On January 8-12, 2020, more than 200 leaders of the Vincentian Family, representing 91 branches, gathered in Rome (Italy) to reflect upon the realities of collaboration and the future of the Vincentian charism.
This event was unique in many ways. It was the first International Meeting of Leaders of the Vincentian Family, bringing together the 150 Superior Generals and the Presidents of Vincentian branches from around the world. For some Superior Generals, it was the first occasion to have a better understanding of the larger Vincentian Family and to explore multiple possibilities of collaboration. For all, it was a very special opportunity to reflect with others on shared hopes and challenges regarding vocations, the transmission of the charism, and communications, among other topics. This event was made possible by the work of the Vincentian Family Office (VFO), who carefully reached out and visited the different branches over the last year to give a better picture of the multiple manifestations of the charism throughout the world.
The Famvin Homeless Alliance was blessed to be present at this historical event of the Vincentian Family. Mark McGreevy, FHA Coordinator, and Sister Carol Keehan, DC, Commission member, presented the work of the Alliance and the 13 Houses Campaign. Mark McGreevy said: “It was great to be at this historic gathering of all the leaders of the Vincentian Family branches. The Vincentian spirit is alive, and I have great hopes for substantial collaboration in the future”. FHA team members Yasmine Cajuste, Project Development Coordinator, and Natalie Monteza, 13 Houses Campaign Coordinator, also attended this historical meeting. Their attendance allowed them to establish the seed of many forthcoming 13 Houses projects across the world.
We look forward to the fruits of this gathering and hope that the Vincentian Family will manifest the daring audacity, the prophetic inspiration and the sense of collaboration of its founders as it addresses the signs of the times on its 5th centenary.