Edition 3/2018

International General Council - Society of St Vincent de Paul

Members of the Feliz International General Council of the SSVP visit the tomb Navidadof François Lallier

International Commission International Cyprus is the Workshops on of Aid to Conference of 154th country Training and Development the “FAMVIN that joins the Special Projects (CIAD) Homeless Alliance” great network of charity

International General Council Page 9 Page 16 Page 27 Page 321 www.ssvpglobal.org Summary editorial 3 the thematic year of françois lallier o Members of the International General Council of the SSVP visit the tomb of François Lallier 4 international activities o The General Council is celebrating a feast: 15 years the Rule and the Confederation 5 o International Meeting of the Region Europe 1 6 o South America: The SSVP is on the Move 7 o First edition of the International Workshops on Training and SSVP Special Projects 9 o The IGC’s Commission of Aid to Development has supported, with more than 900,000 €, 51 initiatives in 31 countries 16 vincentian history o The film festival on the seven founders of the SSVP 18

Edición church and ssvp: II World Day of the Poor 19 3/2018 blessing o We finally got a historical image of the founder Félix Clavé! 21 International General Council - Society of St Vincent de Paul communication/ spreading o Interview with Raymond L. Sickinger 22 o Launching of The Thematic Year of Paul Lamache 24 o Launching of the Circular Letter of the PGI 24 spirituality 25 vincentian family o “ Vincentian Volunteers” 26 Members of the Feliz International Meeeting of the Famvin Homeless Alliance 27 International General o Council of the SSVP visit world news the tomb Navidadof François Lallier

International Commission International Cyprus is the “The Unity of Humankind”, National Assembly of the SSVP Workshops on of Aid to Conference of 154th country o Training and Development the “FAMVIN that joins the Special Projects (CIAD) Homeless Alliance” great network Italy 29 of charity Pág. 9 Pág. 16 Pág. 27 Pág. 32 o SSVP in expansion: Cyprus is the 154th territory that is joined into our great charity network 32 o SSVP USA: A mobile app for the Vincentians 33 Chairman: o SSVP France: Third Edition of “Innovate! for the solidarity” 33 Carlos LAFARGA o SSVP Portugal: The Portuguese Parliament grants the Human Head of English Language: Rights Award 2018 to a Vincentian work located in Oporto 34 Mary Whilssy CANDELARIA y Karl HILA Head of Spanish Language: ssvp youth Carlos LAFARGA o Trip of the International Vice President for the Young, Head of Portuguese Language and Graphics: Children and Adolescents to Lebanon. 35 Markinhos PERASSOLI Head of Social Media: o Gathering of the Vincentian Youth / World Youth Day - Mary Whilssy CANDELARIA Panamá 2019 37 SSVP Representative – Famvin Int. visits of the international president general Communication Department: Karl HILA o Portugal 38 Ozanam Network Graphics: strategic goals 40 SSVP Spain

International General Council 2 www.ssvpglobal.org Editorial Christmas Message Renato Lima

My Dear Vincentians, Members of the Conferences of Saint Vincent de The new forms Paul, MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Congratulations to all the Vincentians around the world for the ded- of suffering ication, affection and zeal with which they deal on a daily basis with demand from all people who live some kind of material or spiritual need. The new forms of suffering demand from all of us a new look at the society in which we are a part of and, consequently, a new way of attack- of us a new look ing the causes and consequences of poverty. at the society Your presence in this world is a light for all, like Christ is the light of the world. As Vincentians, we act to offer those who suffer a better life, in which we are based on love for God and neighbor. During this Holy Christmas time, we renew the ideals of solidarity, a part of and, charity and love, which are the marks of every Christian and which con- stitute the legacy of our founders. consequently, Where there are shadows, sadness and indifference, let us carry the love of Jesus Christ. a new way of Where there is envy and vanity, let us carry the sweetness of Mary’s attacking the heart. Where there is lack of hope and love, let us carry the strength of Saint causes and Joseph. On behalf of the Council General International, the International consequences Board of Directors and the staff in Paris, I wish you a MERRY CHRISTMAS! of poverty. We also wish 2019, (International Year of Paul Lamache and 180 years of the Council General), be for everyone a year full of achievements, especially in favor of the humblest. May God bless us and forgive our failures.

Praised be our Lord, Jesus Christ!

