Vincentians

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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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Second Chances: SVdP Hosts Senate Event on Re-entry Solutions
Second Chances: SVdP Hosts Senate Event on Re-entry Solutions 2560 1920 SVDP USA

Second Chances: SVdP Hosts Senate Event on Re-entry Solutions

Phil Conley didn’t grow up expecting to speak in the halls of the U.S. Senate. Raised on the South Side of Chicago, he lost his father at a young age and saw violence, drugs, and incarceration shape nearly every aspect of life around him.

“The only thing I saw getting rewarded was violence,” he said. “A lot of people that worked in my family sold and used drugs. I didn’t see many people working jobs or going to church.”

But on May 13, Conley flew from Des Moines, Iowa, to Washington, D.C., to do something he never imagined—share his story with congressional staffers in the Russell Senate Office Building and advocate for the re-entry programs he now helps lead as a mentor.

The event, hosted by the Society of St. Vincent de Paul USA (SVdP), Catholic Charities USA, the National Religious Campaign Against Torture, and the Jesuit Conference Office of Justice and Ecology, brought together more than two dozen Senate staffers and policy stakeholders to hear firsthand how second chances, when rooted in faith, dignity, and real support, can break cycles of incarceration and restore lives.

The event was a powerful introduction to SVdP’s growing advocacy presence in Washington, made possible by the organization’s new national office and the recent appointment of Ingrid Delgado as National Director of Public Policy and Advocacy. SVdP opened the office in April to advocate on issues related to poverty, homelessness, and the needs of vulnerable populations, including support for faith-based re-entry programs. SVdP is using its platform as one of the largest charitable organizations in the country—serving more than five million people annually through person-to-person assistance, housing programs, food support, disaster relief, and more—to shape federal policy.

Conley’s remarks highlighted not just his own journey, but the importance of lived experience in informing policy. Now a business owner, father, and mentor, he continues to walk alongside others returning home through SVdP’s Immersion Program in Des Moines, a Second Chance Act grant recipient.

Steve Havemann, CEO of SVdP Des Moines, emphasized just how impactful that program has been.

“The state’s average recidivism rate is 45%,” he said. “For our Immersion Program, it’s 18%.”

The program focuses on the first 72 hours after release, providing returning citizens with housing, mentorship, job readiness, and community support.

“Poverty can be a full-time job,” Steve said. “If we want to break cycles, we have to invest in people, not just systems.”

That message reflects SVdP’s Vincentian model. The work of the Society’s more than 90,000 volunteers is built on one-on-one relationships. Whether it’s helping someone return home after incarceration or assisting a neighbor with rent or food, SVdP believes in meeting people where they are, offering support, dignity, and hope without judgment.

The panels brought SVdP’s values to life through powerful, personal testimonies. Johnny Perez, Director of the U.S. Prisons Program at the National Religious Campaign Against Torture, spoke about the lasting trauma of solitary confinement and why humane, faith-led solutions are essential. Courtney Everett, Director of Finance and Development at Saint Louis University’s Prison Education Program, urged attendees to support the reauthorization of the Second Chance Act and shared how education transformed his own re-entry journey.

Conley participated in the second panel, which continued the conversation through lived experience. Carla Anderson (Wiley), now Program Manager at Catholic Charities, offered her perspective on the challenges women face post-incarceration, describing the simultaneous pressures of finding housing, employment, and regaining custody of children. Derek Roberts, founder of Ageless Generations, and Steve Havemann rounded out the discussion with reflections on what’s working and what still needs to change.

“Faith-based organizations like SVdP don’t just advocate from a policy platform. We advocate from lived experience and deep relationships in communities across the country,” said Ingrid Delgado, SVdP’s National Director of Public Policy and Advocacy. “That’s what makes our voice in Washington both credible and urgently needed.”

The message from every speaker was clear: faith-based re-entry efforts work. Panelists pointed to the unique role faith communities play in offering long-term accompaniment, moral clarity, and a sense of hope, especially for those society often overlooks.

These are the kinds of community-rooted, person-centered solutions SVdP advocates for through legislation like the Second Chance Act, through national partnerships, and by ensuring that policymaking includes the voices of those with lived experience.

As SVdP expands its national advocacy, these are the voices it’s bringing to the table.

“If you had told me 15 years ago this would be my life, I wouldn’t have believed it,” Conley said at the close of the event. “But now I’m living it. And I’m not stopping here.”

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SVdP Bridges Access to Reemployment in Iowa through Back2Work Programs
SVdP Bridges Access to Reemployment in Iowa through Back2Work Programs 2560 1936 SVDP USA

SVdP Bridges Access to Reemployment in Iowa through Back2Work Programs

In 2017, two years into his tenure as CEO of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SVdP) in Des Moines, Iowa, Steve Havemann had an eye-opening realization: 34% of the people being served by SVdP Des Moines had been incarcerated at some point in their life.

That’s just the tip of the iceberg. The 6th Avenue Corridor in Des Moines — a community served by SVdP — is the most impoverished and underserved in the city, according to Havemann. It is the least accessible by transportation, has the highest crime rate, and has an average household income of about $11,000.

