Michael Acaldo

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05-08-25 A Letter From Our Servant Leaders
05-08-25 A Letter From Our Servant Leaders 1200 1200 SVDP USA

Our Vincentian Family From East to West and North to South

Minutes before this issue of Frederic’s Five was finalized, the world learned that the Holy Spirit has chosen Pope Leo XIV as our new Holy Father. We know that he will embrace our mission of serving Christ by encountering those in need and one another as we live our Vincentian Virtues in a world that desperately needs the love and action of our Society!

My article shares how we are committed to our Church’s call to grow in holiness as we seek and find the forgotten, suffering, and deprived so that we may bring them Christ’s love.

“And people will come from the east and the west and from the north and the south and will recline at table in the kingdom of God. For behold, some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last.” Luke 13:29-30

We have Vincentians from the east to west and north to south – all over the country – that have accepted Christ’s invitation to enter the narrow door of the kingdom of God. They have done so by living our Society’s five virtues of Simplicity, Humility, Gentleness, Selflessness, and Zeal.

That is why I absolutely love being able to visit with our Vincentian membership throughout the country.

The first regional meeting I recently attended was for the North Central Region. When I entered the meeting and was greeted by Regional Vice President, Bat Seymour and all the members of this Region, I felt the Holy Spirit in that room! I met extraordinary people committed to our Society in a remarkable way. What a fantastic start to my regional visits!

Two weeks ago, I was blessed to be with Paul “Korky” Korkemaz, Mid-Atlantic Regional Vice President, and Vincentians from throughout the region. The first night of this meeting was so special. After gathering for a simple meal at the retreat center, the night ended with a musical meditation to begin our meeting with the Holy Spirit at its center.

It was so beautiful that at the end of the performance, all Vincentians were asked to look at one another and to tell everybody that they loved each other. In a world where love is not so easily expressed, and that seems to be filled with hate, the act of expressing our Vincentian love for one another was so effortlessly done. What a gift to be with so many Vincentians living their faith through the Society of St. Vincent de Paul!

Last week, I was blessed again being with Judy Dietlein, West Regional Vice President, and the members of the region. Again, I had the joy to visit and spend time with Vincentians embracing our mission and virtues as they expressed their commitment to their faith journeys.

In this meeting, I felt the Vincentian energy of friendship in a way that was overwhelming. They exuded our passion for one another in our Vincentian family.

Whether it is east, west, north, or south, our members are living the Gospel values in such a phenomenal way. Each Vincentian I had the honor of meeting expressed their faith through their Vincentian charism in a way that only they could. Vincentians give the gift that only they can give – the priceless gift of themselves!

I could fill pages and pages of encounters I had with my fellow brother and sister Vincentians at these regional meetings. I have four more meetings to attend, and I cannot wait to go!

In my last article, I briefly mentioned the importance of our Vincentian encounters. Often, we focus on our priceless encounters with those in need, and we do not spend enough time focusing on those equally priceless encounters with one another. These encounters are our Vincentian friendship in action that help us to grow together spiritually.

Take a minute today to think about all those Vincentians that have touched your life spiritually. Think about the wisdom they shared with you and how it enriches your spiritual journey. How can you share that wisdom with all your Vincentian friends at your Conference, Council, Region, or the National Council? Your wisdom will be a gift that will last a lifetime!

And today, let’s not only share this wisdom, but most importantly, Christ’s love, as we join our entire Vincentian Family in celebrating the new pontificate of Pope Leo XIV!