International General Council 3 www.ssvpglobal.org the thematic year of françois lallier

Members of the International General Council of the SSVP visit the tomb of François Lallier, one of the SSVP founders

November 16th. Will be an historical day for the SSVP, because it is the first time that the Board of the International General Council visits the tomb of François Lallier, one of the SSVP 7 founders.

The pilgrimage of the members ment of prayer and with a reading After this event, the delegation was lead to the city of Sens, a about his live and service to the visited the Cathedral of Saint-Éti- town in which Lallier had his fam- SSVP. enne-de-Sens. ily and forged his professional ca- reer, where he also founded Con- According to the XVI general A plaque with the legend “the ferences and where his body rests, president, Renato Lima, “this visit 1st Secretary General of SSVP, one after his death, in the cemetery of to the tomb of Lallier is a concrete of the founders of the institution this city of France, two hours from activity of the annual Thematic on April 23, 1833, Paris, France”, Paris. Year, and being there, praying and will be situated in Lallier’s tomb. visiting this city, is a great grace for In front of the tomb, the mem- all Vincentians”. At the time of the Soon, the International Gen- bers of the International General tribute, brother Renato comment- eral Council will give information Council of the SSVP paid tribute ed on the great friendship between about the address and location of to Lallier with flowers, with a mo- Lallier and Frederico Ozanam. Lallier’s grave.

International General Council 4 www.ssvpglobal.org international activities

The General Council is celebrating a feast: 15 years with the Rule and the Confederation

humanitarian emergency relief in cases of natural disasters.

All this is possible thanks to a prudent management and to the generous donations from the Supe- rior Councils. The current mandate has generated countless innova- On 18th October 2003, Until 2003, the General Council tions, such as transparency mecha- was not legally an international nisms, the creation of the auditor’s in Rome, an Assembly of entity, it was a French association, service, the Thematic Years on the the Society of St. Vincent i.e., there was no legal link be- seven founders and the live broad- tween the different Societies in the casts of meetings, among other de Paul was held where world. achievements. the network of charity The second part of the new Rule The Confederation and the Rule that Frederic dreamt of lays down the Statutes of an Inter- are today pleasant realities for the became an International national Confederation as a French daily routine of the Vincentian legal entity made up of various Conferences and Councils, always Confederation, with a Superior Councils that voluntarily “serving in hope”. We are grateful requested to join the Confedera- to our predecessors, led by Presi- modern Rule that we tion and established their internal dent Díaz-Torremocha, who mod- should know, take care of, statutes according to the third part ernized the SSVP through its new of the Rule. Rule and the creation of the Con- love and follow. federation. This Confederation has borne plenty of fruit in these 15 years, May the Immaculate Virgin, and today we have a truly global our Patroness, St. Vincent de Paul entity, always close to the Vincen- and the Blessed Frederic Ozanam tian Family, which helps those who continue to protect our beloved in- suffer around the world through stitution! the Conferences, Councils, works and the twinning, as well as taking Many thanks to all of you!

International General Council 5 www.ssvpglobal.org international activities

International Meeting of the Region Europe 1

From 21st to 23rd September, The purpose of this meeting was various forms and initiatives in the SSVP countries of the region that all the countries share their each of the countries to improve Europe 1 gathered in the city experiences and common ways to the presence of young people and of Durham to discuss issues respond to new challenges: immi- the growth of Conferences, mak- such as the development and gration from countries in Africa and ing better known the work of the the improvement of service and the Middle East, the new poverties SSVP in, for example, profession- spirituality in the SSVP. arising in a more and more un- al groups and centres of prima- christian and aged Europe. It was ry education. They also promote The countries of the region Eu- highlighted the increasing number congresses and awards at univer- rope 1 (England and Wales, Ire- of lonely people and neglected el- sities, trade fairs and exhibitions land, Scotland, Austria, Germany, derly, the crisis of values and the to engage volunteers, promote so- The Netherlands, Italy, South Ty- increase in dysfunctional families. cial activities, etc. They presented rol, Switzerland, Belgium, France, They also informed about the pro- initiatives to improve the funding Spain, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, gramme Famvin Homeless Aliance, and obtain resources for social Monaco, Portugal and Turkey) met aiming at returning dignify to the programs. As an example, they from 21st to 23rd September at people in need by providing them mentioned solidarity campaigns Ushaw College, near Durham City a home and a basic sustenance. An towards different groups and the in the Northwest of England, con- essential point in the meeting was mini shops in England and Wales. vened by the international Territo- devoted to the Vincentian spirit- rial Vice-president Laszlo Könczol, uality. The fraternal meeting conclud- from Germany, having also the ed with a visit to various Vincen- attendance of some guests from The national Presidents also tian projects in Newcastle and a the Region Europe 2. laid down, in an open debate, the visit to Durham Cathedral.

