Letter from Servant Leaders

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07-17-25 A Letter From Our Servant Leaders
07-17-25 A Letter From Our Servant Leaders 1200 1200 SVDP USA

Walking from Jerusalem to Jericho

This past weekend the Gospel reading was one of my favorites, the parable of The Good Samaritan. This is one of not just my, but a lot of people’s, favorite parables. You might call it one of Jesus’s greatest hits. It is so famous it has a hospital named after it in about every city in the country. And it is quoted by politicians, philosophers, and by that relative at every holiday dinner who manages to turn every conversation into a lecture for everyone at the dinner table.

But let’s look at it a little differently. We know the obvious point, right? ‘Help people in need.’ Yet if this parable were only about emergency roadside assistance, we would be done by now; grab a Band-Aid and a bottle of oil, and we are Saints. But Jesus never told a story just for the surface lesson. So if that’s the case, and we know it is, let’s dig deeper, with a smile, with honesty, and, I hope, with a spirit that finds real hope, not guilt, in his challenge to us to find his message.

The road from Jerusalem to Jericho, back in the day, was steep, twisty, and notorious for trouble. The star of the story, the Traveler, gets mugged and left half-dead. Enter three characters: first, the Priest, followed by the Levite. Both see the poor man but pull off the world’s earliest and most literal example of “ghosting.” Now, I do not know about you, but I think that if there were smartphones back then, I’m betting one of them was busy pretending to text while tiptoeing away. (“Sorry bro, can’t help, on an important call with my camel dealer!”)

And then comes The Samaritan, cue the dramatic gasp from Jesus’s original audience. Samaritans and Jews hated each other. Absolutely hated! If you were writing this as a modern sitcom, the soundtrack would add seriously ominous music. This Samaritan, who had every cultural excuse to pass by, stops, helps, pays, and promises to return.

But Jesus doesn’t end the story there with, “So, go and make better to-do lists for good deeds,” but instead, he flips the question the legal expert asks, “Who is my neighbor?” Jesus answers, in effect, “Go and be a neighbor.”

Fast-forward 2,025 years. The Jericho Road is now a six-lane highway, and our roadsides are crowded with not just one, but millions left battered by poverty, caught by cycles of injustice, overlooked by a world zooming past. We find “travelers” in every city and suburb, some homeless, others burdened by injustice, isolation, or the crushing weight of being unseen. And if we are honest, most of us have, at times, played every role in the story. Some days, we are rushing by, busy and tired. Other days, we stop and help. Some days, we are the one in the ditch, praying someone will notice.

But before any guilt creeps in, I believe that we should view the message of the parable not as Jesus’ way of condemning us to a life of exhausted do-goodery. But rather as a call to discover the joy, the promise, the adventure of becoming neighbors in a world allergic to neighborliness. There is no room for guilt here, only the possibility to wake up and be happy as we do.

You see, maybe Jesus told this story with a twinkle in his eye. He knew that if he gave us a hero from an unexpected place, (a Samaritan!) and a cast of respectable bystanders who miss their calling, it would rattle us out of self-righteousness. The story is not about racking up merit badges for kindness; it is about the delight of seeing with new eyes.

The gentle shock of self realization in this parable is the great equalizer. After all, who among us has not crossed the street to avoid an awkward situation, pretending suddenly to be engrossed by a shop window, or suddenly finding great interest in a can of beans at the grocery store to avoid someone? Jesus understood this. He uses the priest and Levite to show us: you are not alone in your discomfort. We all get squeamish. But don’t worry! Today is a new day, and mercy is always waiting for its cue.

There is an old saying: “Guilt can make good house guests, but they shouldn’t move in.” The Good Samaritan never helped because of guilt, he helped because he saw. Mercy only comes from seeing.

Jesus invites us not to be superheroes, but neighbors with open eyes. The point is not to solve every problem overnight or save the world alone. The Samaritan did not defeat the muggers, set up new road policies, or even stick around for years. He did what he could, with what he had, right in front of him, and he kept the compassion going.

What is more, the story upends the idea of “us and them.” The Samaritan helps not because of obligation, but because he knows what it is like to be on the margins himself. When you recognize your own wounds, it becomes easier to admit: “There but for the grace of God go I. Today I am the helper. Tomorrow, I need a hand.”

How, then, do we live out this parable in a noisy, divided, and complex world? How do we approach poverty and justice without falling into despair, or worse, numb indifference? Here are a few thoughts, think of them as “Samaritan Survival Tips” for the modern age:

Slow Down, Look Around, See

  • Look – rushing past is easier when we don’t look at people. The gift of the parable is the reminder that compassion starts by seeing, not solutions, not strategies, but faces. This week, try this as an experiment: wherever you go, make eye contact with one extra person. Notice who usually goes unnoticed.
  • See: If you are met with a smile, celebrate! If you’re met with a grumpy stare, congratulate yourself for finding a true neighbor-in-waiting.

Limitations Are not Lethal

  • The Samaritan did not fix everything; he just did his part. You won’t eradicate global poverty on your lunch break. But can you buy a meal for one person, write a kind note, or support a group working for justice? Absolutely.
  • And if you are an overachiever, remember, even the Samaritan took that guy to an inn. He didn’t build a hospital on the spot!

Break the Paradigms

  • The Samaritan crossed social divides. Today, that might mean listening to someone with a different political viewpoint (OMG, really?!?), religious, or cultural background, or inviting them for coffee.
  • When you are tempted to judge or turn away, remember: every act that builds a bridge makes the world a bit less lonely.

Make Justice Personal

  • There is a temptation to think justice is for “the professionals” or for someday when you have more time. But real justice begins with small, personal changes; paying attention, advocating when you can, supporting policies that help the vulnerable.
  • It is the little things: fair wages for workers, welcoming newcomers, not hoarding all the snacks in the office kitchen (a true act of mercy!).