Not only is it hard to find jobs there, but those who are unemployed, ironically, can’t afford to get a job.

“You have workforce training programs that are 8-12 weeks long and are unpaid,” said Havemann. “So, people are asking themselves, ‘How am I supposed to buy dinner tonight? How am I supposed to survive until Friday? My entire day is consumed and I’m not making any money for 12 weeks.’”

That’s when SVdP’s Back2Work program was born. Back2Work provides customized training, continuing education, community resources, and connectivity for people on the journey to reemployment, all while providing a livable wage. The 1.5-week program connects individuals impacted by incarceration, poverty and homelessness with entry-level opportunities in pre-apprentice, apprentice, and journey career pathways.

Since piloting in Des Moines, Back2Work has been adopted across the country by SVdP Councils in major cities such as Seattle, Oakland, Baltimore, Orlando, Milwaukee, and more. Thus far, SVdP Des Moines has served almost 270 people through the program, ranging from younger adults — many without parents — to older adults who are struggling to provide for their families.

“Back2Work was really born out of listening to the concerns of our communities and asking questions, not being prescriptive,” said Havemann. “It wasn’t, ‘I’ve got the answer for you,’ but rather, ‘What if we work together and changed how we offer services?”

Individuals begin the program with résumé building and learning soft skills like financial literacy and career readiness. As the program progresses, they continue to build upon those skills and receive job shadowing opportunities at various employers. The final stages involve participants engaging in mock interviews, giving a recorded presentation to their peers, and fully transitioning into their new jobs.

The participant-to-employer relationship is further reinforced through SVdP Des Moines’ employer council. This network of 34 employers meets three times a year to advise on the Back2Work program, as well as communicating the progress of program graduates they’ve recently employed.

“That’s really one of the big things that is significant about this program — the follow-up piece, checking in and making sure everything is still going well for our former participants. If not, and sometimes that is the case, we provide interventions to help guide them towards success.”

Havemann and his 140-person team helped SVdP Dubuque, about three hours northeast, , adapt their own Back2Work program in late 2023. Led by Cindy Kohlmann, Director of Programming Services, SVdP Dubuque’s iteration of the program has served 70 individuals thus far, ranging from age 18 to 64.

SVdP Dubuque’s program emphases life skills training like cooking, saving money, and teamwork. Sessions feature guest speakers, including executive leadership from various employers.

Kohlmann said it’s not just about bridging access back to employment for these vulnerable individuals, but also giving them the confidence and tools needed to stay at work.

“Lots of times when the question is asked, “How do we get people out of homelessness?” the fast answer is that we get them a job. But that doesn’t solve all of their problems,” Kohlmann said. “SVdP’s Back2Work program addresses more than just work. It addresses things like communication, nutrition, and spirituality.”

One woman from Dubuque had a track record of impressive jobs which paid her generously, but couldn’t keep those jobs because of relationship issues with her colleagues, according to Kohlmann.

“She didn’t know how to relate to a manager or coworkers, which ultimately cost her all of these wonderful jobs.”

The woman enrolled in the Back2Work program last November, which helped her finetune interpersonal communication and relationship skills. She graduated from the program, landed a job, and is still with the employer today, said Kohlmann.

One man went from part-time dishwasher to full-time supervisor, thanks to the program. He had done three tours of duty in Afghanistan and went through the military’s reentry program, but nothing worked. He then got into trouble and spent 18 months in prison. Now, he is successfully reintegrated into the community, thanks to SVdP.

Kohlmann said everyone deserves a chance, even those at their lowest.

“I get a little emotional and a bit passionate about this because people tend to believe that there are throwaway people, and I don’t believe that.”

Said Havemann, “If they believe that they need assistance but lack the confidence or competence within themselves to go forward and excel, that’s part of our mission … to jump in and fill that gap.”

SVdP Des Moines recently received a federal block grant that will allow it to combine Back2Work with its IMMERSION/Reentry program, which provides mentorship and resources to returning citizens from incarceration. It is also pushing for funding to collect data and become registered as an evidence-based practice.

“The thing to remember is that it’s not just the participants themselves who benefit from our programs, but also their families, friends and surrounding communities,” Havemann said.

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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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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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Election of Pope Leo XIV: Statement from SVdP USA National President John Berry
Election of Pope Leo XIV: Statement from SVdP USA National President John Berry 1920 1080 SVDP USA

Election of Pope Leo XIV: Statement from SVdP USA National President John Berry

The moment a new Pope steps onto the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica for the first time is always a powerful reminder that the Catholic Church endures and that the Holy Spirit is not finished with us yet. On behalf of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul USA, I offer heartfelt congratulations to the Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV. We assure him of our prayers, our support, and our continued service to those in need as we are called to do by the Gospel.

Pope Leo XIV’s election is a moment of profound hope for the Church and the world, as he is entrusted with leading the faithful into a new era of grace, mercy, and renewal. As with Pope Francis, the papacy of Pope Leo XIV offers us an opportunity to further unity, deepen compassion, and strengthen our shared call to serve our neighbors—values that lie at the heart of the Vincentian mission.