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The second half of the year 2018 has been very busy for South America: the SSVP in South America, The SSVP is on the Move with many activities. The BRAZIL Team of the Territorial Vice-Presidency America 3 In August, the Coordinator of Zone 1, Margarita Henao, took part in went to the countries of the the National Meeting of the Brazil- region, participating in the ian SSVP in the city of Osasco, Sao Paulo. In addition to reports on meetings with presentations Vincentian projects and activities, and coordinating meetings the gathering tackled as main top- ic the review of various points of and activities. the SSVP Rule in Brazil.

PERU

In October, the CGI visited the SSVP in Peru, through the Coordinator of Zone 2, Sebastião Ribeiro. In addition to meetings with the officials of the National Council and visits to Vincen- tian works, the Zone Coordinator par- URUGUAY ticipated in a Meeting of Vincentian Training that brought together mem- Also in August, a CIAD project of bers of the Conferences of the metro- visits to the Conferences of this politan area of Lima, the capital of the country took place, supporting an country. action of closeness of the Nation- al Council to the grass root fellow members of the SSVP. They were 4 days of visits to 10 conferences, bringing information and training to the members.

The Coordinator of Zone 3, Francisco Velasco, and the Coordi- nator for Special Projects, Renata Mancini took part in the visits, to- gether with officials from the Na- tional Council of Uruguay.

International General Council 7 www.ssvpglobal.org South America: international activities The SSVP is on the Move

ARGENTINA

Also on October, the CGI visited the SSVP in Argentina to hold work- ing meetings with the board of the National Council, which counted with the presence of the Territorial Vice-President, Julio Cesar M. de Lima, and the Coordinator of Zone 3, Francisco Velasco.

The main objective was to discuss with the Superior Council the service structure of the SSVP in the country and the growth pros- pects, especially the creation of Conferences in the provinces where the SSVP is not yet present. To this end, in addition to the meeting with the Superior Council, there were meetings with the two Zone Councils of the metropolitan area of Buenos Aires, and with mem- bers of a Conference.

BOLIVIA

In November, the CGI sent the Coordinator of Formation and Training for South America, Re- nata Mancini, to Cochabamba for a training session with the board of the Superior Council. The Co- ordinator also participated in the National Meeting of the SSVP in Bolivia.

On 15th and 16th December, the CGI’s International Territori- al Vice-Presidency team for America 3 was in Osasco, Brazil, for its annual meeting on stra- tegic planning in order to analyse the situa- tion of the SSVP in each country of the area, and to plan the activities for 2019.

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The chosen venue was the Centre First edition of the International “La Salle Arlep”, in Madrid. The welcoming of the National Presi- Workshops on Training and SSVP dent of the Spanish SSVP was fol- lowed by the debates and propos- Special Projects, held in Madrid, als. The organization of this first edition of the workshops allowed Spain, on 2nd and 3rd November the participants, more than 40 fel- low members from the five conti- 2018 nents and other invited members, to have time to gather according to their area of service in the SSVP: The first edition of these workshops took place in Ma- Training or Special Projects. On drid, Spain, on 2nd and 3rd November, promoted by their the last day, all of them attended officers, the International Vice President for Training, the presentation of our IPG “Look- fellow member María Luisa Téllez, and the International ing forward vision of the General Vice President for Special Projects, Maurice Yeung. They Council”. were attended by 12 territorial delegates responsible for each of the strategic areas of Special Projects and Train- The intervention of our brother ing. At the event were present the members of the Board, Renato Lima de Oliveira was very as well as the International President General, Renato enriching, defining the targets set Lima de Oliveira, who closed the event. by the IGC for its mandate, the de- velopment of the SSVP Strategic Plan, the objectives achieved and the future expectations to take