Practice Joyful Generosity

  • The Samaritan’s help was not grim or resentful – it was generous, practical, and promised a return. Let us find ways to give that bring us joy, not just obligation. The smallest gift, given with lightness, can change someone’s life, and yours too.

The parable of the Good Samaritan is not a burden; it’s an invitation to a bigger, bolder, and happier life. It is about discovering our ability for mercy every day, in ordinary places, for ordinary people; travelers and strangers who are, in the mystery of faith, our very selves.

So, let us each walk our own Jericho road with our eyes open and our spirits light, ready for the unexpected. You may find your call not just in grand gestures, but in a smile, a meal, a shared laugh, or the willingness to be present when no one else does.

Remember: the world doesn’t just need more “good Samaritans;” the world needs more neighbors. Let us be those people together, with a bit of holy hope, and a lot of joy.

Peace and God’s blessings,

John

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7-10-25 A Letter From Our Servant Leaders
7-10-25 A Letter From Our Servant Leaders 1200 1200 SVDP USA

Sharing Christ’s Light and Love

As Vincentians, we know that the worlds of public policy and helping our neighbors are often intertwined.

Take the soaring cost of medicine. As Vincentians, we see the effect these costs have on those we serve every day. It’s an issue that one administration after another talks about – but rarely manages to do anything about.

But Vincentians always seem to find a way, don’t we?

In 1995, Baton Rouge opened the first St. Vincent de Paul charitable pharmacy in the country offering free medicine to those who needed it. Why? Because on Home Visits, we met people forced to choose between food and life-saving medications.

From there, the idea blossomed in places like Cincinnati, Atlanta, Dallas, Madison, Monroe, Houma-Thibodeaux, and Biloxi. The effort in Cincinnati required us to take an active role in advocating for legislation in Ohio to allow charitable pharmacies to exist. Our leadership in Ohio even helped draft the state bill in 2006 that permitted them. The same thing happened in Texas, where our leaders there took an active role with legislative leaders on this issue.

The result? Hundreds of thousands of free prescriptions have been filled by Vincentian pharmacies – ensuring people do not have to make that horrible choice between food or rent and medicine.

I have personally seen Christ walk through our pharmacy doors in Baton Rouge. I have seen Him in the faces of people brought to tears — not from sorrow, but joy. I will never forget one couple I met there. They had worked their entire lives, but the wife desperately needed medication they could not afford (this was before Medicare Part D). We helped them, and I will always treasure their tears of gratitude.

But that is not where this story ended. Sometimes as Vincentians we do not realize the far-reaching effects of bringing Christ’s love to someone. The husband in the story above, touched by the love we showed, heard about our toy drive for children in need.

Though he could not afford to buy gifts to donate, he had woodworking skills. He began crafting wooden toys from scrap wood — dozens that first year, then over four hundred the next. Every day, he had a goal to make a toy or two because he wanted to share that love. He did it for several years, until he physically could not anymore. His generosity inspired all of us as Vincentians immeasurably, and this propelled our Council to establish many other new efforts and initiatives through the years.

Christ recognized that there were big problems in the world, but He also knew that solving them started with going to the hungry, the thirsty and the naked and addressing their individual needs with God’s grace. Yes, we are called to render unto Caesar what is Caesar’s, but most importantly we must love our neighbor. For us, that is done by living our Vincentian Charism and going joyfully into the corners where few others dare to bring Christ’s light and love.

Best wishes in Christ,

Michael J. Acaldo

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07-03-25 A Letter From Our Servant Leaders
07-03-25 A Letter From Our Servant Leaders 1200 1200 SVDP USA

Who do You Say that I Am?  The unbreakable bond between faith and service

In this past weekend’s Gospel reading we hear Jesus ask Peter and the other Apostles the question “Who do you say that I am?”  My Pastor, and I’m sure many of yours, used this Gospel reading, and this question in particular, in his homily last Sunday as an opportunity to encourage us to explore our personal relationship with Jesus and to ask ourselves who do we say that He is to us in our lives?

That question Jesus posed to his disciples has resonated across centuries, demanding a response not just from Peter but from all of us who claim to be followers of Christ. Today, this question is still the mirror that lets us reflect on our relationship with Jesus. For many of us, especially we Vincentians, that relationship finds its most powerful and meaningful expression not in abstract theological belief, but in tangible advocacy for, and solidarity with, the poor. We have come to understand (and thus to answer that question for ourselves) that to believe in Jesus as Lord while ignoring the marginalized is to offer an incomplete answer, a contradiction that severs faith from its purpose.

In the Gospel, Peter declares, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16). That was a profound statement of faith and understanding, not merely for its words but for its implications. Jesus’ identity as the Messiah was inseparable from his mission: to “preach good news to the poor, freedom for the prisoners, recovery of sight for the blind” (Luke 4:18). The early Church understood this, that turning faith into action made us who we were! James minced no words: “Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead” (James 2:17). Everyone who has answered Jesus’ question throughout the ages has thus declare allegiance to a Savior who himself became poor and who judges nations by their treatment of the “least of these” (Matthew 25:40). Our faith is hollow if it does not propel us toward the margins.

Vincentians know and believe service to the poor is non-negotiable. Jesus’ ministry was a relentless confrontation with systems of exclusion. A battle against injustice and mistreatment of the marginalized.  Jesus embraced lepers, he dined with tax collectors, and he championed Samaritans, all acts that scandalized the social norms of the day! Let us be real folks, Jesus today would be considered a radical, a revolutionary, a socialist, a ‘left wing’ crazy. His teaching today would translate to dismantling structures that perpetuate poverty: they would mean a fight against unjust wages; they would be a cry of agony about the lack of adequate healthcare for the poor and the attempt to slash it even further to fund tax cuts for those who probably really don’t need them.  Jesus would cry about the fact that, just like his Mother at the time of his birth, people cannot find a place to live because of the housing crises in our nation. And Jesus would ask why we treat refugees who are trying to escape tyranny and terror in their native lands so poorly when God provided the model of compassion and care for the refugee when he saved Israel from the Egyptians in the Old Testament?

