gave up on the idea of Tolton receiving an official seminarian experience. With the help of another priest, Father Richardt, Fr. McGrirr got Tolton accepted at the Propaganda Seminary in Rome, Italy. Tolton was thrilled!

On February 15, 1880, 25-year-old Gus Tolton left everything and everyone he knew to pursue his dream of being a priest. Nearly a month later, Tolton arrived in Rome. This moment must have been surreal to him. Everything he had endured in life had brought him to this place. Around seventy seminarians from around the world were part of his class. For once in his life, Tolton felt no racial discrimination.

With nothing holding him back, he excelled, and in 1883 he received the Catholic rite of Tonsure. This ceremony celebrated the seminarians’ willingness to become a slave of the people of God. No one may have known better than Tolton what this meant. Tolton also took the Propaganda Oath, pledging that he would be willing to go anywhere he was sent to propogate the faith. Most had believed that Tolton would be deployed to Africa. To his surprise, upon his ordination, he was told that he would be going back to the very place that had rejected him, the intolerant United States. Cardinal Simeoni made this decision and thrust onto Tolton the title “America’s First Black Priest.”

To say Tolton was disappointed with his deployment to the United States is an understatement. He knew the difficulties this decision would cause. Fresh in his memory had to be white Americans’ prejudice and persecution.   And he had to go serve them. Nonetheless, Tolton decided he was going to go back and serve all with the love of God.

On April 24, 1886, Father Augustus Tolton was ordained. Cardinal Simeoni made arrangements for Father Augustus to celebrate his first Mass in the great Basilica of St. Peter in Rome. On June 13, 1886, Father Tolton left Rome and headed back to his home country.

Back home Father Tolton was welcomed with a chorus of cheers from his supporters. Father McGirr had chartered a railroad car to take friends of all races to meet Father Tolton at the train station. Many clamored for Father’s blessing; he made sure to first bless his mother Martha, the woman whose Catholic faith had governed every aspect of his life.

Father Tolton was assigned to St. Joseph’s Church. He led a multiracial congregation and quite often at St. Joseph it was standing room only.  Father Tolton’s assignment left some furious, including Father Michael Weiss. Father Weiss was jealous of Father Tolton’s recognition and used racially charged words when referring to him. Father Weiss hated that white people were giving financially to Father Tolton’s ministry.  Father Weiss used his influence with the bishop to get the bishop to declare that Father Tolton could no longer minister to white people. Only people of color were permitted to attend his services. This decision was financially crippling to St. Joseph’s.

Eventually Father Tolton got transferred to St. Monica’s in Chicago, where he spent the rest of his days. Father Tolton rolled up his sash and got to work. He spent most of his time ministering to the marginalized.

Father Tolton died of heat stroke in 1897, at the tender age of 43. More than 100  priests attended his funeral. Like his services, it was standing room only. Many came to pay respect to the trail blazing, people loving priest from Quincy.

Father Tolton’s impact on American history is undoubtedly profound. His career paved the way for individuals like Cardinal Wilton Gregory, who was just appointed America’s first African American Catholic Cardinal.

Father Tolton’s story is truly inspiring because though he endured many challenges and hardships, he never relented. His ability to push past pain (emotional and physical) to his place of purpose was astonishing. He never gave up on his dream; he never gave up on God! As I learned about Augustus’s life, I couldn’t help but be captured by his and Father McGirr’s resolve.

One can only imagine how much further and what a bigger impact Fr. Tolton would have had if he had not encountered racism from his own Christian brothers and sisters. Nonetheless, this story does highlight the importance of having people in our lives that advocate for and mentor us. Several individuals in Father Tolton’s life joined themselves to him and accompanied him to his dream. We all need individuals that see our God-given gifts and help us find spaces and places to use them. We all should endeavor to seek those in need (and that are often ostracized) and find ways to propel them forward. This is the SVdP way!

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02-04-2021 Letter From Our Servant Leaders
02-04-2021 Letter From Our Servant Leaders 1119 630 SVDP USA

Click here to read the full letter from SVdP International President General Renato Lima de Oliveira.

Praised be our Lord Jesus Christ! My dear members of Saint Vincent de Paul Conferences around the world, I first wish to ask for the abundant blessings of Our Lord Jesus Christ on you, and for our Blessed Lady to be with everyone, particularly those in need whom our Society helps, whether in special works or in Conferences.