International General Council 9 www.ssvpglobal.org International Workshops on Training international activities and SSVP Special Projects our beloved Institution, with the a good pace. strengthen the Youth Conferences support and commitment of each and promote Training. fellow member, to the path of SSVP Plus: The latest country to holiness and service towards the join the SSVP network of charity Training: In the field of Training, he neediest. This objective was pur- has been Cyprus, we are now 154. summarized the progress made, sued by the founders of the SSVP The incorporation was thanks to with new topics, books and docu- and this is a legacy and heritage Lebanon’s SSVP, and he had a spe- ments. He announced some pro- that we must look after. cial mention for our fellow mem- posals to improve the search for ber Ella Bitar. information and the translations The President General thanked all of Ozanam’s legacy, in order to the participants for fulfilling their Youth: He mentioned the develop- have a deeper and better knowl- international service and for their ment of initiatives for the young, edge of the fellow members. commitment to the SSVP. as the II International Days of the Vincentian Youth in Salaman- Communication: He also an- From the speech of the IGP, we ca-Spain and the decision to com- nounced the development of the highlight: memorate the International Day communication area, among other of the Vincentian Youth on 4th things, with a commitment to new Canonization: He spoke about July, feast of Blessed Pier Giorgio technologies, the modernization the progress of the Commission Frassati. A collection is organized of the website and the magazine for the Canonization of Blessed on this day to support the pro- Ozanam Network, as well as envis- Frederic Ozanam, which is having jects of the young Vincentians, aging to make a new institutional video.

Thematic years: He valued the initiative of the thematic years dedicated to the 7 founders of the

The President General during his talk to the Territorial Delegates for Training and Special Projects

International General Council 10 www.ssvpglobal.org International Workshops on Training international activities and SSVP Special Projects

Carmela Addante, 1st International Deputy Vice-president (right), takes part in one of the debates of the Training group

SSVP, which are resulting in a bet- REPORT AND CONCLUSIONS OF 2nd, the Vice President of Train- ter understanding of them and, THE TRAINING WORKSHOP ing, through two presentations, at the same time, in a better un- set the objectives and functions of derstanding of the spirit and the There is a meeting in Madrid of the delegates, and explained the atmosphere that gave rise to the the 12 territorial delegates for reasons for the training topics that First Conference, acknowledging training, appointed by the Interna- have been prepared and that can the work of the IGC’s Historical tional General Council along with be accessed on the official website Commission. 2019 will be the year the Vice President of Training, www.ssvpglobal.org of Paul Lamache and 2020 will be María Luisa Téllez and the 1st In- dedicated to Félix Clavé. ternational Deputy Vice President, Immediately after, the dele- Carmela Addante. gates explained the Training plans To conclude, our President Re- existing in the countries they rep- nato Lima, announced for the joy On the morning of November resented. These explanations were of all, that thanks to this contest, a Brazilian fellow member discov- ered after 185 years, an engraving of Félix Clavé, thus completing the Gallery of our founders’ images.

Then, the International Vice President for training, the fellow member María Luisa Téllez and the International Vice President of Special Projects, Maurice Yeung, set out the reports of these Work- shops and their conclusions.

Maria Luisa Tellez, International Vice-president for Training

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Group of Special Projects on themselves, more vulnerable to drug addiction, alcoholism, com- pulsive gambling and many oth- very enriching in order to know Sometimes we have problems er negative ways. Our obligation the current course of Training. among Vincentians because there towards these young people is to is not a united community, as it be an example and a reflection of Our sister Carmela Addante, must be in the SSVP, and this is due another way of life that focuses 1st International Deputy Vice to the lack of spirituality and to on the service to others, and on a President set up 3 linguistic groups the failure of following the Chris- cheerful and positive attitude. for discussing the different topics: tian doctrine. We need to practice Spirituality, Youth, History, and the more the Vincentian virtues and History: All participants agree that Tools for Training. cultivate joy, simplicity and bold- there is a great ignorance of the ness. biographical history of the SSVP Marisa Téllez put forward the as well as of its spirituality, despite conclusions and pointed out as We must give a paramount existing an abundant documenta- fundamental the coordination be- place to prayer and contempla- tion available, which can be easily tween the present delegates with tion, taking into account and cel- accessed. Training should provide the International Territorial Vice ebrating the Vincentian festivities. us the data and history about our Presidents. founders, as well as about the Youth: In some places, it is difficult people who were close to the Spirituality: The participants re- for the young to be integrated in foundation of the SSVP, and about affirmed the importance that the the SSVP. It was pointed out that our Holy Patron Saint Vincent de spirituality has for the mission of this may be due to the model of Paul and Sister Rosalie Rendu D.C. the SSVP. An incarnated spiritual- society in which we live, a society ity, in which we must give space, with fewer values, less commit- This ignorance of its history, its in the same way, to God and to the ment, which is more secular, more spirituality and its Rule opens the people in need; a symmetric space consumerist and materialistic, a door to situations where people or from human being to human be- society of power, where wages are even Conferences not in line with ing, as equals. precarious and yet the greatest the SSVP’s original spirit could be value is to have, rather than to be. incorporated. In addition, it is essential to learn more about the spirituality On the other hand, this model In order to bring education to of the SSVP’s founders in the 19th of society creates dissatisfaction in all, we must rely on audio-visual century. the young that are more closed in resources, suitable for the dif-