Best wishes in Christ,

Michael J. Acaldo

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International members tour St. Vincent de Paul programs in United States
International members tour St. Vincent de Paul programs in United States 600 400 SVDP USA

International members tour St. Vincent de Paul programs in United States

Published in the Catholic Review Apr 4, 2025 

Majid Zaghari, left, vice president for enterprises with St. Vincent De Paul Baltimore, gives a tour of the Good Harvest Community Kitchen facility to leadership from the International Confederation of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul April 3 off Moravia Road. (Kevin J. Parks/CR Staff)

Majid Zaghari, vice president for enterprises with St. Vincent De Paul Baltimore, right, gives an April 3 tour of the Good Harvest Community Kitchen to leadership from the International Confederation of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul April 3 off Moravia Road. (Kevin J. Parks/CR Staff)

For the first time in its history, the International Council General Society of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul (CGI), met in the United States the week of March 31. Hailing from Europe, Australia, Africa and South America, the group of 12 international chapter presidents were hosted by John Berry, the national president of the United States of America, who took them on a tour from Atlanta to Washington, D.C., to Baltimore April 3.

“I think It is very important to meet in different cities and see what everybody is doing,” Berry said, as the group enjoyed lunch at Beans & Bread in Fells Point, one of St. Vincent de Paul Baltimore’s oldest programs. “I have learned from every place we’ve gone.”

The group was greeted by John Schiavone, president and CEO of St. Vincent de Paul Baltimore, who provided a brief history on the beginnings of Beans & Bread in 1977 by a former Benedictine priest who served free meals in a row house.

“He created a home-like atmosphere,” Schiavone said. “He would greet each person and play the piano.”

By 1986, more than 200 people a day were being served and the program was taken under St. Vincent de Paul’s wings. New programs about health, mental health and recovery were added. The center now also helps clients find housing and keeps in touch with clients to ensure they don’t become homeless again. A career center, where clients can receive help with résumés and applying for jobs, is in the beginning stages.

“It’s a work in progress,” Schiavone said, as he led the tour through the facility, which moved to its current location on Bond Street in 1992 and has gone through several expansions and renovations.

“We are similar in terms of the issues involved,” said Mark Gaetani, the national president of the Australian chapter of St. Vincent de Paul Society. “What I particularly like about it is the follow up.”

“I think this is fantastic,” said Elaine Heyworth, third vice-president general deputy of SSVP and national president of the United Kingdom, who appreciated how all the resources were under one roof.

Juan Manuel Buergo Gómez, president general of the international confederation of the St. Vincent de Society board, of Spain, who spoke through his interpreter Isabel Garzo, executive assistant to the president, also was impressed with the programs at Beans & Bread and at Good Harvest, which the group visited prior to Beans & Bread.

“It is a very professional organization,” Gómez said. “It is working more as a company.”

Gómez, according to Garzo, thinks it would be even better “if the spiritual line was stronger,” suggesting that religious images such as crucifixes or of the founder of the St. Vincent de Paul Society might be added to walls of Baltimore outreach centers.

Gómez found the involvement of students – earlier Schiavone had spoken about a partnership with students and staff from Loyola University Maryland in Baltimore – interesting, noting the importance of good training and formation for both employees and volunteers “to establish a good relationship” to serve others better.

After lunch, the group had a tour of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Baltimore and met with Archbishop William E. Lori. They visited Sarah’s Hope Family Shelter in Baltimore and then had dinner at the Rusty Scupper before returning to Bethesda.

Founded in Paris in 1833, the society is the largest Catholic organization in the world, with 800,000 members in more than 150 countries with 1.5 million volunteers. On the group’s final day, they celebrated the grand opening of the St. Vincent de Paul USA Washington, D.C., office with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

“I am very proud of what we do,” Berry said.

Cardinal Christophe Pierre, papal nuncio to the United States, was set to bless the Society of St. Vincent de Paul USA’s new Washington office on April 4.

The office will be led by Ingrid Delgado, the society’s first national director of Public Policy and Advocacy and former associate director of Government Relations at the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.

The society hopes that establishing a permanent presence in Washington will strengthen its efforts to highlight key issues related to homelessness and advocate for those affected by poverty to policymakers.

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04-10-25 A Letter From Our Servant Leaders
04-10-25 A Letter From Our Servant Leaders 1200 1200 SVDP USA

A Spiritual Lyft

Do you ever feel like you need a spiritual lift?

