My Most Memorable National Assembly
Over the last 36 years, I have always looked forward to our National Assembly. As you can imagine, I have countless special memories from these gatherings.
One might assume my most memorable Assembly was just last year in Phoenix, when Archbishop Bellisario installed me as National CEO. The Diocesan Council of Phoenix hosted a phenomenal meeting, and I carry many wonderful memories from that week.
Others might guess it was my first Assembly in 1990 in Buffalo, where Vincentians — along with my colleague Mark Zirnheld — organized a truly memorable event. I even had the chance to see Niagara Falls for the first time. That meeting was filled with new friendships and marked the start of my Vincentian journey of spiritual growth.
Some of you who know me best might suspect my favorite was in 2022 in Baltimore, organized by my dear friend John Schiavone, the longest-serving executive in the country. With its theme of Coming to the Water, the Archdiocesan Council of Baltimore gave us another unforgettable gathering.
The truth is, all the National Assemblies I have attended hold priceless memories.
But my most memorable Assembly was the one I never attended.
As we approach the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, it’s no surprise why I missed the 2005 National Assembly in Chicago.
I had never been to Chicago before, and I couldn’t wait to see my Vincentian friends. Our Council President and I planned to travel on August 30, but there was a hurricane rumbling in the Gulf of Mexico.
As Hurricane Katrina approached the Louisiana coast, the forecast was one of absolute devastation, so across the Gulf Coast we were in deep prayer.
When it made landfall on August 29, the initial winds in New Orleans seemed lighter than expected, and we thought the city had been spared. But the water kept rising. As hours passed, those who had not evacuated faced growing danger.
Our Vincentian brothers and sisters in New Orleans were forced to evacuate to towns throughout Louisiana, Texas, and beyond.
In Baton Rouge, we saw a tidal wave of people in need heading to our little city. We prayed—and then we acted. The Society became a bright light of hope for those who had lost everything.
Vincentians leaders in Baton Rouge started getting calls from National President Gene Smith, National CEO Roger Playwin, and many others. Those calls and prayers meant so much to us and energized us. We felt confident to respond because we knew that Vincentians across the country were with us in prayer and support.
Our conferences mobilized immediately.
Our thrift stores became hands of compassion by providing clothes and shoes to adults and children that showed up with nothing but the clothes they had on. Supplies never ran out as semi-trucks full of items came in every day.
The semi-trucks also rolled into our parking lot Dining Room with food and supplies. Our volunteers and staff got to cooking nonstop to feed all those who were hungry.
Our emergency shelters responded to those that couldn’t get into hotel rooms.
Our pharmacy filled life-sustaining prescriptions for evacuees that forgot their medicine behind.
One day, Ralph Middlecamp – then Executive Director in Madison – called to check in. After hearing about the challenges, he suggested to Gene Smith that I report to the National Business Meeting.
I was blessed with the opportunity to address the National Council by phone and let our national leaders know what was happening on the ground and how Vincentians were making a difference.
Shortly after the Assembly Gene Smith came to Louisiana to visit us on the ground to see how we were responding to this historic disaster. He and the National Council provided support of our efforts.
I treasure every Assembly I’ve attended. Each year, our gathering brings our mission to life: growing together in holiness and friendship.
As Vincentians, we respond daily—sometimes to a family facing eviction, sometimes to a widespread disaster like a flood, wildfire, tornado, or hurricane. No matter the scale, we are united in our Vincentian charism, bringing Christ’s light of hope to those in need.
That is why these Assemblies are so vital—we need each other.
If you’ve already registered for this year’s Assembly, I look forward to seeing you. If you haven’t yet, please consider it. David Neill and the Louisville Archdiocesan Council have planned a wonderful gathering, sure to be full of priceless memories. Most importantly, you’ll forge new spiritual friendships and strengthen the ones you already have.
Best wishes in Christ,
Michael
An experienced senior executive and tireless advocate for people in poverty, Berry served as Chief Executive Officer for SVdP Georgia for 14 years before retiring in 2020. In his work there, he championed national, state, and local efforts to fight poverty, dependence, and need. In September 2020, he founded Berry Consulting Solutions, LLC; consulting experts in Nonprofit Board Governance, Organizational Dynamics, Strategic Planning, and Development & Fundraising.
The National Foundation works to support the work of the National Council and strengthens the Vincentian network of charity through financial support and other endeavors. Their award recognizes Smith’s exceptional service and outstanding contributions to the National Council of the United States, Society of St. Vincent de Paul.
Smith served a six-year term as National President from 1999 to 2005. Among the hallmarks of his presidency, Smith let the Society through its first strategic plan, and helped implement the Society’s first formal mission statement. He also oversaw establishment of the Voice of the Poor Committee, developed “to uphold Catholic social teaching by researching, validating, documenting, advocating, and promulgating issues related to the condition of the poor and disenfranchised.”