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Vice-président International de Projets Spéciaux, Maurice Yeung

ferent stages of life (childhood, convey and instil the love for our REPORT AND CONCLUSIONS OF youth, adults), through videos, beloved Society. THE WORKSHOP ON SPECIAL graphic books and documents. PROJECTS We tackled an aspect that we Tools: We addressed several prob- have somehow forgotten: from In his opening speech, the Inter- lems within the SSVP that are the the Training, we should seek to national Vice President for Spe- result of its international nature: know more and to spread Ozan- cial Projects, the fellow member different languages, different cul- am’s thoughts about social jus- Maurice Yeung, stressed that the tures, and different political sys- tice and the defence of the weak, working teams are extremely nec- tems. Therefore, despite these which is a more technical area essary. The Territorial Delegates difficulties, it is advised to appoint that we have deepened less. The are a team in its own and they are a Training delegate in each coun- SSVP’s members must therefore also part of the teams led by the try, to prepare a budget for invest- be well prepared to participate International Territorial Vice Pres- ing in training, and to promote and spread more and better the idents (the ITVP) of the respective an on-going training for all mem- principles of the Social Teachings regions, and therefore it is essen- bers. We should also promote the of the Church, of which Frederic tial to coordinate with them. translations and reading of the Ozanam was a forerunner. In the most interesting texts concerning words of Ozanam, “charity is not Throughout this training work- the Conferences written by our enough. It heals the wounds but shop, several presentations took founders and others, as well as the does not stop the blows that pro- place by the fellow member Jo- knowledge of the basic documents duce them. There is a huge poor seph Makwinja, 2nd Deputy Vice governing the SSVP, for their cor- social class that does not want President, by Maurice and by rect and uniform application. handouts, but institutions.” Bruno Fabre, responsible for the CIAD in the IGC, who spoke about An essential aspect in the Train- topics of interest for the Territorial ing programmes is to know how to delegates, including the “terms of motivate the person that needs it, reference”, “SSVP Plus projects”, without forgetting that our exam- “CIAD projects” and “project man- ple as Vincentians is essential to agement”.

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In addition to the presenta- tions, we also shared experiences related to various aspects, such as the creation of new Conferences in Liberia, CIAD projects in Nepal, projects at country level, as was the case in South Sudan, etc.

Territorial delegates partici- pated actively in the discussions and exchange of opinions after the presentations. This was very enriching and, at the same time, very useful for defining better the functions that they have to under- take and for getting the adequate knowledge about IGC projects, as well as for having their vision in line with the achievement of their Juan Manuel Buergo, President of Spain’s Superior Council and President of objectives. the International Commission for the Historical Research

At the end of these workshops, the territorial delegates assessed their training to take forward their WELCOMING SPEECH TO THE INTERNATIONAL OFFICIALS work. They agreed to collaborate AND DELEGATES FOR TRAINING AND SPECIAL PROJECTS to redefine and update the “terms of reference”. They were also com- Good morning: missioned to compile the “manual Let me introduce myself, I am Juan Manuel Buergo, National Pres- of policies and procedures” for the ident of the SSVP in Spain, many of you already know me from other delegates and the “project hand- meetings book” (separating the SSVP Plus projects and the CIAD ones) in a First, I would like to thank you for your presence here and I welcome period of 3 months and 6 months you to Spain on behalf of all the Spanish Vincentians. It is here in Madrid, respectively. the capital of Spain, where we will celebrate this international meeting of international territorial officials and delegates for Training and Special The fellow member Maurice Projects, which, we hope, will be very fruitful. For the SSVP of Spain it is Yeung also asked all territorial del- a huge joy to host this important meeting for the future and growth of egates to draft their action plans the SSVP. for the coming months, in coordi- nation with the respective SSVP As you know, the main objective is to unify the knowledge, analyse International Territorial Vice-Pres- the current situation in each area and propose projects and improve- idents (VPTI) ments for the future. But there are also other objectives, which consist in getting to know us more and better, in order to continue weaving the network of charity that embraces the world, the first one towards those most in need and the second, among us.