Last week, I started my journey of much needed spiritual lifts by spending a phenomenal day with over 300 Vincentians at St. Vincent de Paul Georgia’s Annual Spring to Life Assembly. It was so inspiring to see so many Vincentians coming together to grow closer together in spiritual friendship.

I got a priceless spiritual “lyft” by the method I used to get to the Georgia gathering. I was staying at a nearby Atlanta hotel and got a Lyft ride to the event. When I entered the rideshare vehicle, I said good morning and hello to my driver Linda. I complimented her about her warm welcome, and we started a wonderful conversation.

I asked her if she was from Georgia, and she told me  she and her family moved to Atlanta decades ago from up north, and they stayed because they loved it. As our conversation continued, she shared with me that her husband had passed away recently, and that she was driving to make ends meet.

She asked me where I was from, and I told her about Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She asked, “What brings you to our big city?”

I told her I was going to speak at a St. Vincent de Paul meeting, and the entire environment in the car changed with those simple words — a good conversation turned into a priceless encounter. It felt like the Holy Spirit entered the car with us.

Her face lit up with a smile, which served as an incredible testimony of how much our Society had touched her life. She shared that when her family moved to Atlanta many decades ago, times were tough, and the Society was there for her family when they could not pay all the rent.

As our encounter continued, she shared that when she lost her husband, the Society was there again to help her with some expenses that could have put her out on the street. She talked about St. Vincent de Paul and Catholics being phenomenal Christians. She added that St. Vincent de Paul is one group that has a long and distinguished history of service and an organization you can always count on.

Linda then shared with me her faith journey. She was an elder in her Protestant Church and loved to do prison ministry.

I asked her if she would like me to share her story, and what message she would want me to give to those members of the Society at the gathering.

She said, “Yes, please let them know that there is no other charity like St. Vincent de Paul, because of its members. Let them know how they touched my family, and kept hope alive for us during difficult times! Express to them that in our time of need, we knew they were Christians by their love.”

As Vincentians, we live for the blessing of having encounters with our neighbors in need. We all experience these priceless encounters during Home Visits, serving at special works, providing clothing and essentials through our thrift stores, and even Lyft rides.

My week was full of so many special spiritual lifts. After the Georgia assembly, I was blessed to meet and be with the Society’s International Board. It was a spiritual lift to hear how our Society is so active spreading our Vincentian Charism throughout the entire world.

Yes, members of the International Board spoke different languages, but their message was all the same – how we can serve Christ and transform the lives of those we are blessed to serve throughout the world. Many exciting international initiatives were discussed, and some will be led by our National President John Berry.

The week really got exciting with the opening of our National Office in Washington, D.C.. How blessed we were to have His Eminence Cardinal Christophe Pierre, Apostolic Nuncio to the United States of America; our National Spiritual Advisor, Archbishop Andrew E. Bellisario, C.M.; National President John Berry; National Director of Advocacy and Policy, Ingrid Delgado, along with several other leaders, to cut the ribbon to officially open our new D.C. Office!

In my recent visits around the country, so many Vincentians have expressed their excitement to share our millions of encounters with our national leaders through our D.C. office. Encounters that allowed us to respond and see the true state of the less fortunate in our country.

We have always been a voice for the poor. We bring a special voice that no one else can offer. A voice of the priceless impact we make, the needs we see, and how everything our country does should embrace Christ’s call to “love one another…”

The week concluded with me being blessed to be with our Society’s Richmond Virginia Council. Over 100 Vincentians gathered for a day full of growing together spiritually  — an uplifting way to end my journey!

As Lent begins to wind down during Holy Week, we all have an opportunity to reflect on all the blessings in our lives. Think about all the “love one another” encounters we have had with those in need and the encounters we have had with our fellow Vincentians — all spiritual lifts that are blessings beyond measure.