Jesus taught us advocacy and justice. He taught us that they are INSEPARABLE! We know and understand Advocacy is not charity; it is justice at work, echoing the prophets: “Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed” (Isaiah 1:17). When we advocate for the poor, for legislation that protects the most vulnerable, for fair immigration policies, for ethical labor practices, or for climate justice, we embody the command to “loose the chains of injustice” (Isaiah 58:6).

Effective advocacy balances both global action with local action. Hence, our support for others across the globe through our Twinning and Global Relief efforts. Our support for a well project in Kenya, our relief programs in Lebanon and Palestine, succeed not by bringing material support but by partnering with local SVdP Councils and Conferences, allowing them to support the needs in their communities.

Our work with the poor is sacramental, our real and tangible encounter with Christ. Mother Teresa called the poorest of the poor she worked with “Christ in distressing disguise,” and Dorothy Day saw the soup kitchen as an altar. When we feed the hungry, we partake in the Eucharist’s deeper truth: Christ broken for the broken. This work transforms us. In the face of suffering, our tidy theological boxes collapse, revealing a God who dwells in scars. As we wash feet, we rediscover Jesus’ question: “Do you understand what I have done for you?” (John 13:12). Service is where faith sheds theory and puts on flesh.

A relationship with Jesus that avoids the poor is a half-truth. The theologian Bonhoeffer warned against “cheap grace,” grace without discipleship. To call Jesus “Lord” while ignoring Lazarus at our gate (Luke 16:19–31) is spiritual hypocrisy. The truth of our bond with Christ is known in the reality of compassion: “If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person?” (1 John 3:17).

Today, as Jesus asks, “Who do you say that I am?” our answer must not be on our lips but in homes restored, stomachs filled, and chains broken. Only then does our confession become real, a lived gospel where faith and justice embrace.

The Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi opens with such perfect words, “Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.” But we can also add another line, “Lord, make me an instrument of your justice.”

Let us ask God’s help to continue to strengthen us as we understand and acknowledge those places and times where maybe we have reduced faith to words, and to reignite in us the fire that burns for the poor.

And thus, may our answer to “Who do you say that I am?” be in actions inspired by faith and of love.

Peace and God’s blessings,

John

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06-26-25 A Letter From Our Servant Leaders
06-26-25 A Letter From Our Servant Leaders 1200 1200 SVDP USA

Mentoring

When I think of mentoring, several people come to mind depending on the stage of life I am reflecting on. Did I recognize at the time their impact on my life? Not often. Did I ever see myself moving into the role of mentor? No, and “What would I have to offer?” was typically the response I had. Little did I know the plans God had for me. Do you find yourself thinking something similar when you see the word mentor or when you are asked to take on a leadership role in SVdP?

To begin, I ask you to reflect on shared experiences.

Growing up, did you willingly enter into acts of service? Like me, it may have depended on the type of service. In my youth, I somewhat willingly took on tasks like making meals and canning vegetables. These tasks, much like mentorship, were significant and integral to the functioning of our household. On the contrary, I strategically stacked dishes on the counter with no intent to wash them, understanding the importance of my duty but purposely prolonging the process of actually washing the dishes. Whether mentorship to you is more like reluctantly washing dishes to me, I hope you can relate and understand the significance of your role in it.

I continue to ask you to reflect on shared experiences. How do your words line up with your actions and how does that affect your role as a mentor? I tend to hurry and quickly want results, yet I tell my children to take a peaceful approach to life. How have I tried to mitigate this somewhat reckless approach in my actions vs my words that seem to have the opposite meaning? My approach — intentionally reflecting on scripture before the rest of the household comes alive. I love mornings and the joy that comes with a new day, like unlimited potential, anticipation for what God has planned for me, and the peace of God-centered direction that comes from this routine. Intentionality is vital and that relief of busyness comes in service to others and the providential relationships I encounter daily. How well you know your talents or needed areas of improvement may determine your ability to provide mentorship.

We look to Youth, Young Adults and Emerging Leaders (YYAEL) to embrace this humble servant leadership vocation we live as Vincentians, but how to make that a reality is the burning question. We all have a place for this need, even if youth are already active in your local SVdP. We all want authentic and humble leaders to effectively guide our efforts locally and must work to achieve that desired outcome. Sound familiar?

This is where the last part of YYAEL provides a workable solution — the Emerging Leaders Team (ELT). Vincentian experiences and opportunities in leadership at a national level. ELT allows for growth in spirituality and friendship through service designed for our YYA members. I think a few things will help us connect YYA with our existing, more familiar Conference Life. Ultimately, we want to kindle the Vincentian flame rooted in Catholic ethos and the love of putting others first and ourselves last, or what I consider a lifelong Vincentian mentality.