In recent statements, our international president Renato Lima, wish- es us a great success for this meeting and hopes that the territorial del- egates will return to their countries with more motivation, filled with new ideas, encouraged and more and more committed with the growth of the SSVP, in quality and in quantity. In short, to ensure that our small

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grain of sand will improve the world and therefore ourselves, doing good and bringing the message of the Gospel to anyone in need, through our example, following the example of our patron saint Vincent de Paul and of our founders.

Motivation is one of the keys! In these few days, we will not be able to learn a specific recipe to better train, to improve projects, but we are going to know each other more, we are going to love each other more, we are going to feel that we are not alone. We are going to feel that we are part of a network of charity and that we must take the first step, we have to push forward, because we have an important commitment with our beloved Society, and only that will make us servants leaders, for the greater glory of God.

Motivation appears when we fall in love with what we do, when we are moved by putting into practice the Vincentian message when we see Christ in the needy, when we are excited as were those young people led “Motivation appears by Frederic to fight against poverty and to promote social justice, when when we fall in love we are eager to learn and be better in order to be faithful to our found- ing principles, to preserve our heritage. with what we do, This is the way we have to put it into practice, because the first found- when we are moved by ers had rules, principles, circular letters, but they did not have train- ing schemes or special projects, they got together as we do now and putting into practice travelled to know each other and to establish new Conferences. They the Vincentian message taught charity through their example and thus, they could spread rapid- ly around the world. Quoting Abbot Noirot, who told Ozanam: “We only when we see Christ in know one thing if we have been interested in it, if we have learned it by ourselves”. the needy, when we My dear fellow members, during these days we will have a little bit are excited as were of everything, prayer, talks, discussions, entertainment and great broth- erhood, which is the ingredient that our founder liked most. When he those young people led was deadly wounded in Pisa, he wrote: “my eyes are full of tears of joy by Frederic to fight whenever I find our small family so far away, always minute because of the darkness of its works, but large by the blessing of God. Despite against poverty and having different languages, they always shake hands in the same way and there is among them the same fraternal cordiality so that we can to promote social recognize each other with the same signal as the first Christians, ‘Look how they love one another!’” justice, when we are The whole team of the Spanish SSVP Spain and myself remain at your eager to learn and disposal for anything you may need. be better in order My fraternal greetings in Saint Vincent, Frederic and the Immaculate to be faithful to our Virgin, our Patron Saint; may they guide us in this gathering. founding principles, to Madrid, 2nd November 2018 Juan Manuel Buergo preserve our heritage.” XII National President of Spain’s SSVP

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The IGC’s Commission of Aid to Development has supported, with more than 900,000 €, 51 initiatives in 31 countries

The IGC’s Commission of Aid to Development (CIAD) has provided this year more than 900,000 euros in aid. The functions of the CIAD have expanded and now it not only dedicates its efforts to development projects or humanitarian aid across the SSVP countries or in emergency zones, but it also aims at supporting the spreading and Agricultural Project in Juba, Southern Sudan development of our Institution and Currently, it still dedicates most of the economic resources to humani- Conference groups tarian aid and rehabilitation projects in areas of emergency or suffering catastrophes. This kind of activity is, today, more than 80% of the assis- across the globe. tance of the CIAD: around 800,000 €, of which about 60% go for projects in Asia, more than 20% to Africa, nearly 15% to the Middle East and 5% to America. However, the investment in projects SSVP Plus and projects of growth and development amount to 4% of the total of CIAD’s aid.

International General Council Actualmente, todavía se dedica 16 www.ssvpglobal.org Commission of Aid to international activities Development (CIAD)

The CIAD has always a strong need for funding since it relies heavily on subsi- dies it could receive from the SSVP Supe- rior Councils or from external donations (which are quite unusual) and has many projects underway or that could be sub- sidized with the subsequent charitable and social profit and thus developing the SSVP in the area.

