John Berry

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04-03-25 A Letter From Our Servant Leaders
04-03-25 A Letter From Our Servant Leaders 1200 1200 SVDP USA

Every night, over half a million people in America experience homelessness. Imagine walking past them knowing they are someone’s mother, father, or child. As Vincentians, we don’t have to imagine it, we live it.

And we cannot simply walk by — we are called to act. We understand our profound responsibility to act boldly in service to others. The words from 1 John, “Let us love, not with words but with deeds” are a reminder to all of us of the profound responsibility we share as Christians to live out our faith not just in what we say, but in what we do.

We are each familiar with the calls to action required to address the many needs in the world. And we celebrate the profound joy that comes from growing in holiness through our response to Christ’s call to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, give shelter to the homeless, welcome the stranger, minister to the sick, and visit the prisoner. The work of every Vincentian and volunteer is a vital lifeline for countless people in need — individuals and families often standing at the brink of despair, searching for a glimmer of hope.

Every year, we are faced with new challenges and opportunities. The world is constantly evolving. So how do we respond as we answer the call to serve? Amid the excitement of new beginnings and the anticipation of fresh starts, there are also apprehensions about the changes and challenges that may lie ahead. But amidst these feelings, one constant remains: the enduring power of hope. And so, we must be Bearers of Hope to the countless many who wonder if hope exists, who wonder if love exists, who wonder if anyone cares.

For hope is the belief that even in the face of adversity, goodness and redemption are possible. It is the conviction that we can overcome obstacles, heal divisions, and build a more just and compassionate world. Let us remember that hope is not naive optimism. Hope, in the Vincentian tradition, is rooted in the unwavering belief that God is present among the poor and the suffering. When we stand alongside them, we stand with Christ Himself.

Hope is the seed, but justice is the harvest.

If we do not act, hope remains just a dream. Justice must propel us to action, inspiring efforts that ripple outward, create lasting change, and making our world a better place. And so, we must also become fighters for Justice.

But we face a difficult challenge when frankly we sometimes must wonder if the world has lost its mind. A world that mirrors almost identically that of the 1830s in Paris, France, where Frédéric Ozanam wrote in 1836:

“The question that is agitating the world today is not of political forms, but it is a social one. It is a struggle between those who have nothing and those who have too much. It is a violent clash of opulence and poverty which is shaking the ground under our feet. Our duty as Christians is to intervene between these two camps, to ensure that some deprive themselves in order to fulfill a law, and others receive as a benefit; that some stop demanding and others stop refusing; that equality prevails as much as possible among people; that the voluntary community replaces taxes and forced borrowing, that love accomplishes what justice alone cannot do.”

So, as in 1836, we must become Advocates not only for Justice, but also for Love, transforming hope into action, and helping to heal our wounded world.

Yet the challenges of the world still face us and try to beat us down. A world where in January, thousands marched in our nation’s capital to advocate for the sanctity of life. Politicians came out, made speeches, had their pictures taken, then went right back up the marble stairs of the Capital and continued to plan how to cut billions of dollars in aid to babies who are born to the poor and the homeless. A world where it seems to be acceptable by some to cut 1.5 billion dollars in aid to USDA for food for the hungry, a billion dollars for vaccinations for the poor, and billions of dollars in aid to the homeless, the hungry, the sick, the unemployed and the elderly — all while spending trillions of dollars to plant a flag on Mars.

So, the world demands that we must become Advocates for Justice, transforming hope into action, and helping to heal our wounded world.

There are those who say we should not involve ourselves in advocacy or the great issues of the day. They say we should stay out of politics, be content with the charity we offer, and not try to change the things that cause or perpetuate poverty, dependency, and need.

To those people, I would say that if we do not use the knowledge and learning we uniquely gain through our personal encounters with the people we serve to help change the causes of poverty, dependence, and need then we are failing in our duty as Christians — and we are not being true to the foundations of our Society.

At SVdP, we serve those in need without regard for their demographics or creed, no matter what political party is in power. But the work of charity cannot, and must not, be neatly divided from the claims of justice. Make no mistake; while SVdP is not a political organization, our work and our faith demand that we advocate for those living in poverty.

Recall Frédéric Ozanam’s famous quote:

“Charity is the Samaritan who pours oil on the wounds of the traveler who has been attacked. It is justice’s role to prevent the attack.”

In 1848, Frédéric Ozanam was the Vice President of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. On the occasion of the General Assembly that year, he wrote a letter that spoke to the vital importance of advocacy that the Society was obligated to undertake based on how we encountered the poor. Frédéric wrote:

“Yes, without doubt, it is too little to relieve the needy day by day. It is necessary to get to the root of the evil, and by wise reforms to diminish the causes of public misery. But we profess to believe that the science of welfare reform is learned less in books and parliamentary debates, than by climbing up the floors of the poor man’s house, by sitting at his bedside, by suffering the same cold as him, and by drawing out the secret of his desolate heart through the outpouring of a friendly conversation. When we have fulfilled this ministry, not for a few months, but for many years; when we have thus studied the poor at home, at school, at the hospital, not in one city only, but in many, in the countryside and in all the conditions where God has put it, then we begin to know the elements of this formidable problem of misery; then we have the right to propose serious measures, and instead of frightening society, we give it consolation and hope.”

Those words are as true today as when they were written on December 14, 1848. They could have been written last week and been applicable to our world in 2025. They are our heritage, they are our history, they are the calling we must continue to follow in the Society of St. Vincent de Paul today. Those who don’t understand that simply do not understand the wholeness of the Society.