With this in mind, here are three things to consider:

  1. The first consideration in aiding YYA (Youth and Young Adults) is to assess yourself and be honest with what you discover. Be willing to explore the tough topics and uncomfortable parts of life. If you can openly share your areas of improvement, YYA will see your authentic approach and guidance as something worth considering. I learned quickly to be who I am, and God will handle the rest. I am not in control, so why try to hide all my frailties? YYA need an honest approach to being a Vincentian, which can be achieved through authentic mentorship. 
  2. Second, surround yourself with “good” people. Who are your people, your circle, or those closest to you regularly — daily, weekly, monthly? When I step back and see through a providential lens, I can see how people may fit into my life. I know the relationship with this person is a means of growing closer to who God has called me to be through service to others. I process the challenges and find ways to continue or mend the relationship. At times, I need as much guidance as I feel called to provide under the label mentor. Again, receiving the ebb and flow of the relationship with this person directly seen as an angel from God, I can See the face of Christ and Be the face of Christ through mentorship.
  3. Third, schedule a time to connect. Again, ask yourself a series of questions to gauge your commitment. What amount of time do you want to invest in a potential relationship? Are you willing to allow for flexibility in scheduling? Will you tolerate or address the possible frustration of last-minute cancellations, delayed responses, or meetings on the fly? When we start any relationship, time is needed to establish a routine that allows for flexibility and honesty. This approach can make me uncomfortable, but the reward outweighs the uneasiness if I let God lead.

With YYA, the same approach can lead to a lasting relationship. It may be a longer or shorter time of discernment. What happens in that space of time? Hopefully, mentorship ignites, and a desire to walk with this person is kindling. You allow for the ups and downs of interacting, assessing the demands of life, and ultimately working through these distractions that impede our relationship with God. I find myself sharing the dos and don’ts of life with my children in hopes of them avoiding some of the same pitfalls of selfishness, loneliness, and an overall lack of faith I experience when I am not in alignment with God’s will.

That is our directive for being a member of the Society — growing in holiness. What better way to do it than walking with our YYA as they embark on the changes in these life stages. I am guessing most of us have a few pointers worth sharing. The wisdom of our fellow Vincentians is not tied to age or other demographics. It is tied to our encounters. Conversations that involve both parties listening and hearing one another that make a lasting impact. I learn many things when I take my motives out of the equation, in turn providing a service to others and tending to the spiritual aspects of that relationship. Intentionality, self-awareness, and honesty surface as the means to friendship through mentorship.

These are not hard and fast things to follow when considering a mentorship role with someone. Instead, I see these ideas as a way to start the process and allow God to develop that exact path as you encounter one another as Vincentians. Like our friends in need, when I focus on the encounter offered with mentorship vs. the material help, desired outcome, or number “helped,” I find myself enjoying and adapting to the journey instead of wanting to finish the ride.

May you, too, see value in mentorship with those you have been called to serve in this way. Listen, hear, reflect, and stay the course. Are we not already mentoring someone in one way or another? We are Vincentians, and it seems to be a key to our growing in holiness. I know I have much to learn and continue to receive the fruits of being an unlabeled mentee to some pretty great Vincentians who might not identify as mentors, but you are to me. So thank you, S, C, M, J, K, D, A, R, Z, C…and now you have “The Rest of the Story. Good day!”

 

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06-19-25 A Letter From Our Servant Leaders
06-19-25 A Letter From Our Servant Leaders 1200 1200 SVDP USA

Finding Hope in God’s Unexpected Gifts

Two weeks ago, in my Servant Leader column, I wrote about the temptation of doing too much and the need to avoid falling into the trap of trying to save the world, while only  hurting yourself.

That column received a lot of comments on the National website, and people expressed appreciation for what I said. I am extremely glad for that, because it is my prayer that the columns I write provide some value for those of you who read them.

But some people reached out to me privately (you can ALWAYS do that by sending me an email at jberry@svdpusa.org) and asked for more. How, they asked, can we become renewed. How do we face the daily challenges of life without just throwing up our hands and walking away?

Let’s face it. This is an incredibly stressful and challenging time for all of us. I do not care if you are a conservative or a liberal, a Democrat or a Republican, or someone who is just trying to get along, these are unsettling times. Wars, division, vitriolic discourse, violence in our streets. If you are not stressed, you are not awake.

But you know what? This is not the first time we’ve lived through contentious times, and it will not be the last. Life, in its unpredictable journey, often brings us to moments that feel unbearably heavy. There are times when everything seems to go wrong — relationships falter, dreams crumble, health fails, or loneliness creeps in. In these moments, the world can appear colorless, and hope can feel like a distant memory. Yet, for those who are willing to open their hearts, there is a profound truth: Even in the darkest times, God has a way of offering us hope, often in the most unexpected forms. It is in moments of despair that, if we are receptive, we can see the gentle, persistent ways in which God reaches out to us, reminding us that we are never truly alone.

Suffering is an inescapable part of being human. Whether it is the loss of a loved one, the pain of betrayal, or the weight of personal failure, everyone has times when life simply stinks. These periods can feel endless, and the temptation to give in to despair is real.

For many, faith is both a refuge and a challenge during suffering. It is easy to believe in God’s goodness when life is going great, but faith is truly tested when the storms come. The question arises: Where is God when everything falls apart? The answer, though not always immediate or obvious, often lies in the subtle ways God communicates with us — through people, moments, and even the quiet stirrings of our own hearts.

Gifts of Hope/Our Essential Elements

When life is at its lowest, hope can arrive in the most unexpected ways. Sometimes, it is a kind word from a stranger, a sunrise after a sleepless night, or a song that plays just when you need it most. Other times, it is the unwavering support of a friend, a passage of scripture that speaks directly to your pain, or a sudden sense of peace that defies explanation. These are not coincidences; they are reminders that God is present, working behind the scenes, orchestrating moments of grace.

Consider the story of Elijah. After a great victory, Elijah found himself running for his life, exhausted and ready to give up. He cried out to God, expressing his hopelessness and desire to die. Yet, in his lowest moment, God sent an angel to provide food and rest. Later, God spoke to Elijah not in the wind, earthquake, or fire, but in a gentle whisper. This story illustrates that God’s hope often comes quietly, requiring us to listen with open hearts.