I want to tell each one of you who live our Vincentian way of life, thank you for lifting me up and for being a blessing in my life.

There are 52 weeks in the year, but only one is called Holy Week. I pray that you and your family feel Christ’s love this coming week and throughout the entire Easter Season.

Sincerely yours in Christ’s Love,
Michael J. Acaldo
National CEO

 

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Papal nuncio blesses new St. Vincent de Paul Society advocacy office on Capitol Hill
Papal nuncio blesses new St. Vincent de Paul Society advocacy office on Capitol Hill 1600 1065 SVDP USA

Papal nuncio blesses new St. Vincent de Paul Society advocacy office on Capitol Hill

Published in Catholic News Agency Apr 5, 2025 

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul USA (SVdP) celebrated the opening of its brand-new advocacy office on Capitol Hill on Friday afternoon.

Cardinal Christophe Pierre, apostolic nuncio to the United States, attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony and blessed the new office, calling on the Holy Spirit to “ignite the talents and gifts of everyone present” for the purpose of serving the poor.

“Compassionate God, may your peace always stay in this office, making it a place where we can each grow in friendship with you, with one another, and with all guests who gather with us in this place. Give us grateful hearts so that we will always be mindful of generosity and goodness to us,” the nuncio said during the blessing.

“May our new office always be a source of healing and hope to those who need your mercy and kindness,” he continued. “Give us the grace to live the mission and values of the society so that we will be worthy to bear the name of our patron St. Vincent de Paul. This we ask in the name of your son, Jesus Christ.”

The organization announced earlier this year during the Catholic Social Ministry Gathering that it would open a second national office, which is located on Maryland Avenue, as a part of its efforts to “raise the profile of key issues related to homelessness” to politicians on Capitol Hill.

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul USA served over 5 million people across the country last year, distributing more than $1.4 billion in aid, including $60 million in emergency financial assistance to prevent evictions and ensure people are able to remain housed.

Ingrid Delgado will head the D.C. office as SVdP USA’s new director of public policy and advocacy. Prior to taking on her new position this month, Delgado served for four years as associate director of government relations for the U.S Conference of Catholic Bishops.

“In January during the Catholic Social Ministry Gathering [SVdP USA President John Berry] announced the opening of this office, [and] I was so excited,” Delgado told CNA. “Little did I know that I would soon be here in this position.”

“For the last 12 years, I’ve been doing public policy for the Catholic bishops, which has been just really an honor and a privilege, to do authentically nonpartisan policy for our faith,” she continued. “But to now do it for this organization that is in direct service and relationship with our most vulnerable brothers and sisters is just, for me personally, a really exciting opportunity.”

Delgado said she believes now is “a really crucial time” to bring the stories of poor and vulnerable communities that SVdP USA serves before members of Congress, especially as conversations surrounding budget cuts to social services like SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) and Medicaid continue.

“I am hoping to bring the stories of people that Vincentians serve and the experiences of the Vincentians of what that means for our communities if those critical services are cut,” Delgado said.

“My hope is that we will build a reputation with all of our elected officials as just a resource for our elected officials so that when they just need to know information about their constituencies, about people who are struggling and who are in need in their districts, that they will come to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul as a trusted resource and partner,” she said.

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Society of St. Vincent de Paul USA opens advocacy office in Washington D.C.
Society of St. Vincent de Paul USA opens advocacy office in Washington D.C. 1600 1065 SVDP USA

Society of St. Vincent de Paul USA opens advocacy office in Washington D.C.

On Friday, April 4, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul USA (SVdP) officially opened its new office in Washington D.C. as it seeks to ramp up efforts to advocate for those on the margins. As one of the largest lay Catholic organizations in the nation, SVdP hopes having a permanent presence in Washington D.C. will help its efforts to raise the profile of key issues related to poverty, while advocating to policymakers on behalf of those who experience its daily effects.