St. Vincent de Paul himself lived in a world plagued by war and social upheaval. But his response was not just to provide bread and wood. He developed a network of priests, religious, and laypeople to not only provide food, shelter, and spiritual comfort to the wounded and displaced, but worked for the release of galley slaves and sought to protect the most vulnerable, living out Christ’s call to be a peacemaker. Vincent’s actions remind us that even in times of great darkness, the light of charity and justice must shine together. Vincent condemned greed and political ambitions that fueled wars and created poverty, but he did so to restore dignity and hope to those who suffered.

From a Vincentian perspective, we must see beyond the political rhetoric and recognize the human face of every victim of poverty. Each refugee, each orphan, each grieving mother is Christ crucified anew. To follow Vincent’s path means to reject the idea that poverty and suffering are inevitable. It means believing that justice is possible, but only when we confront self-interest and systemic injustice.

Our call to serve the poor, the refugees, the sick and all those who suffer injustice and oppression is also deeply rooted in Scripture. The Old Testament prophets often reminded Israel of their duty to care for the marginalized. We hear Isaiah proclaim:

“Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?”

That call tells us that our work must be holistic and transformative, addressing both immediate needs and systemic injustices.

In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus presents us with a clear and unambiguous description of how God will judge whether we lived out his commandment to love our neighbor as we love ourselves. Jesus tells us that our service to others is not just a charitable act — but a divine mandate.

Tomorrow, April 4, we will open our second National Office in Washington, DC. We will increase our efforts to advocate on behalf of those we serve and turn our focus more intensely towards the pressing issues of our time, particularly the scourge of poverty and homelessness that afflicts far too many of our fellow Americans. Last year, SVdP USA provided over $1.7 billion in services directly to over 5 million people in need across this country. That’s not just a number — that’s 5 million lives changed, 5 million families given a second chance, 5 million reminders that love is unstoppable! The unique direct relationship we have with our neighbors through our personal encounters gives us a perspective and view from the reality of the poor that we will be able to share with policy makers and like-minded nonprofits and other organizations. To fail to do so would be a disservice to those we serve and an abandonment of our obligation to our faith.

The stark and shocking reality of America and the world today is that millions of our brothers and sisters lack basic necessities — affordable housing, nutritious food, and quality healthcare. Families live on the streets, children go to bed hungry, and the cycle of poverty persists. Imagine a mother putting her children down to sleep on a cold night with no bed and no roof overhead. Or a child going to school hungry, unable to focus on learning. This is the reality we must work to change.

This is a crisis of conscience for our nation and every nation. It is a stark reminder that the pursuit of individual prosperity cannot come at the expense of the common good. We are called, as followers of Christ, to be our brothers’ and sisters’ keepers. We are called to love our neighbors as ourselves.

What must we do next? How do we turn faith into action, hope into impact?

Primarily, we must open our eyes and our hearts to the suffering around us. We must acknowledge the realities of poverty and homelessness in our own communities. We must listen to the stories of those who are struggling, and we must seek to understand their experiences.

We cannot help if we do not understand. And we cannot understand if we do not listen.

Secondly, we must not only serve the poor, but stand beside them, speak for them, and challenge the systems that keep them in poverty. We must advocate for affordable housing, living wages, and access to quality education and healthcare. Our faith and our actions must walk hand in hand.

And finally, we must cultivate a spirit of solidarity and collective action. We must remember that we are all interconnected, and that the well-being of each of us is dependent on the well-being of all. We must work together to build a society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

As we look ahead, I am inspired by what we can accomplish together. Imagine a community where every child has access to food, every family has a safe place to call home, and every individual feels valued. Together, we can make that vision a reality.

The task before us is daunting, but not insurmountable. We cannot solve the problems of poverty and homelessness overnight. But we can, each one of us, make a difference. We can be a force for good in the world. We can build a more just and compassionate society, a society where everyone can live a life of dignity and hope.

Our goal must be not just to alleviate suffering but to encounter the divine in our service to others. By looking to the future with hope and embracing new ways of doing things, we serve in ways that are both meaningful and transformative.

We stand poised to face new challenges with courage and creativity. As we move forward, let us do so with hearts full of love, minds open to innovation, and spirits grounded in the timeless values of our faith.

Together, we can make a difference that echoes through the ages, bringing hope and healing to a world in need.

My Brothers and Sisters, the call to serve is a divine mandate that transcends time and tradition. Let us be committed and courageous in our approach to answering that call.

Together, we are the light that dispels the darkness. We are the hands of Christ, the voice of the voiceless, the hope of the hopeless. And we will not stop until justice is done, until love reigns, until all are seen, heard, and embraced in dignity.

As we move forward with courage and faith; without fear or apprehension let us be inspired by the words of Blessed Frédéric Ozanam: “Let us not be discouraged; let us be better.”

In closing, I offer you the words of St. Vincent de Paul: “Go to the poor: you will find God.” This simple yet profound directive guides all of us in the Society of St. Vincent de Paul in our mission to serve with love and compassion.

Peace and God’s blessings,
John

John Berry
National President

(Note: Some of the content of this reflection was adapted from the March 27, 2025 FamVin Vincentian Reflection, “Hope and Peace in a World Torn by War”)

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Op-Ed: Why the next homelessness crisis is so perilous — and how we must respond
Op-Ed: Why the next homelessness crisis is so perilous — and how we must respond 1080 1080 SVDP USA

Op-Ed Published in the Dayton Daily News 3/26/2025. Submitted by John Berry, National President of Society of St. Vincent de Paul USA

After a decades-long decline in poverty among elderly populations, there has been a sharp uptick in recent years. This dangerous trend particularly affects older women. According to a recent government report, the number of older women classified as impoverished rose to 15% in 2023 from 11.7%. Today, one in six American women 65 years old or older live in poverty. Among Black, Latina, and Indigenous populations, the poverty rate is closer to one in five.