Receiving hope from God is not a passive act; it requires openness and vulnerability. When we close ourselves off in bitterness or despair, we risk missing the subtle ways God is trying to reach us. Opening our hearts means being willing to see beyond our pain, to look for signs of grace even when circumstances seem bleak.

This openness is an act of faith. It is choosing to believe that, despite appearances, God is still at work. It is trusting that, as the Psalmist wrote, “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning” (Psalm 30:5). It is allowing ourselves to be surprised by joy, to find beauty in brokenness, and to accept that hope can coexist with sorrow.

Many of you, no doubt, can attest to moments when, just as they were about to give up, something shifted, providing an unmistakable sign of hope. For some, it is the birth of a child after years of longing. For others, it is a job opportunity that arrives at just the right time, or a reconciliation with a long-lost friend. And for many of us, it was a personal encounter with someone in need that we helped through our work as a Vincentian. These moments offer a reminder that life, even at its worst, is not devoid of meaning or purpose. Those moments of renewal remind us why our vocation as Vincentians is so powerful and can help remind us that our essential elements of Spiritual Growth and Friendship are deepened by the element of Service, thus forming a trinity of interrelated gifts that can strengthen and renew us.

These moments of clarity are so powerful because it aligns with a sense of God’s presence, providing reassurance and hope exactly when you need it most. They should anchor our trust in God, reinforce our belief that He hears and responds, and encourage us to move forward with confidence, even in uncertainty. This direct experience of God’s guidance transforms faith from an abstract belief into a lived reality, deepening our relationship with Him and empowering us to face future challenges with greater resilience and hope.

Often, and powerfully, God’s hope comes through the people around us. This is why Friendship is such a vital and important Essential Element of our Vincentian charism. A supportive community can be a lifeline in times of trouble. When we are open about our struggles, we invite others to share in our burdens and to offer comfort. In turn, we become vessels of hope for others, allowing God’s love to flow through us. Friendship does not just mean coffee and donuts at a Conference meeting! It means being there as a lifeline for our Vincentian sisters and brothers who are teetering on the edge, who need us to be the conduit to bring them to God.

So too, is our Essential Element of Service. Acts of kindness, no matter how small, can be powerful reminders of God’s presence. A meal delivered to a grieving family, a note of encouragement, or a listening ear can be the very thing that helps someone hold on. In giving and receiving compassion, we take part in the divine work of bringing hope to a hurting world.

Suffering is Not the End of the Story

In the end, hope is not the denial of suffering, but the assurance that suffering is not the end of the story. By opening our hearts to God’s gifts, we allow ourselves to be surprised by grace, to find light in the darkness, and to discover that, even when life is at its worst, we are never without hope.

Peace and God’s blessings,

John

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6-12-25 A Letter From Our Servant Leaders
6-12-25 A Letter From Our Servant Leaders 1200 1200 SVDP USA

Vincentian Friendship – A Priceless Gift

Photo: A picture of Vincentian Friendship! From left to right, Rosie Martina, long-time Vincentian, Denise Terrance, SVDP Baton Rouge Director of Food Services, and Michael Acaldo pose for a quick photo in September of 2024 at the SVDP Charitable Campus in Baton Rouge.

Through 36 years of my Vincentian journey, I have experienced the ups and downs of being a part of our phenomenal family. Like any family, the loss of a loved one is especially painful.

This week I got a call from Baton Rouge letting me know that a dear Vincentian friend had passed away. Rosario “Rosie” Martina, a long-time Vincentian, went to his rest in heaven at 101 years old this past Tuesday. Rosie was an incredible person who lived our Vincentian Virtues in everything he did. Yes, he was still active at 101 years old.

Decades ago, he was a founder of the Conference in his parish. The parish did not have room for a food pantry for the Conference, so he turned his garage into one with needed refrigeration and freezer space.

In 1982, Rosie and the Council of Baton Rouge embarked on a mission of opening the city’s first Dining Room/Kitchen to serve a hot meal every day of the year. It opened in a small shotgun house that a generous person donated, and initially the Council served anywhere from 20 to 50 meals a day.

Before long they were able to build a new SVDP Dining Room in 1984. And when I say build – they did not have a lot of money in those days – so Rosie and Vincentians grabbed some hammers and got to work! A contractor donated his services, and a new dawn of the Society began to emerge from the inspirational work of Vincentians committed to serve their neighbors in need.

Rosie was a World War II veteran who had a work ethic like no other. He fought in Europe for freedom, and he brought that fight to defeating hunger in Baton Rouge. He started a group of dining room volunteers to pick up food donations from grocery stores, bakeries, and restaurants. Rosie was so beloved by his Brother and Sister Vincentians that they gave his volunteer group the nickname Rosie’s Army. Today, the SVDP Dining Room serves over 300,000 meals annually, and is a leader in stamping out hunger in Baton Rouge!

Years ago, I attended the funeral of Rosie’s wife Laura. He asked me to speak during the services about her commitment to the Society, and how she made a difference in our community.

After the funeral services, I went and hugged Rosie and again expressed my deepest condolences on the loss of his wife of 71 years. And he said, “I will see you tonight at our main shelter for men.”  I asked, “You are going to serve tonight?” and he smiled and said, “That’s what Laura would want me to do!”

I was not scheduled to be there, but I changed my plans that Saturday night and went to check on him while he served a meal with a group of his fellow Vincentians. Rosie saw Christ in each man he served that night, and they saw Christ’s love through Rosie and his fellow Vincentians. I told Rosie thank you for all he and Laura had done over the years for those most in need. Most importantly, I thanked him for being such an inspiration to me!

Whether it is a neighbor in need or a fellow Vincentian, who inspires you? How are you using that inspiration to do more for Christ?

To find and serve Christ, we simply must follow His direction in Matthew 25, to seek out the hungry, the thirsty, the naked, and the ill. We are all called to live our Vincentian Charism by spreading Christ’s love throughout the world!

