Servant Leader

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Peace and God’s blessings,
John

John Berry
SVdP National President

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01-23-25 A Letter From Our Servant Leaders
01-23-25 A Letter From Our Servant Leaders 1200 1200 SVDP USA

We’re More Than You Think

Do you recall why you joined the Society of St. Vincent de Paul? Most likely, you wanted to do good works as a “volunteer” — in the food pantry, thrift store, shelter, Home Visit, etc. — and be of service to those in need. It most likely wasn’t that you were looking for a faith-sharing group.

Why have you remained a Vincentian? Of course, it feels good to be of service to those in need. But the need is (always) so great, and we cannot “solve” everyone’s problems — so why do we continue? If you have been a Vincentian for any length of time, I suspect you know the answer: It is because, by the grace of God, that we are able to grow in holiness, in our Vincentian spirituality. How? By the transformative experience of a personal encounter with Jesus Christ, the suffering servant, in those we serve. Being a Vincentian is indeed a calling (by Christ) and it is our vocation.

So, my Vincentian brothers and sisters, the Society of St Vincent de Paul is more than you think. We are not just another agency doing good works — rather, we are Vincentians following a call to (our own) holiness and our own spiritual growth. It is through that growth and orienting ourselves to God that the Holy Spirit works through all of us in service to those in need, making a difference in their lives and ours. In effect, we become missionaries, bringing the Gospel of Christ to someone via a simple act of love. There is no other organization like us!

I would also argue that by emptying ourselves (our egos) and allowing the Holy Spirit inside us, discerning God’s will to guide our lives, can only lead to our own personal growth and transformation. This is no “one-and-done” growth, but rather, an ongoing transformation every day of our lives. Once again, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul offers us a perfect mechanism to do this on a regular basis. As Tim Williams wrote in a recent Contemplation column, this “Discernment of God’s will, then, is not a single event; a flash of insight that tells us every step to take for the rest of our lives.”

Blessed Frédéric put it this way: “It is not enough to take a superficial glance, you need repeated reflection.”

This “repeated reflection” can occur when we regularly meet Jesus in those we serve. Think about every person’s encounter with Jesus in the Gospel — from Simon Peter, Matthew, and all the Apostles, to the leper, the blind, the hemorrhaging woman who but touched the tassel of the cloak of Jesus and so was healed, and all the rest. With the eyes of faith, each of them was changed/transformed after that personal encounter with Christ. After our personal encounters with those in need, so it must be for us — we are continually transformed and, ultimately the results come not from anything we do on our own, but rather via God working through us.

This a cornerstone of our Vincentian charism — when we open ourselves to personal encounters with those in need, we are changed. We have a conversion of heart. We are able to go beyond our limits — we are transformed. We thus can “See the face of Christ and Be the face of Christ.” We do this in friendship and fellowship with our Vincentian brothers and sisters, serving God in the person of those in need, growing in holiness together. So we become more than an agency or people just giving away food or serving at shelters — we begin to see differently, and to experience Christ directly in service to those in need. Thank God for them!

Richard Rohr puts it this way: “Christ is the light that allows people to see things in their fullness and thus to see Christ everywhere else. In fact, a mature Christian sees Christ in everything and everyone else, which will always demand more of us, and give us no reasons to fight, exclude or reject anyone.”

And, of course, Vincent recognized this when he said “the poor are our masters.”

It is my prayer that you focus on the graces you have received from this beautiful Vincentian vocation, and I hope you invite others to personally experience these graces. You may doubt your “worthiness” or your ability to make a difference in the lives of those we serve. Remember what Jesus said, “It was not you who chose Me, but I who chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain, so that whatever you ask the Father in My name he may give you.” Echoing the words of Fr. Pat McDevitt, C.M. from a recent retreat, I say to you: My fellow Vincentians — you are special, you are chosen, you are loved, and you are sent. That is enough!

I am confident that if you and I but remember that this unearned grace — the good news of the Gospel in our lives — is enough, then Christ will work through us and be well-pleased with us, his simple and humble servants.

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the holy Spirit be with all of you.

Brian

Brian Burgess
Board Liaison to National Subsidiaries

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01-16-25 A Letter From Our Servant Leaders
01-16-25 A Letter From Our Servant Leaders 1200 1200 SVDP USA

A New Year Call to Hope and Action

My Fellow Vincentians,

As we stand at the beginning of a new year, our hearts may be filled with a mixture of emotions. There’s the excitement of new beginnings, the anticipation of fresh starts, and perhaps a touch of apprehension about the challenges that may lie ahead. But amidst these feelings, one constant remains: the enduring power of hope.

Hope is the belief that even in the face of adversity, goodness and redemption are possible. It is the conviction that we can overcome obstacles, heal divisions, and build a more just and compassionate world.

This hope, however, cannot be a passive hope. It must be a hope that is rooted in action, a hope that translates into tangible efforts to make our world a better place.
This year, SVdP USA will be taking new and stronger action to channel our hopes into concrete actions. With the opening of our second National Office in Washington, DC in February, we will be creating a base for increasing our efforts to advocate on behalf of those we serve, and turning our focus more intensely towards the pressing issues of our time, particularly the scourge of poverty and homelessness that afflicts far too many of our fellow Americans.