Many who work with homeless populations report early signs of a “gray wave”, as more older Americans, often living on a fixed income, become homeless due to increasing rents and costs of living.

The story of a Dayton, Ohio, woman named Patricia is illustrative. For most of her life, Patricia’s living situation had been the picture of stability: She lived for 51 years in the same home, before moving to an apartment across town, where she spent another decade. But in 2021, a property management company controlling Patricia’s apartment started hiking her rent and then refused to work with a rental assistance program. Before long, she was forced out.

As the baby boomer generation ages, the number of elderly homeless is expected to triple by decade’s end. To understand why this trend is so dangerous, consider the situation of older women like Patricia. It can be difficult for anyone to get back on their feet once they’ve become unhoused. The fees and fines, the black marks on your record, the acute difficulties of finding or holding a job without a place to live—these troubles afflict even those who are relatively young and healthy. Elderly people face greater physical limitations and have fewer technology skills for finding help.

That’s why homelessness prevention is so important. At the Society of St. Vincent de Paul USA, we care for those who live on the brink of homelessness, knowing that “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” But you don’t need any special expertise to recognize how terribly vulnerable elderly populations are—or how quickly a temporary stint of homelessness can become a terminal condition for people in declining health.

Consider the stories of two more women who, like Patricia, came to the Dayton SVdP for help when their housing precarity reached a crisis point.

For a woman named Brenda, disaster struck when she woke up one morning and couldn’t feel her right leg. It took doctors months before they ordered an MRI that showed she had scoliosis, arthritis, and a compressed spine. In the meantime, Brenda ran out of PTO, sick leave, and FMLA benefits. She lost her job, could no longer pay her rent, and received an eviction notice.

In Evelyn’s case, she already couldn’t work because of advanced emphysema. To make the most of her supplemental security income, she shared an apartment with roommates. But when her roommates stopped paying their share of the rent, she was evicted alongside them. She’s on oxygen, and had to live out of her car.

For older women living in poverty, homelessness prevention doesn’t mean the same thing as it does for those whose precarity stems from unemployment, substance use, or mental health issues. Job training, counseling, or rehabilitation isn’t usually what they need.

What women like Patricia, Brenda, and Evelyn need is affordable housing — something in increasingly short supply around the country. With mounting health concerns and diminishing employment prospects on the horizon in their sunset years, older women in poverty acutely need the stability and dignity of a place to call their own.

They also need support tailored to their particular needs: assistance in finding and applying for programs and resources, greater access to health workers, in addition to facilities and services accommodating of people with limited mobility.

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul helped these women stabilize their situation and seek out long-term housing, and I’m proud of that. But the impending “gray wave” of homelessness is a problem that demands collective action — from local non-profits and affordable housing initiatives to state and federal programs.

I think all of us can agree that we want a world in which older women aren’t forced out onto the street because of limited income or poor health. But as the costs of housing, food, and health care continue to rise, that shared goal is going to require significant, concerted effort. Let’s begin now.

 

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SVdP National President John Berry Statement on US Department of Agriculture Cuts
SVdP National President John Berry Statement on US Department of Agriculture Cuts 1920 1920 SVDP USA

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) sudden decision to eliminate $1.5 billion in food purchase programs for schools and food banks is a troubling step backward for our country. This move directly harms families and individuals, especially at a time when food prices remain high and food insecurity is rising.

While we recognize the Administration’s authority to address wasteful government spending, these programs were anything but wasteful. A review may be reasonable, but total elimination is devastating. These initiatives put food on dining tables, ensured low-income children were fed, and kept food pantry shelves stocked for those in need — across both red and blue states, alike.

The elimination of the Emergency Food Assistance Program, the Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program, and the Local Food for Schools Cooperative Agreement Program will create a massive gap that nonprofit organizations on the front lines of the nation’s food insecurity crisis cannot possibly fill.

Some may argue that these programs — initially launched in response to the COVID-19 pandemic — are no longer necessary. However, food insecurity has not recovered from the economic shocks of 2020 – 21 and the ongoing impacts of inflation on working American families. In fact, the problem continues to worsen, leaving more people struggling to access the food they need.

The USDA’s own data paints a stark picture of the nation’s food insecurity crisis. From 2020 to 2024, the all-food Consumer Price Index rose by 23.6% — a reality all too familiar to families struggling to put food on the table. In 2023, more than 18 million households were classified as food insecure, according to the latest USDA Household Food Security Report. This represented 13.5% of U.S. households, a sharp increase from 12.8% in 2022 and 10.2% in 2021.

At the Society of St. Vincent de Paul USA (SVdP), we have deep expertise in addressing food insecurity and the way it can lead to homelessness. Ranked by Forbes magazine as the 59th largest nonprofit in the U.S. as ranked by Forbes Magazine, we provided $1.7 billion in services last year to more than five million people.

As a leader in the fight to prevent homelessness and to care for our most vulnerable populations, we urge the USDA to convene a gathering of organizations to provide our perspective and to seek solutions that work to keep people fed. We come with open minds, compassionate hearts and a commitment to collaboration to seek solutions, and we trust the USDA will act in similar good faith to alleviate the suffering of those living on the margins.

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03-20-25 A Letter From Our Servant Leaders
03-20-25 A Letter From Our Servant Leaders 1200 1200 SVDP USA

Every day, we Vincentians have personal encounters with the people we serve as we live out our vocation in this ministry that we all love and have committed ourselves to.

These encounters occur in many different places — food pantries, homes, thrift stores, dining halls, homeless shelters, parish offices. It really doesn’t matter where the encounter occurs, because the foundation of that encounter is the profound idea of “place of presence” — a sacred space where we encounter the divine through our engagement with those in need.