I am very pleased to be writing to you all again, for the sixth time since I was elected as 16th President General of the Society o St. Vincent de Paul, with this Circular Letter for 2021. It has been the custom since 1841 for the Presidents General to write Circular Letters addressed directly to the members, covering important matters on the Vincentian agenda, or for guidance to improve the work of the Conferences, special works, and Councils.

This past year has been a time which will be marked out in the history of humanity as one of the worst‐ever health crises, affecting millions of lives, as well as leading to countless negative consequences for the economy of countries and of the whole world, increasing poverty, unemployment, and vulnerability in society. The poor have been worst affected. The number of refugees around the planet has increased. Students have been unable to attend class. Religious believers have not been able to attend worship or receive the sacraments. People cannot embrace or greet each other properly. Families are separated, in order to avoid large gatherings. Conferences and Councils cannot hold regular meetings. Many people in need have no help from governments or charitable organizations. It has been a very difficult year, and we will not have good memories of it.

In this Circular Letter of 2021, a year for rebuilding and new beginnings, I want to address some matters on which we all need to reflect, so that our work for those who suffer can be improving all the time. The ideas and questions I am going to cover here are also intended to alert us to the way our Councils operate, as their only purpose is to provide services for the grassroots.

I humbly suggest that this letter should be divided into blocks or topics and read in short sections at the meetings of Vincentian conferences. I would be delighted to receive comments, criticisms and suggestions about the content of this Letter, as well as proposals for the coming years. We have set up an e‐mail address for this, cgi.circularletter@gmail.com which you can use.

Despite the 2020 health crisis, we have managed to continue work on several initiatives, set up in the International Strategic Plan (2016/2022), and we have also added new aspects, giving greater energy to our management. In the area of training, there have been dozens of on‐line events, which have helped expand the capabilities of our members. In the field of communications, the Council General’s website has been completely redesigned, and is much more attractive, informative, and user‐friendly. Our “Ozanam Network” newsletter is always full of content, news, and training materials.

When the pandemic began in March 2020, Council General did not slow down for a minute. On the Council General’s web page, we publish all the administrative actions we have approved, so that the Confederation can get through this sad time for humanity. We have granted extensions to the terms of office of several Superior Councils. We have increased our international aid, sending additional resources to many nations (over 300,000 euros to some 70 countries). My main concern is the health (physical and mental) of our members, and of course the harmful effects of this crisis among those in need (especially children, young people, and the elderly), the unemployed and those who have lost hope. Covid‐19 is a terrible illness, but even worse than this are the panic and fear the illness has aroused.

As regards canonisation of Blessed Antoine‐Frédéric Ozanam, with God’s grace the work of the Vice‐Postulator in Brazil has not been delayed, and at the moment the process is already with the Postulator in Rome, beloved Father Giuseppe Guerra (priest of the Congregation of the Mission), who will continue with it at the Vatican. The Brazilian phase was fairly quick, even with the health restrictions in force, over an 11‐month period of intense work and investigation. I ask all members of our Society to stay firm in hope of the canonisation, becoming truly devoted to Ozanam. Similarly, our Conferences must prepare properly to welcome a new group of interested people after the canonisation, who will join us on the same path to holiness, in the steps of Ozanam through Vincentian service to those in need.

We were delighted to declare the 14th August as INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR FEMALE MEMBERS, honouring Ozanam’s devoted wife, Amélie Soulacroix, who dedicated her life, especially in old age, to taking care of his legacy, his biography, image, objects, and writings. This date has had an excellent response from all the SSVP around the world, and many countries have celebrated this new Vincentian date, even during the health crisis. It is a proper homage to the role of women in the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul. And, the more we know Amélie, the closer we can come to Frédéric.

In April 2021, close to Ozanam’s birthday , with God’s grace, we are intending to open the new head office for Council General in Paris, along with the official opening of the “Ozanam Museum” and an exhibition about the seven founders. It will be a very special moment for our Society, since from now one we will have a headquarters which is twice as large as the previous one, properly organised for the growth of the Society over the next 50 years. I want to thank again the members of the Commission who studied the economic viability of this step, and especially all the countries who voted in favour of buying the offices, in a historic, unanimous vote at the Oporto assembly (Portugal), in 2019.

At the Plenary Assembly of Council General in 2020, we approved some important documents for the SSVP. The first of these was the “Child Safeguarding Protocol,” a statement protecting children who are involved with Conferences and Vincentian works. We signed a cooperation agreement with the International Center for Formation (CIF) of the Congregation of the Mission, which will allow us to improve our training in terms of the anthropology of people in need and the theology of Saint Vincent.

