The Value of Vincentian Friendship – Priceless!
The theme of Honoring Heritage and Embracing Change came to life at our National Assembly in Louisville!
It was awesome to be with all our Vincentians that were able to be with us at this faith filled gathering.
I told my 9-month granddaughter about the Assembly, and this was her reaction.
Now, I know you might think I am just a proud grandfather coming up with a creative way to share a video of my first grandchild, but there is more to it! Actually, I got this idea from Dr. Andrew Abela, Dean of the Busch Business School at the Catholic University of America, an outstanding keynote speaker at this year’s event. He gave a great talk on Super Habits, and he creatively made his grandchild the star of the presentation.
Gregg Colburn, another keynote speaker, did magnificent job of presenting how structural housing factors impact homelessness.
Stephanie Land, our final keynote speaker, gave a powerful testimony on how she has overcome poverty. (This video requires a password. Please check Frederic’s Five for more information)
An amazing meeting is only possible with the hard work of so many people. We thank Louisville Archdiocesan Council President David Neill and everyone on the Louisville team that put in incredible hours in making this gathering an absolute success.
As Vincentians, we know there is always behind the scenes work to make our efforts a reality.
Words of appreciation sometimes are not enough to express our appreciation for the countless hours spent making such a large effort a success. The quiet efforts of Vincentian staff (paid and unpaid) are priceless. On behalf of the entire Society, we thank them for everything they did to make this event a success!
Vincentian friendship is so important to our spiritual journeys. I saw this on display at the National Assembly, the Mid-Year Meeting, and the many Region meetings that I attended in my first year at the National Council.
Let me introduce you to a Vincentian friend I met at the Assembly, Matt Ryan from Houston, Texas. Matt tapped on my shoulder and said, “Hey Michael, I think we have the same mentor.” I looked around and Matt introduced himself and shared with me that Chuck Baimbridge in Houston was a Vincentian friend and mentor to him.
Before Chuck retired from a high-level leadership role in a Louisiana chemical company, he was the Council President of the Society in the Diocese of Baton Rouge. Chuck was a great visionary leader who embraced our virtues. He helped us establish new special works and the first Society of St Vincent de Paul Council Foundation in the country.
I made a new friend with Matt and through him, I am reconnecting with an old one. My daughter’s family (and Stella – that beautiful grandbaby) live in Houston, so next time I am there, I’m going to visit Chuck and his wonderful wife Susan.
Aren’t our Vincentian friendships priceless! As Catholics, we know that these friendships never die but live on into eternal life.
To all of my Vincentian friends, thank you for being inspirational mentors to me!
If I have not had the blessing and opportunity to meet you, I cannot wait! See you soon as we journey together with Christ in our service to His children in need.
Sincerely yours in our Vincentian Journey,
Michael J. Acaldo
National Council CEO