Best wishes in Christ,  Michael J. Acaldo

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06-05-25 A Letter From Our Servant Leaders
06-05-25 A Letter From Our Servant Leaders 1200 1200 SVDP USA

“It is a ruse of the devil, by which he deceives good people, to induce them to do more than they are able, so that they end up not being able to do anything. The spirit of God urges one gently to do the good that can reasonably be done, so that it may be done perseveringly and for a long time.” – St. Vincent de Paul

As I visit with Councils or Conferences, or attend SVdP meetings across the country, I hear about the impact that stress and burnout is having on our Vincentians. Too many cases…not enough money…not enough caseworkers. People are doing too many Encounters in a week. Encounters are becoming transactional instead of spiritual experiences. These are leading to burnout and frustration, and more importantly, they prevent us from growing spiritually in our service to people in need.

Burnout often begins with a holy desire: “I want to help. I want to sacrifice. I want to make a difference.” But the evil one twists this virtue into vice. He whispers, “If you rest, you’re selfish. If you say ‘no,’ you’re failing God.” Before long, we’re like Martha in Luke 10:40, “anxious and troubled about many things,” resentful of our own service.

How many of you have felt the subtle voice that whispers, “You could do more”? How many have looked at the endless line of need before you and thought, “If I just work a little harder, stay a little later, sacrifice a little more of myself, perhaps I can make the difference”? This voice masquerades as the call of conscience, as the voice of love itself. But Vincent warns us, this is deception dressed in the clothes of virtue.

St. Vincent called this “the devil’s ruse,” and it’s particularly insidious because it appeals to what is best in us. He takes our love for the poor, our genuine desire to serve Christ in the least of our brothers and sisters, and he whispers, “More, always more.” He convinces us that our worth is measured by our exhaustion, that true love demands we burn ourselves out completely. He makes us believe that to set any boundary, to acknowledge any limitation, is to fail in our calling.

The devil doesn’t need us to stop serving; he simply needs us to serve in a way that drains our souls. He knows that a burned-out volunteer, however well-intentioned, cannot reflect the love of Christ. When we push beyond our limits, we risk becoming like the lamp in the Parable of the Ten Virgins (Matthew 25:1-13), burning brightly for a time, but eventually sputtering out, with no oil left to sustain the flame.

Rooted in the Love of Christ

The deepest spiritual truth Vincent reveals is this: God’s way preserves us for the long haul. The gentle spirit that allows us to do reasonable good ensures that we can do it “perseveringly and for a long time.” God is not interested in spectacular burnouts that flame bright and die quickly. God is interested in steady flames that burn consistently, giving light and warmth year after year, decade after decade.

The poor and marginalized we serve need us to be whole, not broken. They need us to serve from a place of strength, not depletion.

Why do we feel this relentless pressure to do more?

Some of it comes from the real needs around us. The poor are still hungry. The sick are still suffering. The injustices still cry out. But some of that pressure also comes from within, from pride, from perfectionism, from fear that we are not enough unless we are constantly producing, constantly giving, constantly saying “yes.”

But our identity is not rooted in our performance. It is rooted in the love of Christ.

We are not loved because we serve. We serve because we are loved.

The Lord does not ask us to save the world. That job is already taken. He asks only that you do your part, with love, and that you trust Him to fill in the rest.

Consider Jesus Himself. Did you ever notice how often Jesus rested? He withdrew to lonely places to pray. He got in a boat and went to the other side. He even slept through a storm. The Savior of the world, perfect love in the flesh, knew when to stop.

If even Jesus rested, how can we think ourselves holier for working ourselves to the bone?

St. Vincent gives us the answer: Do the good that can reasonably be done, so that it may be done perseveringly and for a long time.

A Different Type of Courage

This kind of goodness is not flashy. It doesn’t make headlines. But it is faithful. It is rooted in reality. It listens to the limitations of the body, the mind, and the heart. And it lasts. It reminds us that we are branches, not the vine. We cannot produce fruit unless we abide in the Vine, unless we rest in Christ.

So, I call you today to a different kind of courage, the courage to trust God’s gentle spirit rather than the harsh demands of false urgency. The courage to do reasonable good rather than impossible good. The courage to serve perseveringly rather than spectacularly.

It’s this courage that will allow you to trust that God’s work will continue even when you step back to breathe. Remember that the same God who calls you to serve also calls commands you to love yourself as you love your neighbor.

So, rest when you need to rest.

Say no when you need to say no.

Seek help when you need help.

If you are empty, be filled.

If you are questioning, bring your questions to the One who holds the answers.

Take time to pray, not out of duty, but out of hunger.

Take time to laugh, because joy is holy.

Take time to say no, because that too can be an act of faith.

In short, let yourself be human again.

And when you do serve, serve not as one who must fix everything, but as one who trusts God is already at work.

Remember what St. Vincent knew so well: it is better to do a little good with great love and do it for a long time, than to do too much and lose yourself (and lose the mission) in the process.

The poor will still be with us tomorrow. But so, thank God, will His mercies, new every morning.

May you be filled with that mercy today.

And may you serve from it.

 

Peace and God’s blessings,

John

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05-29-25 A Letter From Our Servant Leaders
05-29-25 A Letter From Our Servant Leaders 1200 1200 SVDP USA

Inspiration and Innovation: Living Our Vincentian Charism in Today’s World

“What the world needs now is love, sweet love — it’s the only thing that there’s just too little of…”  This 1965 hit from Jackie DeShannon sums up the world’s deep need for Vincentian love — now more than ever.

Where did I get the inspiration to start with a song? From Tim Williams, our amazing Senior Director of Formation and Leadership Development!