When we serve the poor, we do not merely extend a helping hand; we enter into a holy encounter where Christ Himself is present. Scripture reminds us time and again that God is intimately concerned with the suffering of the poor, and He calls us to be His hands and feet in the world. So, we must understand and recognize how the “place of presence” transforms our charitable works into moments of grace and divine encounter.

In Matthew 25:40, Jesus tells us, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”

This powerful statement affirms that when we reach out to the hungry, the homeless, and the marginalized, we are stepping into a “place of presence” where Christ dwells. Our acts of charity are not just social work; they are encounters with Jesus in His most distressing disguise. When we serve with this perspective, our actions become an expression of our faith, a tangible manifestation of God’s love in the world.

So, as we engage in encounter during our Vincentian work, every dining hall, every shelter, every visit to a person’s home, every act of generosity becomes a sanctuary — a “place of presence” — where the love of God is revealed. When we respond to the cries of the poor, we are not simply fixing problems; we are becoming instruments of God’s justice and love, making His presence tangible in the world.

But what matters, the only thing that matters, is the quality of that encounter. What matters is that we understand the important differences between transactional encounters and Christ-centered, deeply spiritual encounters, particularly in the context of charitable work with those in need.

As we engage in acts of service, it is essential to reflect on the nature of our interactions and the motivations behind our actions. Are we merely fulfilling a duty, or are we entering into a transformative relationship that reflects the love of Christ?

Transactional encounters are often characterized by a mindset of exchange. In these interactions, we may approach charitable work with a focus on what we can give or what we can gain.

For instance, someone might volunteer at dining hall or a thrift store, viewing their actions as a checklist to fulfill their perceived moral obligations. While these acts are undoubtedly valuable, they can sometimes lack the depth and authenticity that come from a Christ-centered approach. In a transactional mindset, we may unconsciously view those we serve as mere recipients of our generosity, rather than as individuals with their own stories, struggles, and dignity.

Consider the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37). In this story, we see a man who is beaten and left for dead by the side of the road. The priest and the Levite, both respected figures in society, pass by without offering help. They may have been preoccupied with their own duties, or perhaps they felt that helping the wounded man was not their responsibility. In contrast, the Samaritan, a figure often despised by the Jewish community, stops to help. He does not see the wounded man as a mere project or a checklist item; he sees a fellow human being in need. His compassion leads him to take action, to bind the man’s wounds, and to ensure he receives care.

This story is a wonderful example of the difference between a transactional encounter and a Christ-centered encounter. The priest and the Levite represent a transactional mindset, where their actions are dictated by societal expectations and personal convenience. The Samaritan, however, embodies the heart of Christ-centered service — he acts out of love, empathy, and a deep recognition of the inherent worth of the other.

When we engage in charitable work from a Christ-centered perspective, we are called to see those we serve as our brothers and sisters in Christ. This requires us to move beyond a mindset of obligation and to embrace a spirit of genuine compassion. It means taking the time to listen to their stories, to understand their struggles, and to walk alongside them in their journey. In doing so, we create a space for authentic connection, where both the giver and the receiver are transformed.

A Christ-centered encounter in charitable work also invites us to reflect on our own vulnerabilities.

When we serve others, we are reminded of our shared humanity. We all have needs, struggles, and moments of weakness. This recognition fosters humility and gratitude, allowing us to approach our work with a spirit of solidarity rather than superiority. We are not saviors; we are fellow travelers on the journey of life, called to support one another in love. This acknowledgement and understanding that we are not saviors, that we can’t help everyone, is the hardest thing we Vincentians often have to learn. It is too frequently the root cause of our burnout and frustration.

Charity is not only about material giving; it is about relational giving. In John 1:14, we read, “The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us.” God chose to be present with humanity, not from a distance, but by entering into our struggles and pains. In the same way, our charitable works should not be impersonal transactions; they should be incarnational, reflecting the love of Christ through genuine presence.

Pope Francis speaks often about the “culture of encounter,” urging us to go beyond superficial aid and truly know and love the poor. He reminds us that “the Gospel of the marginalized is where our credibility is found and revealed.” This means stepping into the spaces of suffering with humility and love, not merely as benefactors but as fellow human beings created in God’s image.

To be truly present means to listen deeply and to share in the joys and sorrows of those we serve. It is easy to drop off a box of food, promise to pay off a bill, or make a donation, but to sit with someone, to hear their story, to share a moment of laughter or tears — this is where transformation happens. And this can’t occur when we’re rushing to fill in the data on a form so we can process a check and get on to the next case. That’s transaction, not encounter.

Jesus did not merely provide for people’s needs; He walked with them, touched them, called them by name. When we follow His example, our presence becomes an extension of His love, and in that sacred space, both the giver and the receiver are changed.

So, as we are doing our Conference and Council work, trying to help as many people as we can (and sometimes maybe doing too much), we need to stop and ask ourselves a very hard question: Are we approaching our service as a transaction, or are we entering into a sacred encounter? Are we merely checking off a box, or are we allowing ourselves to be transformed by the relationships we build? Are we trying to do too much, given the people resources we have, and in doing so, are we turning a Christ-centered encounter into a transaction that diminishes both us and the person we serve?

I believe that the answer to that question, if we truly answer it honestly, is too often not going to be the one we want to hear.

Therefore, we must strive to cultivate a spirit of Christ-centered service in our Vincentian works. We must approach those in need with open hearts, ready to listen, to learn, and to love. We must remember that our acts of service are not just about what we can give, but about the relationships we build and the love we share. As we do so, we will not only bless those we serve but also experience the transformative power of Christ’s love in our own lives. Let us commit today, and every day, to serve with renewed hearts, seeing in every suffering face an opportunity to meet Christ.

