Leadership

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Meet Michael Acaldo, CEO
Meet Michael Acaldo, CEO 2048 2048 SVDP USA

From the Bayou to CEO: Meet Michael Acaldo

MICHAEL ACALDO KNEW NOTHING ABOUT THE SOCIETY OF ST. VINCENT DE PAUL when he applied to lead SVdP Baton Rouge. He was graduating from Louisiana State University and just looking for a job. His father filled him in on the details.

“By some miracle, they decided to give the opportunity to someone with no real experience,” he says. Thirty-four years and 11 months later, it’s safe to say that things worked out well.

What Michael noticed right away was that his experience of knowing very little about SVdP was not uncommon. “The Society has been in Baton Rouge since 1865 . . .but there was not much public branding relative to what they did.”

Michael understood that raising awareness of SVdP was essential — both for raising funds and more importantly, for reaching people in need. “Part of the Vincentian spirit is one of humility. But it’s critical you get the word out because that’s what evangelizes for your organization!” he exclaims. “You rob people of that gift if you’re not open about [your work].”

Over the next few decades, Michael’s mission was to help SVdP Baton Rouge become a leader — in providing hot meals, establishing a comprehensive sheltering program, and working with SVdP Conferences all across the region to prevent homelessness. Under his watch, the Baton Rouge Council was SVdP’s first Council in the country to start a foundation and the first to have a community pharmacy. But he also made it a top priority to make sure that the public knew what SVdP was doing. Michael ran major campaigns with all the local television and radio stations over the years, building a reputation around the region that led to sustained fundraising success.

“WE WERE SO BLESSED TO SERVE CHRIST!” he reflects. “Some days we would serve 500 people in our dining room – that’s an opportunity to serve Christ 500 times. And it’s so uplifting to be a witness to 1,500 volunteers helping those in need each month. Both the Vincentian family and those we were blessed to serve — they both touched my soul and my heart.”

Now as the new CEO of SVdP USA, it’s this heart of Christian service that has kept him grounded. “Humility and spiritual growth are the foundation of everything we do,” he says. “And the more we grow spiritually, the more we realize we have to grow.” With God’s grace, SVdP will surely grow under his careful stewardship.

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January is Poverty Awareness Month
January is Poverty Awareness Month 940 788 SVDP USA

January is Poverty Awareness Month

On the Eighth World Day of the Poor, Pope Francis wrote:

“If prayer does not translate into concrete action, it is in vain; 
indeed, ‘faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead.’”

January is Poverty Awareness Month, a time for all people of faith to defend the life and dignity of those living in poverty. The Society of St. Vincent de Paul serves the poorest among us, not just during Poverty Awareness Month, but every day of the year. We put faith into action, rooted in love for those we serve as we are called to do.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Annual Homelessness Assessment Report, released on December 27, underscores the crisis of poverty and homelessness facing America. The report found more than 770,000 individuals were experiencing homelessness on a single night in 2024 — an increase of 18% over last year and an all-time high.

The crisis is growing, and we know that prayer alone is not enough. We are called to recognize those who struggle and to respond with compassion, love, and action. The Society of St. Vincent de Paul brings personalized help to people in crisis, as Vincentian volunteers in more than 4,000 communities across the country provide rental and utility assistance, food, medical care, educational support, and more. There is a transformative power in giving ourselves — our time, our attention, our presence — through these acts of love and service.

Our faith informs who and how we serve, and our service to those living in poverty strengthens our faith. This Poverty Awareness Month, our mission remains unchanged. The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is, and forever will be, a network of friends, inspired by Gospel values, growing in holiness and building a more just world through personal relationships with and service to people in need.

– John Berry
National President of SVdP USA

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01-09-25 A Letter From Our Servant Leaders
01-09-25 A Letter From Our Servant Leaders 1200 1200 SVDP USA

5 Great Virtues to Center Our Lives On!

As we enter a new calendar year, many of us embrace resolutions or new goals to better ourselves. The focus is usually on the mind, body, and spirit. As a Vincentian family, we have five great virtues to center our new year on — Simplicity, Humility, Gentleness, Selflessness, and Zeal.

Every new year is an opportunity to embrace our Vincentian Virtues. When I undertake a new resolution or change in my life, I often find it difficult to keep my full attention on it throughout the course of a year.

We are thrilled to announce this first publication of our new Frédéric’s Five newsletter, which is built on our five virtues. Every week, you will receive this email, which will be an ongoing reminder to grow and live by these essential elements of our Vincentian life.

This new publication will be shorter, more focused, and much easier to get through in today’s busy world. We will continue the popular Servant Leader column written by our Vincentian leadership. This will be followed by a Feature section highlighting newsworthy content, a compact Q&A section, a Calendar of Events section, and a Faith in Action section. Quick links to important Vincentian resources have also been added.

Our goal is that, by highlighting the five virtues, we help readers to keep each virtue close to their hearts and minds as they read the content.

Where did all these wonderful ideas to change the format of our membership newsletter come from? They came from you, our Vincentian family. Over time, we heard your feedback about the things you loved about the e-Gazette, and the things that you felt could be improved.

I would like to give a shout out of appreciation to Jill Pioter, National Director of Marketing and Communications; Pam Hudson Johnson, National Director of Membership Services; Kristen Blacksher, Digital Communications Manager; Tim Williams, Senior Director, Formation & Leadership Development; and the other Vincentian leaders that took all these thoughts and put them together in this wonderful new format.

As I mentioned above, these changes are from input we have received over time, and we want you to continue to give us input by commenting on this article or emailing us at usacouncil@svdpusa.org. Your input will be a gift to us to share through this new publication.

In my past columns, I have talked about my love and admiration for the many Vincentians that I have been blessed to observe, who live lives full of spirituality, friendship, and service. We are so blessed to have so many Vincentians emulating St. Vincent de Paul in their commitment to the five Vincentian Virtues. For a Fred Talk and more information on our Virtues, visit https://members.ssvpusa.org/our-spirituality/the-vincentian-virtues.

I know all of you are keeping those in California devastated by the wildfires in your thoughts and prayers. Be assured that our National Council and our SVdP USA Disaster Services Corporation will respond with a Vincentian compassionate hand of hope to those impacted by this terrible disaster.

Thank you for making 2024 a great year for our Society, and I wish you and your family a 2025 filled with blessings!

Happy New Year,
Michael J. Acaldo
National CEO

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

John

John Berry
National President

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

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

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

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

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

“Christmas came without ribbons!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Merry Christmas,
Michael J. Acaldo
National CEO

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

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

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

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

Broad Agreement 

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

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

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

Prevention Is Worth a Pound of Cure 

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

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

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

The Way Forward 

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

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

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

John Berry

President, Society of St. Vincent de Paul USA

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

My dear Vincentian Brothers and Sisters,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Peace and God’s blessings,
John

John Berry
National President

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

The Beautiful Exchange

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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