At the recent Northeast Regional Meeting, he gave a phenomenal workshop on the Vincentian virtues that I was blessed to attend. For those in the audience, it didn’t matter if you were a 35 year Vincentian like me or just starting out, it really hit home. Just ask our beloved Ray Sickinger, Vincentian leader for decades — we both agreed it was music to our ears!

Tim used the old Mac Davis song “It’s Hard to Be Humble” to describe how we should not live the Vincentian virtue of humility.  He did a magnificent job of covering each of our essential virtues : Simplicity · Humility · Gentleness · Selflessness · Zeal.

I was blessed to speak on the priceless Vincentian wisdom of bringing love to those most in need.

To do that, I talked about our precious Home Visits – those moments when we knock on Christ’s door. What a priceless encounter it is to enter Christ’s home — the homes of our neighbors in need. And I spoke about when Christ knocks on our doors — at thrift stores, dining rooms, community pharmacies- desperately seeking our help.

I love attending these regional meetings because I meet phenomenal Vincentians like Dana from the Archdiocese of Boston. He shared how much he treasures these visits. But Dana recently had a powerful and unexpected encounter in Phoenix during our National Assembly.

Dana stepped outside for a walk and came across a man lying in the hot sun, experiencing homelessness. He could have walked past. Instead, his Vincentian heart stirred. He started a conversation. It was not just a “hello.” It became, in Dana’s words, “a Christ-filled moment.” Dana invited the man to have lunch with him, and the man smiled and said yes. They shared a meal outside at a nearby restaurant.

Dana had come to Phoenix looking forward to workshops like those given by Tim Williams and others. Christ gave him one on the street that touched his heart in a way that words cannot describe.

So, what inspires you as a Vincentian? For me, it’s encounters like Dana’s. That is the power of inspiration and our Vincentian charism — it is what propels us to seek out the forgotten and bring them love. What I have learned in my regional visits, what I treasure in my heart, is that across the country, 90,000 Vincentians are using their God-given gifts to bring Christ’s love to those most in need.

Think of the countless priceless encounters you have had – not only with our neighbors in need, but also with your fellow Vincentians, that encounter of friendship and how that inspires you!

So, I ask again — what inspires you to innovate?

I will leave you with those beautiful Jackie DeShannon lyrics: “What the world needs now is love, sweet love, no, not just for some, but for everyone.”

Thank you for turning Vincentian inspiration into action across our nation. As I board a plane for my next regional meeting, I can’t wait to see more of our Vincentian love in action.

Best wishes in Christ, Michael J. Acaldo

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05-22-25 A Letter From Our Servant Leaders
05-22-25 A Letter From Our Servant Leaders 1200 1200 SVDP USA

Embracing the Call to Servant Leadership

With just over four months left in our fiscal year, many presidents are approaching the end of their terms. Some feel relieved and are looking forward to transitioning into a mentoring role. For others, however, it brings mounting anxiety as they struggle to find someone willing to step into the role. My sense is that many fall into the latter group.

So, what exactly is a Servant Leader, and why is it often so difficult to find Vincentians willing to embrace this role?

When we think of the ultimate Servant Leader, we naturally look to Jesus. His entire ministry was centered around serving others. He led not by authority or position, but through humility and compassion. His words in Mark 10:45 remind us:
“For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

In more recent times we first find the term servant leadership in an essay, titled “The Servant as Leader,” first published in 1970 by Robert K. Greenleaf. Greenleaf emphasized that the core of true leadership is a commitment to serve first—and lead second.

By that definition, every Vincentian is a servant leader. Our very mission is to serve those in need with love, respect, and humility. And yet when it comes to taking on leadership roles—especially as president—there is often hesitation. Why is that? Why does the idea of leadership feel intimidating or burdensome, rather than an extension of our Vincentian calling?

Here are some common reasons Vincentians give for not stepping into leadership roles:

  • “I don’t have the time.”
  • “I don’t have the skills to be president.”
  • “I can’t add another meeting to my schedule.”

These concerns are understandable—but they don’t tell the whole story. Many Vincentians already manage busy schedules, attend various meetings, and juggle other commitments. What’s truly needed in a Servant Leader is not a résumé full of technical skills, but a caring heart, a love for the Society, and the ability to inspire and support others.

You don’t have to be an accountant or a corporate executive to serve as president. What you do need is the wisdom to recognize and empower the gifts of others within your conference or council. A good Servant Leader builds a team, draws on the talents of members, and fosters spiritual growth.

Reflecting on my own journey, I’ve been shaped and encouraged by other Vincentians who saw leadership potential in me long before I recognized it in myself. When I had an idea, they encouraged me to pursue it. When I initially declined a council board position due to my work schedule—before the days of Zoom—a leader found another way for me to serve, using my teaching skills to benefit member formation. That encouragement and guidance eventually led me to embrace my own role in Servant Leadership for the West Region.

Here’s what I’ve learned: A Servant Leader doesn’t need to have all the answers or do everything alone. They simply need to be willing to see others—to listen, to guide, to invite, and to trust. Much like our home visits with neighbors in need, the president’s role is rooted in relationship and empathy. Just as we leave those neighbor visits with full hearts, so too does the Servant Leader find deep fulfillment in watching fellow Vincentians grow and thrive in their vocation.

As a leader, I stay connected with members through calls, emails, Zoom, and in-person meetings. These moments aren’t obligations—they are opportunities. I am consistently filled with gratitude for the love and dedication of our members. In sharing what I’ve learned and listening to their challenges, I see God’s hand at work in our Society.

And I never walk this path alone—none of us do. Every conference and council president has support: from their fellow officers, from regional and national leaders, and from the wider Vincentian family. We are One Society. Just as we serve the poor together, we also support one another.