May our charity be more than obligation. May it be a joyful response to God’s call to love, knowing that in the “place of presence,” we are not only serving but also being served by the grace of our Lord.

And that, my friends, is what being a Vincentian is truly all about, isn’t it?

Peace and God’s blessings,
John

John Berry
National President

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A Midyear Meeting to Remember in St. Louis
A Midyear Meeting to Remember in St. Louis 2560 1707 SVDP USA

Vincentians from all across the United States gathered together March 5-8 in downtown St. Louis at the Midyear Business Meeting of SVdP USA. While in attendance, leaders learned about governance, leadership, advocacy, and finance, while renewing and deepening shared spirituality and friendships with one another. More than 200 leaders were in attendance, representing all nine regions and hundreds of SVdP Conferences.

National President John Berry welcomed members with his Presidential Address on Thursday with this speech. He began his address in this way: “Every night, more than a half a million people in America experience homelessness. Imagine walking past them knowing they are someone’s mother, father, or child. As Vincentians, we cannot simply walk by — we are called to act. As Vincentians, and as Christians, we understand our profound responsibility to act boldly in service to others.”

Other highlights included Director David Garcia’s update on the SoCal wildfire relief efforts, Archbishop Andrew Bellisario CM’s spiritual retreat, a Good Governance workshop with John Hallissy, and a Finance Presentation by Ed McCarthy.

To make our meeting times together more effective, SVdP USA is moving away from the Midyear Meeting starting in 2026. Instead, SVdP will focus on regional meetings and meetings of other affinity groups, including Executive Directors, Stores, Spiritual Advisors, Conference Presidents, and more.

See below for highlights of last week’s Midyear Meeting, and view video presentations here.

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2025 SVdP USA Midyear Business Meeting Opening Remarks
2025 SVdP USA Midyear Business Meeting Opening Remarks 1024 1024 SVDP USA

by John Berry, National President

Every night, more than a half a million people in America experience homelessness. Imagine walking past them knowing they are someone’s mother, father, or child. As Vincentians, we cannot simply walk by — we are called to act. As Vincentians, and as Christians, we understand our profound responsibility to act boldly in service to others.  The words from 1 John, “‘Let us love, not with words but with deeds” are a reminder to all of us of the profound responsibility we share as Christians to live out our faith not just in what we say, but in what we do. We transform this divine mandate beyond just our service to those in need into action as bearers of hope and justice; things we are called to do by our faith, and upon which our Society was founded..

We each are familiar with the calls to action required to address the many needs in the world. And we celebrate the profound joy that comes from growing in holiness through our response to Christ’s call to feed the hungry, cloth the naked, give shelter to the homeless, welcome the stranger, minister to the sick, and visit the prisoner. The work of every Vincentian here today is a vital lifeline for countless people in need, individuals and families often standing at the brink of despair, searching for a glimmer of hope.

Every year we are faced with new challenges and new opportunities. The world constantly evolves. Amid the excitement of new beginnings and the anticipation of fresh starts, there are also apprehensions about the changes and challenges that may lie ahead. But amidst these feelings, one constant always remains: the enduring power of hope. And so, we must be Bearers of Hope to the countless many who wonder if hope exists, who wonder if love exists, who wonder if anyone cares.

For Hope is the belief that even in the face of adversity, goodness and redemption are possible. It is the conviction that we can overcome obstacles, heal divisions, and build a more just and compassionate world. As Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said, “We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope.”

Hope is the seed, but it is justice that is the harvest.

If we do not act, hope will remain just a dream. Justice must propel us to action, inspiring efforts that ripple outward, creating lasting change, and making our world a better place. And so, we must also become fighters for Justice. But we face a difficult challenge when frankly we sometimes must wonder if the world has lost its mind. A world that mirrors almost identically that of the 1830s in Paris, France where Frédéric Ozanam said:

“The problem that divides men and women in our day is… whether society will be only a great exploitation to the profit of the strongest or a consecration of each individual for the good of all and especially for the protection of the weak. There are a great many men and women who have too much and who wish to have more; there are a great many others who do not have enough, who have nothing, and who are willing to take if someone gives to them. Between these two classes of men, a confrontation is coming, and this menacing confrontation will be terrible; on the one side, the power of gold, on the other the power of despair.”

So, as in 1833 at our founding, we must become Advocates for Justice, transforming hope into action, and helping to heal our wounded world.

Now there are those who say we should not involve ourselves in advocacy or the great issues of the day. They say we should be content with the charity we offer and not try to change the things that cause or perpetuate poverty, dependency, and need.

To those people I would say that if we do not use the knowledge and learning we uniquely gain through our personal encounters with the people we serve to help change the causes of poverty, dependence, and need then we are failing in our duty as Christians and we are not being true to the foundations of our Society. Recall Frédéric Ozanam’s famous quote:

“Charity is the Samaritan who pours oil on the wounds of the traveler who has been attacked. It is justice’s role to prevent the attack.”

In 1848 Frédéric Ozanam was the Vice President of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. On the occasion on the General Assembly that year, he wrote a letter spoke to the vital importance of advocacy that the Society was obligated to undertake based on how we encountered the poor. Frederic wrote:

“Yes, without doubt, it is too little to relieve the needy day by day. It is necessary to get to the root of the evil, and by wise reforms to diminish the causes of public misery. But we profess to believe that the science of welfare reform is learned less in books and parliamentary debates, than by climbing up the floors of the poor man’s house,  by sitting at his bedside, by suffering the same cold as him, and by drawing out the secret of his desolate heart through the outpouring of a friendly conversation. When we have fulfilled this ministry, not for a few months, but for many years; when we have thus studied the poor at home, at school, at the hospital, not in one city only, but in many, in the countryside and in all the conditions where God has put it, then we begin to know the elements of this formidable problem of misery; then we have the right to propose serious measures, and instead of frightening society, we give it consolation and hope.