THE INITIATIVE TO FINANCE THE CIAD FROM THE SSVP IN PHOENIX - USA

Madagascar, rebuilding houses Being aware of this need for financ- ing, the SSVP in Phoenix-USA has con- ducted a pilot project to achieve the in- volvement of the SSVP members in the running of the CIAD. The project consists in informing the fellow members about the beneficial work carried out by this Commission and propose them specific projects that they could subsidize, offer- ing the possibility that Conferences con- tribute a percentage of their budgets to the good running of these initiatives.

The result has been wonderful since the fellow members of Phoenix have been informed in depth about the CIAD and its activities and they have contrib- uted around 62,000 $ to previously se- lected projects:

• Project of Agricultural Development • Project of protection for street chil- dren • Project of training for young people • Reconstruction of Houses…

This initiative could be replicated in many places of the SSVP. Since the CIAD can put at the disposal of the Superior Councils all the necessary information about the initiatives and projects that can be supported by the fellow mem- bers and Conferences that request it.

Project with children and teenagers in Juba, Southern Sudan For further information: [email protected]

International General Council 17 www.ssvpglobal.org vincentian history

The film festival on the seven founders of the SSVP

The festival aims at stimulating the knowledge and re- search, in a creative and talented way, about the origin of the SSVP and the main role of the seven founders: Antoine Frederic Ozanam, Auguste Le Taillandier, Jules Delvaux, Paul Lamache, François Lallier, Félix Clavé and Emmanuel Bailly de Surcy.

Only active Vincentians in the conferences can participate in the festival. The videos or films presented can be produced in three formats: short film (up to 40 minutes), medium-length film (from 41 to 69 minutes) and feature film (70 minutes).

The deadline for the submission of videos or films to the General Council is 15th May 2019.

For further information: www.ssvpglobal.org [email protected]

International General Council 18 www.ssvpglobal.org church and ssvp

Eduardo Marques Almeida Coordinator of Strategic Planning of the CGI

What a great idea of Pope Francis to set one Sunday a year for us to reflect on the II World Day situation of the Poor! In his message for this day, the Holy Father seems to make of the Poor a reflection for the Vincentian Family. It “This poor man called, and the Lord is impressive what there is in common heard him” (Psalms 34,7) between his message and the Vincen- Message of Pope Francis tian vocation.

The Holy Father reflects on the situation of the Poor from the Psalm 34, “This poor called, and the Lord heard him”. The Pope shows us, in a very Jesuit way, the need to think about three verbs included in this Psalm: “to shout”, “to respond” and “to release”.

First of all, the poor man calls. As for the Psalm 34, the papal message recalls the pas- sage of the blind Bartimaeus (from the Gos- pel of St. Mark - 10, 46-52) who, when he was on the road begging, hears that Jesus is pass- ing by and he shouts and repeats over and over “Son of David, have mercy on me!”. And Jesus, despite the noise of the crowd which wanted Bartimaeus to be quiet, listens to him and heals him. How many times we are Bar- timaeus and how many times we are Christ in our Vincentian life? It is true that we are seeking the salvation and dignity of the Poor, but sometimes we need to scream like him, so the Lord hears us. The Holy Father won- ders “How is it that this cry that goes up to the presence of God, does not reach our ears and leaves us indifferent and impassive”? And he exhorts us: “on a day like this, we are called to make a serious examination of conscience, in order to understand whether we are truly able to listen to the Poor”. And he adds: “we need the silence of listening in order to recognize their voice”. It is not nec- essary to talk much, as Vincentians we are in- itially called to be silent, so that only the cry of the Poor could be heard.