We awarded the “Charity in Hope” medal to the Jesuit Refugee Service, for its amazing work carried out all over the world. Last year, we also marked 100 years since the declaration of the independence of the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul by the Vatican, and 95 years since the opening of Frédéric Ozanam’s beatification/canonisation process.

I end this section with the subject of Council General’s finances. Because of the health crisis, which has led to a serious economic crisis, many countries have slightly reduced their annual contributions to Council General, forcing us to rescale our procedures and adapt to the new, more restricted circumstances. I do not know if everyone is aware that Council General’s finances are maintained through the generous donations from Superior Councils. For this, fifteen years ago saw the creation of the “Concordat” (a group of countries which committed to making fixed annual contributions to Council General). These extremely generous countries made themselves responsible for 95% of the expenses of the Council, and the other countries in the Confederation cover the remaining 5%.

I believe that the most important thing in the life of a member of the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul is the meeting with those in need, through Christ. This personal encounter brings us to conversion of heart and a full life in the Lord, achieving happiness. Charity in all its forms is at the heart of Vincentian spirituality9 and is obviously the focus of our faith. It is the modus operandi of the members, in every one of the 48,000 Conferences spread all over the world. It is a grace and a privilege to live in this way, when we devote our existence to good, and to service in solidarity with those in poverty. The life of the Conference is vital for the life of our members.

But we meet challenges on the way. In some parts of the world, I have seen the adoption of excessive rules and regulations, hierarchical structures, and very bureaucratic procedures. We must avoid transforming our Society into one great bureaucracy, as Ozanam warned us. Rules are essential, but charity is more important; excessive rules and regulations deter and scare away new Vincentian vocations. Rules must also be updated and adapt to changing circumstances. We have to bring light, goodness and hope into places where sometimes there seem only shadows, crosses to bear, and darkness.

I am very concerned about the fall in the number of Conferences and Councils, and their closure, particularly in countries of importance in the history of our SSVP. Messages come to me from various countries saying that, after Covid‐19, many Conferences will disappear, which breaks my heart. Knowing that some of the Vincentian special works are also closing is a real shame, bringing tears to my eyes. It is mad, in my view, to be closing Conferences and special works in the post‐pandemic world, when poverty and inequality are increasing. Therefore, I am asking presidents of the Councils responsible for Conferences and special works to fulfill their role in the organisation, and before any drastic decision, avoid closing any operations without addressing the challenges which lead to such closures. It is a real challenge to keep these Vincentian works operating, but on the other hand, it is of great benefit to so many people in need, especially children and the elderly who depend on them.

In terms of training, I think that online courses are here to stay, finally. It is important that the training sections of each Superior Council offer a range of courses, seminars, and meetings, using the latest information and communications technology to help in this task. Another area which can grow significantly is that of special or social projects, which several countries and Council General sponsor, to generate work and income so that those whom we help can succeed in life. Congratulations go to Conferences who are using this model.

I have also observed, in some parts of the world, a certain unnecessary abrasive attitude among members, generally caused by disagreeing about secondary issues or those unconnected to our service to the poor. Pride, egoism, vanity, and envy unfortunately also affect our members; so, we must ask the good Lord to drive away these feelings and thoughts which divide us and destroy our unity. So many accounts of badly organized, stormy elections reach the Council General! Failure to accept election results is also another damaging effect which we must resist.

In order to avoid such conflict, we must above all improve our Vincentian training. The disparity of ideas is healthy, and even advisable, without upsetting our Society. But when such conflicts are raised without charity, or verge on a lack of fraternity, kindness and decency, I believe we have reached a most unfortunate stage. Many of our leaders have been selected without proper qualifications, in areas such as diplomacy, crisis management, dialogue and governance. In fact, some of the problem is rooted in the choice of the right candidates, and this is entirely our responsibility.

When we have any doubts about the position to take in the face of complex or tricky issues that may arise, we simply need to ask ourselves what St. Vincent or the seven founders would do in our place. Do we take on Vincentian virtues in the service of those in need, or do we set these virtues aside? Do we understand the principles and fundamentals of the Rule, or do we confuse charity with philanthropy? All this can be overcome, if we allow ourselves to be surrounded by the love of Christ, in faith and hope, serving our neighbour unstintingly. After all, our main purpose in joining the SSVP was for our personal holiness through the practice of Christian charity.