My friends, when the Society of St. Vincent de Paul began, in 1833, political groups were as present as today, armed as today, irreconcilable as today. It was the need to be united in the midst of a disunited people that forged our first bonds. Is this need not more urgent than ever? Do you not see that division penetrates everywhere, among honest people, among Christians, and even in the homes of all families? And when the times are so difficult, the problems so serious, the designs of God so hidden, how could the best citizens not be divided and not bring to their opposite opinions all the passion of their patriotism?”

The words are as true today as when they were written on December 14, 1848. They could have been written last week and been applicable to our world in 2025. They are our heritage, they are our history, they are the calling we must continue to follow in today’s Society of St. Vincent de Paul. Those who don’t understand that don’t understand the wholeness of the Society.

It is our Charity and our personal encounters with those we serve that gives us the credibility, the right — no, the obligation — to advocate on behalf of those we serve. As Frédéric wrote, we don’t learn about the poor from books and think tank sessions.  We learn about the poor be being with them, caring with them, suffering with them, praying with them, loving them.  That is what we must speak with and for them. To abandon our duty to serve them by advocating for them would be like abandoning them by refusing to provide them food or other aid.

Our call to serve the poor, the refugee, the sick, and all those who suffer injustice and oppression is also deeply rooted in Scripture. From the call of Isaiah in the Old Testament to the Gospel of Matthew we are told that our work must be holistic and transformative, addressing both immediate needs and systemic injustices. And Jesus tells us very clearly that our service to others is not just a charitable act — it is a divine mandate.

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul, celebrates a rich heritage of charitable work that began with our founding in 1833. That small effort by six college students has become a fire that lights the world. Today we serve in 155 countries around the world, with 800,000 Members and 1.5 million volunteers. We provided more 1.49 TRILLION Euros in Service to over 30 million people in 2023. And this year we will celebrate the 180th Anniversary of the founding of the Society here in the United States.

Our SVdP core value is deep, personal encounters with those we serve. It is this heritage of compassionate, relational charity that is the foundation of who we are and what we cherish and honor as we move forward.

Vincentians understand the words that George Bernard Shaw wrote many years ago, “The worst sin towards our fellow creatures is not to hate them, but to be indifferent to them.” So, the SVdP commitment to a human-to-human, Christ-centered encounter with all those we serve is unwavering and ensures that we are never indifferent to their material needs, but more importantly, we are not indifferent to their need to be seen, to be heard, and to be loved; by us and by God. Our commitment to compassion and service is unwavering.

Our founders underscored the importance of charity as an inclusive act, not merely an exchange of goods but a genuine relationship and community-building effort. But Ozanam also passionately spoke to the need to address the underlying causes of poverty and injustice. Frédéric said:

“Charity is not sufficient, it treats the wounds but does not stop the blows that cause them.
There comes a time when Charity is unable to do everything, and justice alone can ensure the well-being of all”

In his 2017 World Day of the Poor message, Pope Francis wrote:

“We may think of the poor simply as the beneficiaries of our occasional volunteer work, or of impromptu acts of generosity that appease our conscience. However good and useful such acts may be for making us sensitive to people’s needs and the injustices that are often their cause, they ought to lead to a true encounter with the poor and a sharing that becomes a way of life.”

That true spiritual encounter touches us. It enriches us. It’s true value is that it is a shared encounter.

To serve effectively in an ever-changing world, we are challenged to open our minds and hearts. We must ask ourselves: How can we be more inclusive? How can we address the root causes of poverty rather than just the symptoms?

The needs of the poor are evolving. And the face of poverty is changing; seniors, women, single parents, and the displaced middle class have become a larger part of the more than 5 million people we serve every year. And as the world evolves, so do the needs of the poor.

This year, SVdP USA is taking bold new action to increase the impact of our work and channel our hopes into concrete action. On April 4, we will open our second National Office in Washington, DC. We will increase our efforts to advocate on behalf of those we serve and turn our focus more intensely towards the pressing issues of our time, particularly the scourge of poverty and homelessness that afflicts far too many of our fellow Americans. As we were recently recognized as the 59th largest nonprofit in the United States by Forbes Magazine, providing over $1.7 Billion in services directly to over 5 million people in need last year, we have a right to be heard and a voice that matters.  That 5 million people is not just a number — that’s 5 million lives changed, 5 million families given a second chance, and they have a right to have their stories told and their needs identified to the people who can change the law and break down the barriers that are preventing them achieving stability and self-sufficiency.  We are that voice!

The unique direct relationship we have with our neighbors in need gives us a perspective and view from the reality of the poor that we are obligated to share with policy makers and like-minded nonprofits and other organizations to help drive change. Our new DC office will anchor that advocacy work.

The stark and shocking reality of America and the world today is that millions of our brothers and sisters lack basic necessities — affordable housing, nutritious food, and quality healthcare. Families live on the streets, children go to bed hungry, and the cycle of poverty persists. Imagine a mother putting her children down to sleep on a cold night — with no bed and no roof overhead. Or a child going to school hungry, unable to focus on learning. This is the reality WE must change.

This is a crisis of conscience for our nation and every nation. It is a stark reminder that the pursuit of individual prosperity cannot come at the expense of the common good. We are called, as followers of Christ, to be our brothers’ and sisters’ keepers. We are called to love our neighbors as ourselves.