The Society has always followed the Gospel path of encounter — walking with the poor, the suffering, and the forgotten. As the largest lay Catholic organization in the world, we are the hands and feet of Christ in our communities — in the homes we visit, in the meals we serve, and in the listening ear we offer. Pope Leo XIV’s witness to humility, simplicity, and care for the poor resonates deeply with our Vincentian spirit. We see in this new papacy an invitation to continue to grow and deepen our commitment to works of mercy, solidarity with the vulnerable, and the living out of Catholic social teaching — not only in words, but in deeds.

In the coming days and years, we are eager to listen, to learn, and to labor for the Kingdom of God — side by side with Pope Leo XIV, the clergy, religious, and laypeople across the globe.

May God bless our new Holy Father; may his papacy bring light to a searching world; and may we all be renewed in faith, in mission, and in love.

Declaración de John Berry sobre la elección del Papa León XIV

En el momento en que un nuevo Papa pisa el balcón de la Basílica de San Pedro por primera vez, siempre es un poderoso recordatorio de que la Iglesia Católica perdura y que el Espíritu Santo aún no ha terminado con nosotros. En nombre de la Sociedad de San Vicente de Paúl de los Estados Unidos, felicito de corazón al Santo Padre, al Papa León XIV. Le aseguramos nuestras oraciones, nuestro apoyo y nuestro servicio continuo a las personas en necesidad, así como estamos llamados a hacerlo por el Evangelio.

La elección del Papa León XIV es un momento de profunda esperanza para la Iglesia y el mundo, ya que se le ha confiado la tarea de guiar a los fieles hacia una nueva era de gracia, misericordia y renovación. Al igual que con el Papa Francisco, el papado del Papa León XIV nos ofrece una oportunidad para promover la unidad, profundizar la compasión y fortalecer nuestro llamado compartido para servir a nuestro prójimo, valores que se encuentran en el corazón de la Misión Vicentina.

La Sociedad siempre ha seguido el camino evangélico del encuentro: caminar con las personas que viven en la pobreza, los que sufren y los olvidados. Como la organización católica laica más grande, somos las manos y los pies de Cristo en nuestras comunidades: en los hogares que visitamos, en las comidas que servimos y en el oído atento que ofrecemos. El testimonio del Papa León XIV sobre la humildad, la sencillez y el cuidado de las personas que viven en la pobreza resuena profundamente en nuestro espíritu Vicentino.

Vemos en este nuevo papado, una invitación a seguir creciendo y profundizando nuestro compromiso con las obras de misericordia, la solidaridad con los vulnerables y la vivencia de la doctrina Social Católica, no solo en palabras, sino con hechos.

En los próximos días y años, estaremos ansiosos por escuchar, aprender y trabajar por el Reino de Dios, codo a codo con el Papa León XIV, el clero, los religiosos y los laicos de todo el mundo.

Que Dios bendiga a nuestro nuevo Santo Padre; Que su papado lleve la luz a un mundo que la busca; Que todos seamos renovados en la Fe, en la Misión y en el Amor.

– John Berry, Presidente Nacional

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05-01-25 A Letter From Our Servant Leaders
05-01-25 A Letter From Our Servant Leaders 1200 1200 SVDP USA

Often when explaining what the Society of St. Vincent de Paul is, I use the 3-legged milk stool as an analogy. Our purpose is to grow in holiness, in service to the poor, and in friendship. Those are our essential elements.

I’m woefully lacking in spirituality so that’s an area where I can improve the most.  Friendship is where I am most comfortable. Servant Leaders spend much of their time with other Vincentians. We have the opportunity to offer a smile, to be welcoming, and to listen to and value their opinions.

One of the things I learned at Invitation for Renewal (a very powerful experience that I suggest every Vincentian consider) is that our founder Blessed Frederic, guided by Sr. Rosalie, organized a discussion club that became a Society of Charity! Today, other clubs use the term “fellowship” to refer to mutually supportive gatherings and friendship building activities.

In my Conference, Vincentians and their spouses have dinner and a cocktail hour twice a year to socialize with no other agenda. When I was Council President, we would host these dinners after the holidays to share our decorations and again on the patio in the summer. My wife Susan was called the “hostess with the mostest” because she picked a theme (think Italian, Mexican, Greek) and the food would reflect it. I did what was allowed — greeter and bartender!

I’m also reminded of friends who became Vincentians because I invited them. Friendship is so powerful. Don’t we gravitate toward those who have values, interests, religion, and locations that are similar to ours? My friends wouldn’t invite me to a hockey or soccer game, but they ALL know I’m a Dodgers fan.

Jesus shows us how: “greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” As I work on growing in holiness and service, I quote our friend Joe: “Friendship is the glue that keeps the other two elements together so that we are cohesive.” In the coming months, may we each go out of our way to spread friendship, and increase our service and grow in holiness!

In God’s plan, we all have strengths. I think one of mine is friendship. Have you thought about yours?

Don Kany

National Vice President, Mountain Region

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