Young people are the present of our Confederation. They aspire to fraternal coexistence, “founded in truth, justice, charity and love of freedom.” In the SSVP, young people will find all those factors which give energy to Vincentian life and help to support those most in need. So, understand that from this President General, you will always receive support, encouragement, space, a voice, and time. Thank you for your commitment to those most in need, and to our beloved Society. Forgive our faults, report any problems arising in Councils from people who do not have a Vincentian vocation, focus your energy on what unites us, and prepare very soon to take on important roles in the Society, because we have great hopes of you. Let us trust in you.

As active members of the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul, we face enormous challenges every day, which we have to overcome, either with those we help, or in our own surroundings, that is, among ourselves, the members. But by God’s grace, these obstacles can be overcome with three factors which are characteristics of every Vincentian: tenderness, empathy, and courage.

Tenderness is essential to the way a Vincentian works. Without gentleness, tact, and generosity, without friendliness and fraternal love of neighbour, it is humanly impossible to practice charity. A Vincentian who does not offer great tenderness will find it difficult to achieve the virtues (cardinal and theological) of Ozanam, the other founders and Saint Vincent. Without tenderness it is difficult to listen to the poor. Without tenderness, it must be difficult to know how to advise those who are suffering. Without tenderness, the Vincentian message will struggle to be heard. We have to act with gentle hearts, especially those of us who are Vincentian leaders, who often govern with too firm a grip, generating discord and unnecessary conflicts.

Empathy is particularly apparent in the home visit, when members can feel more powerfully how hard life is for those in need. Empathy is also revealed in the Vincentian social projects, where children, the sick and the elderly also struggle to overcome adversity in everyday life. But empathy is also apparent in internal relationships, that is among the procedures and experiences of the SSVP itself, for instance among members of a Conference, or in the administrative management of Councils. Without empathy, we cannot be members. Without putting ourselves in another’s shoes, it is practically impossible for someone to become a Vincentian. Empathy is everything. It is the foundation of charity and human relationships. An egoist cannot exercise charity. A person seeking their own interests does not practice human solidarity; they only appear to practice it. Charity can only happen if empathy comes first.

Finally, without courage, nothing can be done. We are so small and weak in the face of the powerful and the systems of the world, that without courage we can never face troubles with our faith, peace, and hope. Courage gives us the innovative and creative spirit we need to find peaceful and effective solutions, in the search for a more fraternal and just society. Being courageous means “thinking big”, always wanting to do the best for those we help, and looking for different ways to practice charity, achieving positive results. Courage flourishes with enthusiasm. A sad or discouraged member will never radiate courage, which comes from joy and a passionate heart. Being courageous means being a visionary, a person of hope and an idealist. Being courageous also means knowing how to be outraged, seeking the material, moral and spiritual well‐being of the children of God. Putting the talents and faculties God has given us at the service of charity effectively means to be courageous. So dear brothers and sisters, we follow the Vincentian path with tenderness, empathy, and bravery, in the name of Our Lord Jesus Christ, in the person of the most humble and needy.

We invite all Superior Councils to publish articles and reflections on the dominant role of Jules Devaux in the process of founding the SSVP, stimulating the study of his life and work, in personal, professional, academic and Vincentian terms, contributing with Council General to the start of the 2021 International Themed year.

Council General suggests that on 8 December 2021, the closing date for the “International Year of Jules Devaux,” a thanksgiving Mass is celebrated in all parishes around the world, as a memorial for our founder Devaux. Also, on 27 October 2021, the anniversary of Devaux’s death, Conferences should recall his story, reading passages on him as the spiritual reading at conference meetings.

The present board of Council General is continuing to work to make the seven founders better known, loved and admired, because the SSVP’s foundation was a collective action, and they are all equally important in the story of this new Society. It would be a great injustice to neglect this.

On the flag of the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul, we find the motto of the Vincentian mission, on behalf of the humblest people, written in Latin: “Serviens in spe” (serving in hope). Why does this phrase appear on our emblem? What does the SSVP have to do with hope? Hope for what, or hope in what?

The International Rule of the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul devotes a lot of space to the theological virtue of hope. Several articles, provisions and notes mention the word hope. In “The Vincentian vocation,” hope is very important: “The vocation of the Society’s members, who are called Vincentians, is to follow Christ through service to those in need and so bear witness to His compassionate and liberating love. Members show their commitment through person‐to‐person contact. Vincentians serve in hope.”