The office will be led by Ingrid Delgado, SVdP’s first National Director of Public Policy and Advocacy and formerly the Associate Director of Government Relations at the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.

The Grand Opening Ceremonies began with Mass celebrated by Cardinal Wilton Gregory at the Vincentian Chapel at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.

Then the ribbon cutting ceremony was held at the new office space at 110 Maryland Avenue, NE Suite 506, Washington DC 20002, which is located just steps away from the United States Supreme Court. National President John Berry provided some opening remarks, and introduced special guests to the event, before the ribbon cutting to mark the opening of the office.

In attendance was International SSVP President Papal Nuncio, Archbishop Andrew Bellissario, National CEO Michael Acaldo, new National Director of Public Policy and Advocacy Ingrid Delgado, the SVdP USA Board of Directors, and the SSVP-CGI International Board of Directors.

Last year, SVdP USA served more than 5 million people across the U.S. and provided more than $1.7 billion in aid, including $60 million in emergency financial assistance to prevent evictions and keep people housed. Often known for the thrift stores in cities and towns around the country, SVdP offers programs that are tailored to the specific needs of the communities it serves. Learn more about joining in our work at svdpusa.org.

 

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03-13-25 A Letter From Our Servant Leaders
03-13-25 A Letter From Our Servant Leaders 1200 1200 SVDP USA

Our Vincentian Charism

I just attended my first Midyear Business Meeting as your National CEO, and it was fantastic! It was wonderful to reunite with Vincentians that I have known for decades, and to meet others for the first time.

The Charism of our Society was on full display. As we all know, what a gift it is from the Holy Spirit to be a part of our Vincentian call to seek and find the forgotten. When we fulfill our call, we encounter Jesus in everyone we are blessed to serve.

Many Vincentians told me that they felt this was the best Midyear Meeting they have ever attended. There were a lot of reasons it was a great meeting.

First, when we gather, we fulfill our Vincentian call to grow spiritually and in friendship. That cannot happen at a virtual Zoom meeting.

Second, the focus of this year’s meeting was on Governance, Finance, and the Standards of Excellence, critical parts of good stewardship and essential for achieving Blessed Frédéric’s vision of a commitment to accountability within our Society. Special thanks to John Hallissy and Ed McCarthy for their excellent presentations on this subject matter.

Third, we were able to discuss and celebrate all our recent accomplishments. Our Regional Vice Presidents are working together to position our Councils, Conferences, and Special Works for success in keeping hope alive for the most vulnerable throughout our great country.

National President John Berry gave a State of the Society comprehensive report on the activities of our National Council. He provided an overview of how well Vision SVdP is shaping up, and how the information provided by our membership will lay out the roadmap for our future.

Sean Meyers gave the final report and a detailed plan from our Technology Task Force. His report highlighted our vision of how the use of technology will be key to the bright future of our Society.

It was also reported that our Society will officially open our Washington D.C. Office on April 4. As one of the largest lay Catholic groups in the country, this new office will give us the opportunity to share the stories of those we are blessed to serve with our leaders, but most importantly, with the whole country.

Earlier in this article, I mentioned the encounters we are blessed to have with those we serve. These encounters are priceless, and that is why it is so important for us to be that voice for the poor. We need to share their stories so together we can unite as a country to end some of the things we see on our encounters with those most in need.

How heartbreaking it is to visit a home with children who cannot even go to bed hungry because they do not even have a bed to sleep on.

How important are our encounters at SVdP Special Works, where people who are working come into our pharmacies because they cannot afford their life-sustaining medications.

We provide food, beds, prescription medicines, and so much more! Where would the most vulnerable be in our country or world without the Society?

Our Vincentian Charism is such a special gift — and so is the wisdom we share in our Vincentian friendship.

Several decades ago, a Vincentian leader in my hometown shared some wisdom with me that I cherish to this day. He was a two-time Council President in the Diocese of Baton Rouge, serving six years in the 1970s and six years in the 1990s.