The stark reality is that millions of our brothers and sisters struggle to meet their basic needs. They lack access to affordable housing, nutritious food, and quality healthcare. Children go to bed hungry, families are forced to live on the streets, and countless individuals are trapped in a cycle of poverty that seems impossible to break.

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

How can we translate our hopes and dreams into meaningful action?

First and foremost, we must open our eyes and our hearts to the suffering around us. We must acknowledge the realities of poverty and homelessness in our own communities. We must listen to the stories of those who are struggling, and we must seek to understand their experiences. In our encounters with those we serve, we must listen with a Servant Heart — not only hearing the facts and numbers associated with the support we give, but hearing their hopes, dreams, and the stories that make them who they are. We cannot help if we do not understand. And we cannot understand if we do not listen.

Secondly, we must challenge the systems and structures that perpetuate poverty. We must advocate for policies that provide affordable housing, living wages, and access to quality education and healthcare for all. We must support organizations that are working to address the root causes of poverty, such as systemic racism and economic inequality. That will be the role of our Washington, DC office and staff. To work with USCCB, Congress, and like-minded nonprofits to drive the change needed to address poverty at its source.

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

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

Let us, therefore, embrace this new year with renewed hope and a renewed commitment to action. Let us strive to be instruments of God’s love and mercy in the world. Let us work together to build a beloved community where all are welcome, where all are valued, and where all have the opportunity to flourish.

Peace and God’s Blessings,
John

John Berry
National President

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

5 Great Virtues to Center Our Lives On!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Happy New Year,
Michael J. Acaldo
National CEO

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

John

John Berry
National President

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

“Christmas came without ribbons!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Merry Christmas,
Michael J. Acaldo
National CEO

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

My dear Vincentian Brothers and Sisters,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Peace and God’s blessings,
John

John Berry
National President

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

The Beautiful Exchange

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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11-21-24 A Letter From Our Servant Leaders
11-21-24 A Letter From Our Servant Leaders 1200 1200 SVDP USA

“God knows the sufferings of his children because he is an attentive and caring father. As a father, he takes care of those who are most in need: the poor, the marginalized, the suffering and the forgotten. No one is excluded from his heart, for in his eyes, we are all poor and needy.”
– World Day of the Poor Message, 2024

On Sunday, November 17, Pope Francis declared the 2024 World Day of the Poor. It was the eighth declaration of a World Day of the Poor, something that began under the Pontificate of Francis. In his message for 2024, the Pope declared the World Day of the Poor with the theme “The prayer of the poor rises up to God.” The expression that gives the 2024 World Day of the Poor its theme is taken from the Book of Sirach (21:5), which Pope Francis says is not sufficiently known and deserves to be discovered for the richness of its themes.

Instead of reading my words this week, I think it is more important that you read Pope Francis’s words on the poor, our obligation to the poor, and our way forward. These are excerpts from his Homily on Sunday and his message leading up to World Day of the Poor. I encourage you to go the Vatican website and read more from this year and prior years World Day of the Poor messages.

In his message for this World Day of the Poor, the Holy Father reiterates that “the poor hold a privileged place in God’s heart” and invites everyone to learn to pray for the poor and to pray together with the poor, with humility and trust. Let’s listen to his words.

The World Day of the Poor has now become a fixture for every ecclesial community. It is a pastoral opportunity not to be underestimated, for it challenges every believer to listen to the prayer of the poor, becoming aware of their presence and needs. It is an opportune occasion to implement initiatives that concretely help the poor and to recognize and support the many volunteers who dedicate themselves passionately to those most in need. We must thank the Lord for the people who make themselves available to listen to and support the poorest among us. They are priests, consecrated persons, lay men and women who, by their testimony, give voice to God’s response to the prayer of those who turn to him. This silence, therefore, is broken every time a person in need is welcomed and embraced. The poor still have much to teach us because in a culture that has placed wealth at the forefront and often sacrifices the dignity of people on the altar of material goods, they swim against the tide, highlighting that what is essential for life is something else entirely.

Prayer, then, is verified by authentic charity that manifests itself as encounter and proximity. If prayer does not translate into concrete action, it is in vain; indeed, “faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead” (Jas 2:17). However, charity without prayer risks becoming philanthropy that soon exhausts itself. “Without daily prayer lived with fidelity, our acts are empty, they lose their profound soul and are reduced to being mere activism” (BENEDICT XVI, Catechesis, April 25, 2012). We must avoid this temptation and always be vigilant with the strength and perseverance that comes from the Holy Spirit, who is the giver of life.

As we journey towards the Holy Year, I urge everyone to become pilgrims of hope, setting tangible goals for a better future. Let us not forget to keep “the little details of love” (Gaudete et Exultate, 145): stopping, drawing near, giving a little attention, a smile, a caress, a word of comfort. These gestures are not automatic; they require a daily commitment and are often hidden and silent, but strengthened by prayer. In this time, when the song of hope seems to give way to the clamor of arms, to the cry of many innocent wounded, and the silence of the countless victims of wars, we turn to God with our plea for peace. We stretch out our hands to receive peace as a precious gift for we are “poor” in this regard, while at the same time committing ourselves to weave it back into daily life.

 We are called in every circumstance to be friends of the poor, following in the footsteps of Jesus who always began by showing solidarity when dealing with the least among us.

Peace and God’s blessings,
John

John Berry
National President

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