Whenever the word hope appears in the International Rule, it is combined with the following terms: service, joy, spirituality, vocation, faith, and charity. This list of references is based on the Catechism of the Catholic Church, which describes the theological virtues (those which bring us closer to God): faith, hope, and charity.

Analysing these two virtues (hope and charity) in detail, we understand that both are related, one depending on the other: I am loving to my neighbour and I hope for eternal life in God. It’s that simple. So, dear brothers and sisters, let us centre ourselves in hope, seeking salvation for our souls and providing help for those in any need, with the same devotion and energy. During this pandemic through which we are living, hope and generosity are the only viruses we share. With hope, following in Vincent’s footsteps and the example of our seven founders, we will transform the world. I believe this is true, do you?

Moreover, on our daily journey as baptised, Vincentian Christians, we can experience countless troubles and challenges, in all areas of our life: in the family, at work, in our studies, seeking a job, in our health and so many other aspects of being human. In the Church and in the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul too, we sometimes experience heartaches and setbacks which leave us very disappointed and disillusioned with people on occasion.

I want all the members, and the volunteers and employees of the SSVP around the world, to keep doing the necessary and demanding work of charity, together with the humblest people, with care, love and charity, never judging the poor without above all understanding the reality of their lives and their needs. Sometimes we do not realise our own strength which comes from God. Be peaceful, gentle, loving towards those who suffer. Avoid conflict and bureaucracy; instead, follow the Rule in love of the seven founders. Seek to resolve any conflict, and do not waste time on less important, secondary, and mundane affairs. Salvation awaits us.

We ask God, through the intercession of our Lady, that those persecuted in various parts of the world, for religious or political reasons, might be protected and supported. We ask the Lord for peace in the world, care for the environment and an end to all forms of poverty, whether moral, material, or spiritual. May all of us, as members, always defend life, and fight against abortion and euthanasia, bringing Gospel values and Vincentian virtues wherever we go (Acts 10:38).

Council General can never slow down, as the International Confederation depends on its vitality and energy to “inoculate” the world with good viruses. We are absolutely certain that the good Lord will never abandon us. We Vincentians are in the world as the soul is in the body. So, my dear brothers and sisters, in this year of 2021, let’s remain firmly devoted to Ozanam and true champions of hope, charity and peace!

Click here to read the letter in its entirety.

May the peace of Christ be with you all,
Member Renato Lima de Oliveira
16th President General

SVdP Georgia Pharmacy
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SVdP Georgia Community Pharmacy Now Open
SVdP Georgia Community Pharmacy Now Open 2048 1367 SVDP USA

One pervasive challenge across the communities served by the Society of St. Vincent de Paul is poor health management, often exacerbated by lack of access to prescription medications. Some local Vincentian Conferences and Councils are meeting that challenge by creating community pharmacies to dispense medication to low-income, uninsured patients at little or no charge.

Our newest location, the SVdP Georgia Community Pharmacy opened Monday, February 1. It’s a fully licensed charitable pharmacy whose mission is to provide prescription medications and wellness education for low-income individuals by providing prescribed maintenance medications to neighbors in need.

Providing services to the entire state of Georgia, the SVdP Georgia Community Pharmacy supports Georgia residents who quality for services and cannot afford maintenance medications for conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular, asthma, COPD, and mental health.

Who’s Eligible?

Once a patient is referred to the community pharmacy, volunteer screeners will check their eligibility, based on income and expenses. The pharmacy will serve eligible patients with an income no greater than 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) and uninsured individuals 18+ living within the State of Georgia; as well as individuals with a valid prescription(s) for the medication needed.

Georgia residents who may qualify can submit an eligibility form here.

Your Donations Can Help

The SVdP Georgia Community Pharmacy will be crucial to a strong network of healthcare agencies, social service non-profits, churches, and public agencies that work together closely to serve needy patients throughout the state.

The pharmacy is currently accepting both financial and in-kind donations. For every $1 donated, the pharmacy is able to dispense $12 worth of medications.

Additional Pharmacy Information

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul’s community-based charitable pharmacies employ three strategies proven to have a positive impact on health outcomes:

  1. Carrying essential medication via a smart, therapeutically effective formulary, targeted to manage primary-care health conditions.
  2. Dispensing the volume of medication needed to serve all patients.
  3. Providing that medication in a consistent supply, day after day, year after year, for patients who maintain health through medication therapies.

Located in diverse communities across the country, our charitable pharmacies dispense low-cost or free medication to our most vulnerable populations, helping them to lead healthier, more productive lives.