Marvin Vincent Ourso was a Vincentian for almost 70 years before he went to his rest in heaven.

Many years ago, Marvin and I were having a conversation about how people can grow together with different views and thoughts on a variety of issues.

At the time, Marvin was in his early 70s, and I was in my late 20s. I was trying to understand the complex nature of relationships.

Marvin said, “As Vincentians, we are all trying to grow closer to Jesus. We are trying to follow His example.” He said, “Michael, you know that Jesus was both liberal and conservative (not in a political sense). He knows when to be liberal and when to be conservative. He is divine and we are not, but we need to do our best to look at everything through the lens that Jesus would want us to.”

Marvin went on to say, “For us brother and sister Vincentians, the most important thing we have is Christ and our friendship. Nothing can divide us if we grow together spiritually.”

These words of wisdom are even more important to me today than when Marvin shared them with me over 30 years ago.

That is what I saw on display at our Midyear Meeting: Vincentians embracing one another, sharing wisdom, and growing in spiritual friendship.

It is a blessing for me to meet and get to know each of you. You are God’s gift to our Society and all those we are blessed to serve!

Best wishes in Christ,
Michael J. Acaldo
National CEO

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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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02-13-25 A Letter From Our Servant Leaders
02-13-25 A Letter From Our Servant Leaders 1200 1200 SVDP USA

Focusing on Christ

A couple of months ago, I celebrated my 35th anniversary of being a part of our Vincentian family. Thirty-five years of blessings and an opportunity to learn and grow from the wisdom of Vincentians. I also just celebrated my five-month anniversary as your National CEO, and wow, have I learned a lot!

As Vincentians, we are called to be like a sponge, absorbing knowledge and spiritual growth from our brother and sister Vincentians. I began my Vincentian journey as a 22-year-old. I did not know much then — and I quickly learned, the more wisdom that was shared with me, the more I realized that I had to learn.

Older and wiser Vincentians taught me never to go to a gathering or meeting with my mind already made up on a particular matter but instead, arrive at the meeting with the desire to listen and discern the best solution.

As many of you know, Sam Pettway, founder of Boardwalk Consulting, is the recruiter who led the recent nationwide SVdP CEO search. After Sam reached out and asked me if I had any interest in the role, he asked me to describe myself. I told Sam that I consider myself a student of life, with the desire to keep on learning and growing. For me, the most attractive thing about our Society is our mission that calls us to grow together spiritually and in friendship so that we can serve Christ — our neighbor in need.

We have all heard the saying that if you have seen one St. Vincent de Paul Conference or Council, you have only seen one. We have such a strong and diverse way of focusing on serving Christ. This is what makes us special.

In the first Beatitude, when Christ says, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven,” He is talking to us! He is asking each of us to recognize our spiritual poverty and our need to grow closer to Him.

St. Vincent de Paul, St. Louise de Marillac, Blessed Frédéric Ozanam, and Blessed Rosalie Rendu serve as examples for us all to emulate. They lived in times far more difficult than what we face today. They saw challenges as opportunities to live their faith and keep their focus on Christ.

We should not put our faith into anyone or anything except Christ — we can count on Him, and He is counting on us! In a world where many are searching for Jesus, we have found Him in those we visit, comfort, and provide hope to in the most challenging times. How blessed we are to know that we are on a constant journey to serve Christ and grow closer to Him. There are so many in the world who don’t even know they should search and find Christ. We must keep them in our prayers.

The Lenten Season is just a few weeks away, and it will be a wonderful time to reflect on our virtues of Simplicity, Humility, Gentleness, Selflessness, and Zeal. We are called to be that bright light of Christ in the world, and to share the gift of the Society with others so they can live their faith in a Vincentian Way!

Thank you all for sharing the priceless gift of yourself with the Society and those we are blessed to serve!

Best wishes in Christ,
Michael J. Acaldo
National CEO

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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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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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