Servant Leadership has been a blessing in my life—deepening my faith, broadening my perspective, and bringing countless moments of grace. My prayer is that you will see this role not as a burden, but as a calling. If you’re asked to serve, take it to prayer. Trust that God sees something in you that you may not yet see in yourself.

Will you consider saying “yes”?

Let your answer be guided by the Holy Spirit, grounded in love for the Society, and open to the joy that comes from serving others.

Judy Dietlein
National Vice President, West Region

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05-15-25 A Letter From Our Servant Leaders
05-15-25 A Letter From Our Servant Leaders 1200 1200 SVDP USA

I have been reading Victor Gaetan’s book ‘God’s Diplomats: Pope Francis, Vatican Diplomacy, and America’s Armageddon.’ It is a fascinating and highly readable exploration of the Catholic Church’s evolving approach to global conflict resolution and peace building, emphasizing the Church’s shift from the “just war” tradition to a “just peace” framework rooted in dialogue, impartiality, and long-term relational engagement. Central to this transformation is the Church’s commitment to advocacy as a proactive, faith-driven pursuit of justice that transcends partisan politics and prioritizes the marginalized.

The book tells the story of how the Vatican’s diplomatic corps operates on principles that defy convention. Unlike nations that leverage military or economic power, the Church’s advocacy is grounded in neutrality, humility, and grassroots engagement. Key rules include avoiding “winners and losers,” remaining impartial, and “walking the talk” through charitable acts. For instance, during the Cuban Missile Crisis, Pope John XXIII’s discreet diplomacy helped de-escalate tensions by appealing to shared humanity rather than partisan interests. Similarly, in Colombia, local Catholic peacebuilders demonstrated how sustained, community-driven advocacy can counter cycles of violence.

Right about now you are probably saying “OK, John, that’s nice, but this isn’t a book club. What’s your point and why should I care?”

Fair question!

I think that we learn every day from observing others. And the insights and lessons in this book are things that relate to our work as Vincentians. They help us understand that we are not just transactional check writers and one-off suppliers of aid and support to people in need.

The approach that underlies the Vatican’s diplomatic work reflects a broader theological vision that we should understand and seek to mirror: the Church’s role as a “field hospital” (a metaphor often used by Pope Francis) that heals wounds without judgment. By prioritizing relationships over transactional victories, Vatican diplomats model a form of advocacy that aligns with Christ’s call to “love your enemies” (Matthew 5:44) and seek peace through understanding.

The Church’s diplomatic ethos finds practical expression in Catholic nonprofits like St. Vincent de Paul (SVdP) and others who blend direct service with systemic advocacy. Our work in advocacy must be as integral a part of who and what we are as our direct service to the people in need who come to us.

Further, our focus on advocacy must be to “Influence decision-making to promote justice and solidarity, emphasizing policy changes that address root causes of poverty.” This mirrors the Vatican’s long-term, dialogue-focused strategies.

An area where SVdP has always advocated and continues to advocate locally and nationally is economic justice. This includes affordable housing and just wages, reflecting Pope Leo XIII’s defense of workers’ rights in Rerum Novarum (1891), which condemned exploitation and called for equitable labor practices. And he further insisted that governments must prioritize the vulnerable, asserting that “the rich must religiously refrain from cutting down the workmen’s earnings” through unfair policies.

Advocacy for the poor is not optional in Catholic teaching; it is a requirement of faith. Jesus’s proclamation to “bring good news to the poor” (Luke 4:18) and His identification with the marginalized (“Whatever you did for the least of these, you did for me,” Matthew 25:40) form the bedrock of this mission.

The teachings of our faith have continued from Luke through the ages and is reflected in many of the recent Papal teachings from Pope Leo the XIII to Pope Francis (and I am sure will continue under Pope Leo XIV). Pope Francis, in Evangelii Gaudium, said “There is an inseparable bond between our faith and the poor.” He condemned an “economy of exclusion” and urged believers to “lend a ready hand” to dismantle systemic injustice.

Pope St. John Paul II highlighted the “preferential option for the poor” as non-negotiable, urging Catholics to “discern the justice of the poor’s requests and help satisfy them.”

In the book, Gaetan acknowledges that Church diplomacy is not without failures, such as divisions in Kenya where ethnic rivalries fractured local Catholic communities. Similarly, nonprofits like SVDP face hurdles like political polarization and resource constraints. Yet, the Church’s emphasis on patient dialogue and grassroots empowerment offers a model that rejects short-term, partisan solutions. So too, must we focus our advocacy efforts on experience-based, story-driven, real-world examples about the people we serve so as to help drive change through dialogue.

It is vital that we, both nationally and locally, increase our involvement in advocacy for the poor and marginalized because, as the Church’s diplomatic model demonstrates, real, lasting change for the vulnerable comes through sustained, humble engagement and a “culture of encounter.” Vatican diplomacy is effective precisely because it avoids partisanship, seeks common ground, and prioritizes the dignity, power, and resources of those most affected by conflict and poverty. This approach is not only a diplomatic strategy but a moral imperative that should inspire us to move beyond charity alone and engage in advocacy that addresses systemic injustices.

God’s Diplomats provides a guide to how the Church and SVdP USA can use advocacy not as a political tactic but as a sacrament of solidarity. By marrying spiritual principles with pragmatic action, the Vatican and Catholic nonprofits like us embody a vision of justice that transcends borders. As Pope Francis reminded us, “Mere condemnation is not enough; we must act.” In a world fractured by inequality and conflict, this call to advocacy, rooted in the Gospel and refined by centuries of social teaching, remains as urgent as ever.

The synergy between Vatican diplomacy and grassroots nonprofits underscores a timeless truth: defending the marginalized is not just a policy preference but a divine mandate. Whether brokering peace between superpowers or lobbying for affordable housing, the Church’s mission remains the same: to “do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8).

 

Peace and God’s blessings,

John

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