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Friends of the Poor Grant Program Opening Soon!
Friends of the Poor Grant Program Opening Soon! 1804 2100 SVDP USA

Friends of the Poor® Grant Program
North Central and Southeast Regional Cycle Opens February 12

The National Council of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul invites Conferences and District Councils to apply for grants of up to $5,000.

Deadline February 28!

$240,000 is being awarded this fiscal year.Grants are targeted to specific, current emergency assistance needs of the poor, above and beyond available resources. Preferred interest areas are: rental/housing assistance, utility assistance, food, clothing, transportation, baby/children needs, and medical. No systemic change projects.

Applying is simple. Download the application from the National Council Development Toolbox FOP Grant tab.

Grant Award Requirements:

  •  A Conference must be Aggregated and the District Council must be Instituted.
  • If you have received a grant within the last 3 years, you are not eligible to apply.
  • Grant funds are expected to be exhausted within 6 months.
  • A Grant report is due within 6 months outlining in detail how the funds were used.

Please note: Your Friends of the Poor® Grant Application will not be considered unless all the application requirements are completed using the most recent version of the application and emailed to Gerri Sample at the National Council by February 28.

The National Development Department coordinates the Friends of the Poor® Grant Program. The total annual funding varies and is based on funds raised. Grant applications are awarded by an independent peer review committee.

For More Information, Contact

Gerri Sample
(314) 576-3993, ext. 211

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01-28-21 Letter From Our Servant Leaders
01-28-21 Letter From Our Servant Leaders 600 685 SVDP USA

Dear Vincentian Friends,

I really was not looking for another way to spend my retirement days. Being your National
Council President is a privilege that is already fulfilling and time-consuming. When asked,
however, to join the Board of Directors of the Council General International as the Vice
President with responsibility for Solidarity and Special Projects, I accepted because I
understand the importance of working to strengthen that worldwide network of charity imagined
by our founder Blessed Frédéric Ozanam.

Building on the work of U.S. Council representatives Terry Wilson and Edward Keane, who
served under past Council General President, Michael Thio, our current President General,
Renato Lima de Oliveira, has also appointed other United States Vincentians to serve in the
Society’s international structure. Let me introduce them:

  • Michael Nizankiewicz – International Territorial Vice President for America 1
  • Frank Voehl – Zone 1 Coordinator for America 1
  • Kat Brissette – Youth Territorial Delegate America 1
  • Bill Brazier – Commission for International Aid and Development
  • Dave Barringer – Chair of International Logo Commission
  • Edward Keane – Chair of the United Nations Department
  • Patricia Hughes – Member on the United Nations Department
  • Donald Kany – International Vincentian Family Haiti Initiative

This participation by our United States Vincentians is very different from what I observed
during my early years in the Society. Our National Council President always had a position on
the International Executive Committee, and many Conferences did Twinning. Overall, however,
we U.S. Vincentians did not pay much attention to what happened beyond our borders. It
would also be fair to say the Society’s international structure until recently was very Europecentered and did not pay much attention to us either. We have much to learn from our
worldwide network, and we have some very good best practices that we are sharing as well.

Each of you can directly experience this global Vincentian network and make my new role a
little easier by having your conference participate in International Twinning. When you partner
with a Conference in another country, you will be in communication with brothers and sisters
working in their parishes and trying to meet needs in their communities. You will learn how
much we have in common and understand some of the challenges Vincentians elsewhere face
as they live out our common vocation. Sharing in an understanding of our Vincentian work
beyond our own national borders is a tradition that dates to the early years of our Society.

I encourage you to continue working with Elizabeth Martinez, our National Council Twinning
Coordinator, to partner with Conferences that have requested assistance through our Council
General Office in Paris. There are many Conferences waiting to be assigned to a partner.
Please do not send aid directly to any international project except through our National Council
Office. The international projects we support through the National Council have been
investigated and prioritized. Beyond the need to ensure accountability for use of the funds,
there are regulations issued by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security that we need to
follow.

Finally, and most importantly, please pray for our sister and brother Vincentians working in
difficult and sometimes dangerous places. I have been privileged to meet some of their leaders
and to hear their stories. To provide their members spiritual support and friendship, they hold
Conference meetings like we do. Just like us, they never have sufficient resources to serve
their neighbors in need fully. And they take the same Vincentian journey, pray the same
prayers and follow the same Rule we do. With them, we are “One Society,” serving in hope.

Serviens in spe,
Ralph Middlecamp
National Council President

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