As we look ahead, I am inspired by what we can accomplish together. Imagine a community where every child has access to food, every family has a safe place to call home, and every individual feels valued. Together, we can make that vision a reality.

The task before us is daunting, but not insurmountable. We cannot solve the problems of poverty and homelessness overnight. But we can, each one of us, make a difference. We can be a force for good in the world. We can build a more just and compassionate society, a society where everyone can live a life of dignity and hope.

Our goal must be not just to alleviate suffering but to encounter the divine in our service to others. By looking to the future with hope and embracing new ways of doing things, we serve in ways that are both meaningful and transformative.

In his 2023 message for the World Day of the Poor, Pope Francis wrote:

“Our daily efforts to welcome the poor are still not enough. A great river of poverty is traversing our cities and swelling to the point of overflowing; it seems to overwhelm us, so great are the needs of our brothers and sisters who plead for our help, support, and solidarity.” … It is easy to delegate charity to others, yet the calling of every Christian is to become personally involved.”

This call to perseverance in the face of what at times seems like hopelessness reminds us that our efforts, though sometimes modest, are significant. Every novel approach, every innovative idea, can make a profound difference. Each of us matters.

We stand poised to face new challenges with courage and creativity. As we move forward, let us do so with hearts full of love, minds open to innovation, and spirits grounded in the timeless values of our faith.

Together, we can make a difference that echoes through the ages, bringing hope and healing to a world in need.

My Brothers and Sisters, the call to serve is a divine mandate that transcends time and tradition. Let us be committed and courageous in our approach to answering that call.

Let us commit, in the spirit of the Gospel of Matthew 25, to serving Christ in the least of our brothers and sisters.

Let us commit to be courageous in adapting our charitable efforts to meet the evolving needs of the poor.

Let us commit to embrace this new year with renewed hope and a renewed commitment to action as instruments of God’s love and mercy in the world.

Let us commit together to build a beloved community where all are welcome, where all are valued, and where all can flourish.

Let us commit to be bold, compassionate, and innovative as we work together to build a future filled with hope and healing.

And let us commit that our efforts will reflect the love of Christ in every act of charity we undertake.

Together, we are the light that dispels the darkness. We are the hands of Christ, the voice of the voiceless, the hope of the hopeless. And we will not stop until justice is done, until love reigns, until all are seen, heard, and embraced in dignity.

As we move forward with courage and faith; without fear or apprehension let us be inspired by the words of Blessed Frédéric Ozanam, “Let us not be discouraged; let us be better.”

In closing, I offer you the words of St. Vincent de Paul: “Go to the poor: you will find God.” This simple yet profound directive guides all of us in the Society of St. Vincent de Paul in our mission to serve with love and compassion.

Thank you, and God bless.

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02-20-25 A Letter From Our Servant Leaders
02-20-25 A Letter From Our Servant Leaders 1200 1200 SVDP USA

VisionSVdP — What’s Next?

You might be wondering what happened to VisionSVdP. There was a lot of activity and hoopla around it for much of 2024, but recently, things have been pretty quiet, right? Well, I’m going to update you where we are, where we’re going, and make you a promise — it’s not going to be quiet for very long.

Let me start by saying that Phase I of VisionSVdP was a grand slam home run success! We had an incredible outpouring of thoughts and ideas and comments from across the country. From small Conferences to large Councils, people participated and were excited to share their thoughts about the Society. It was great to see.

And from that, we received a lot of comments. I mean a lot of comments! So a good deal of time has been spent entering them into our database at the National Office. Comments are being entered as written, with no editing. Once that is completed later this month, the data gurus will start to “do that voodoo that they do” so well. (Bonus points if you can name the movie that line came from!) They will sort, categorize, rank order, and do all kinds of other things with the data.

At the Midyear Meeting the first week in March, I will present an overview of what we heard. You will get that overview both by email and in Frédéric’s Five. You will also receive a link so you can look at every single comment made — unfiltered, unedited.

Then the fun starts. We’re going to look at everything and see what jumps out at us. What did a lot of people comment about? What did they think we really needed to fix, to add, to subtract, to change, to enhance? What did the thousands of Vincentian voices of SVdP USA have to say?

And then we’ll choose a manageable number of themes and get down to work. Or I should say…you will get down to work. Because you are going to tell us what we need to do.

We’ll identify the areas — for example, let’s say there are seven of them. Then we’ll create working groups — all over. At Conferences, at Councils, at Special Works…wherever it makes sense, and wherever a group of Vincentians wants to work on the subject. And you can volunteer for the group that is tackling the subject for which you have the greatest passion or interest. You can even join two if you want! (But the cutoff is two working groups per person.)

The working groups will meet as often as they feel is necessary, and then in late Fall, we will ask ALL Councils to hold a one- or two-day gathering to bring all these working groups together and develop a set of Recommendations for Action.

At that time, Councils will also elect two representatives (who CANNOT be the Council President) to represent the Council at a National Congress to be held in January 2026.

At that National Congress, the elected representatives will spend three days developing a National VisionSVdP Action Plan, which will provide us with specific plans for implementing what has come out of VisionSVdP.

There will be a lot more detail as we get further along, but that’s how it will work. It’s going to be a blast!

Peace and God’s blessings,
John

John Berry
National President

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02-06-25 A Letter From Our Servant Leaders
02-06-25 A Letter From Our Servant Leaders 1200 1200 SVDP USA

Very unsettling news that became public this week has sent a shockwave through the Catholic charitable community. As it impacts one the largest and most important Catholic international aid organizations, it demands reflection and a realization of how policy that might appear to address one issue can have devastating impact on innocents.

Catholic Relief Services, CRS, is bracing for massive cuts — as much as 50% this year — because of draconian reductions in U.S. foreign assistance ordered by the new administration.

CRS is the top recipient of funds for foreign aid to support people in need around the world, aid which the administration has targeted with a spending freeze. Layoffs have already begun, as CRS has been forced to begin shutting down programs, as close to half of the organization’s $1.5 billion budget has been slashed. The cuts would amount to one of the biggest blows ever to CRS, founded in 1943 by Catholic bishops in the United States to serve World War II survivors in Europe. CRS reaches more than 200 million people in 121 countries on five continents.

This is a tragic outcome for people around the world who rely on CRS and others who believe in the call of Christ to ‘love your neighbor’ for survival. It is important that we pray for our sisters and brothers at CRS who are doing God’s work as they go through this turmoil, that we pray for the innocents who will suffer because of these actions, and for an understanding by policymakers of the universal impact of their actions and a consideration of all impacted by those actions before they are taken.

This is not about politics. Politicians get elected and they have a right to enact the policies that they ran on and were elected on. No, this is about morality and doing what is right. This is about not cutting off your head because you have a cold. This is about not blowing up your house because your sink leaks. This is about thinking about the impact of your actions before you take them.

There is no excuse for making the poor, the hungry, the homeless, and the sick suffer while you ‘study’ the massive expenditures of the federal government. If there is waste, identify where, and cut it. You’ll be applauded. Don’t shut down vital lifesaving aid to millions while you look — people die that way. Look first, act second.

This is about the fact that we, as Christians, believe that caring for the poor, the homeless, the sick, and the elderly is not just a moral duty. It’s a divine mandate from God and Jesus. This obligation is deeply rooted in the teachings of the Bible and the example set by Jesus Christ during His earthly ministry.

The Bible is replete with verses that emphasize the importance of helping those in need. In the Old Testament, God commands His people to care for the less fortunate. For instance, in Deuteronomy 15:11, it is written, “For there will never cease to be poor in the land. Therefore, I command you, ‘You shall open wide your hand to your brother, to the needy and to the poor, in your land.'” This verse highlights the perpetual presence of poverty and the continuous need for generosity and compassion.

The teachings of Jesus in the New Testament further reinforce this obligation. Jesus’ ministry was marked by His compassion for the marginalized and the suffering. In Matthew 25:35-40, Jesus speaks about the final judgment and identifies Himself with the needy. We know that this passage underscores the idea that serving the needy is equivalent to serving Christ Himself.

Moreover, the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) illustrates the call to love and care for others, regardless of their background or circumstances. The Samaritan’s actions demonstrate that true neighborly love transcends social and ethnic boundaries and is characterized by mercy and compassion.

The early Christian community also exemplified this mandate. In Acts 2:44-45, it is recorded that “all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need.” This communal sharing and support for the needy were foundational to the early Church’s identity and mission.

So too do Governments have a fundamental obligation to support those in need during policy making. This responsibility is rooted in the principles of life, liberty, justice, and the common good. Effective governance requires that policies are designed to uplift the most vulnerable members of society, ensuring that everyone has access to basic necessities and opportunities for a better life.

Historically, U.S. governmental entities (both Republican and Democratic) have reached out to Catholic organizations in order to deliver social services more effectively and efficiently. America has a profound moral obligation to support those in need, both domestically and globally. This responsibility stems from the nation’s values of justice, compassion, and leadership. As a global leader, the United States has the capacity and resources to make a significant impact on alleviating suffering worldwide.

Moreover, America’s history of humanitarian aid reflects its commitment to global welfare. The Marshall Plan, for instance, helped rebuild Europe after World War II, demonstrating the nation’s dedication to fostering stability and prosperity beyond its borders. By supporting those in need globally, America not only fulfills its moral obligations but also promotes peace, stability, and goodwill. This approach fosters international cooperation and strengthens global partnerships, ultimately contributing to a more just and peaceful world.

In summary, Christians are called to care for the poor, the homeless, the sick, and the elderly as a reflection of God’s love and compassion. This mandate is not merely a suggestion, but a fundamental aspect of Christian discipleship, rooted in the teachings of the Bible and the example of Jesus Christ. By serving those in need, Christians fulfill their divine obligation and embody the love of Christ in the world.

Peace and God’s blessings,
John

John Berry
SVdP National President

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Society of St. Vincent de Paul USA President John Berry Statement on Federal Funding Freeze
Society of St. Vincent de Paul USA President John Berry Statement on Federal Funding Freeze 1920 1920 SVDP USA
By John Berry, National President, SVdP USA

While a federal judge has temporarily blocked a White House move to freeze federal grants and loans, the Society of St. Vincent DePaul USA (SVdP) remains deeply concerned about the impact this action could have on the most vulnerable of our population.

SVdP acknowledges and respects the right of the President and his Administration to implement policies that he campaigned on, but at the same time, millions of low-income Americans depend on federal assistance for rent, food and other assistance to stave off poverty and homelessness. Even a temporary disruption to this funding will likely result in hardworking people being forced out of their homes at a time when homelessness across the country is already on the rise.

As one of the nation’s largest organizations dedicated to preventing homelessness, SVdP urges the White House to take a more discerning and equitable approach to ensure that vulnerable families remain housed. We also call on the Administration to recognize that high rates of poverty and homelessness are unacceptable and represent a crisis of conscience for our nation.

We can debate policies, but first we must open our eyes and hearts to the suffering around us and then change the systems that perpetuate poverty by advocating for affordable housing, living wages and access to quality education and healthcare. Therefore, we ask the Administration to immediately lift the freeze on funding and begin good faith discussions to determine how their goals can be achieved without creating greater suffering among the innocent, whose lives rely on the support of these government programs.

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