International General Council 19 www.ssvpglobal.org church and ssvp II World Day of the Poor

Secondly, the Lord responds. What nists of the service, but it is God himself does it mean to answer to the Poor? who works in us out of love. (...). For this “The response of God to the Poor is al- reason, “before the poor, it is not about ways an intervention of salvation to take knowing who has the primacy of the in- care of the wounds of soul and body, to tervention, but about humbly recognizing restore justice, and to help recover a life that it is the Spirit who provokes gestures with dignity.” God’s response is also an that are a sign of the response and close- appeal so that whoever believes in Him ness of God.” (...) The main actors are the could proceed in the same way, within Lord and the poor. Who is at their service, the limitations of the human nature. The is an instrument in the hands of God to World Day of the Poor seeks to be a small make recognize his presence and his sal- response offered by the Church world- vation”. It is why St. Vincent calls the Poor wide, which is addressed to the Poor of “our Lords”: they are much closer to the all kinds inhabiting the planet, so that Lord of Life. they do not think that their cry remains unheard. “No one can feel excluded by the Fa- ther’s love, especially in a world that of- Finally, the Lord invites us, we and ten puts wealth as the first objective and the Poor, to free ourselves. This is the makes people withdraw into themselves.” great mystic of the Vincentian service to Therefore, the necessary liberation for the the Poor. The care to the Poor, as Pope combat against poverty serves also, and Francis points out, should not consist in in particular, us who serve “our Lords”. “neglecting what is inherent to us, i.e., to take everyone towards God and holi- May this Day of the Poor be an oppor- ness”. How to do this? The answer is given tunity for us to share the joy that repre- in a direct way: we are not the protago- sents our Vincentian vocation!

International General Council 20 www.ssvpglobal.org comunicaciónblessing / divulgación

We finally got a the first president of the Conference Saint Phil- historical image of the lipe du Roule, created in a neighborhood of Paris. founder Félix Clavé! Clavé was a man of letters and laws. He published sev- eral works, including a col- With immense joy, the Council lection of poetry (1836) and a General International reports that book on Pope Pius IX (1848). we have just obtained a portrait of the founder Félix Clavé. The il- He worked in Alge- lustration is inside a book of 1851, ria and Mexico. written by the chronicler Mau- He married in rice-Oscar Honoré de Bourzeis, 1847 in the from France. Parish of Our Lady of Pierre-Emmanuel-Felix Lorette (lo- Clavé was born on July 8, cated a few 1811, in Toulouse (France), meters from and died on November 9, 1853, the current in Pau (France). Clavé was one of headquarters the seven founders inspired by of the Council General God to found the Society of Saint International). He did not have Vincent de Paul in 1833. with our brother Renato Lima, children. His name was unjustly who was speechless”, Adenilton involved in a legal case, being the The Council General Interna- explained. object of blackmail and false accu- tional wants to thank from the sations, strongly affecting his rep- bottom of the heart the brother The discovery of Clavé’s por- utation. Because of the arbitrar- Adenilton Moreira, 30 years-old, trait is a gift from God for the SSVP. iness that he suffered, his health resident of the city of Conselhei- “We are very happy at the discov- was weakened, which contributed ro Lafaiete (Minas Gerais - Brazil), ery of the image of Clavé, the only to his death unfortunately very for the discovery of the drawing of founder of whom we did not have early, at 42 years of age, just two Felix Clavé. He is Vincentian since any illustration or drawing. I have months after the death of Ozan- 1999, and currently participates no words to describe my joy, giv- am. in the Conference of Our Lady of en us by Divine Providence, for Fatima. the entire international Vincentian Clavé was an honest person community, that true gift. Now, and never renounced his faith, de- “I was investigating Lallier’s the photo gallery of the seven spite all the insults and slander suf- life, because I participated in the founders is complete”, said Renato fered. He will always be remem- international contest, looking for Lima. bered, in the history of the SSVP, the photos, drawings or images as one of the seven founders. In of the all founders, but I did not Of the seven founders, Clavé 2020, the Council General will de- find anything about Clavé. Re- is the least known. He went to clare the “International Thematic searching on the internet, using live in Paris in 1831, when he Year of Felix Clavé” and Vincen- the appropriate keywords, I came met Ozanam and Bailly de Surcy, tians from all over the world will to Bourzeis’s book , which brings and belonged to the Conference have the opportunity to study and an image of our founder on page of Charity. With the unfolding of learn more about the life and work 24. From there, I got in touch the first Conference, Clavé was of this founder.

International General Council 21 www.ssvpglobal.org comunicacióncommunication // spreadingdivulgación

Interview with Raymond L. Sickinger

Mr. Raymond Sickinger is Professor of History and Chair of the Depart- ment of History and Classics at the Catholic University, “Providence Col- lege”, Rhode Island, USA. In 2017, he published a book entitled Antoine Frédéric Ozanam, considered by some critics as the “definitive biography on Ozanam in English”.

Professor Sickinger, your biog- raphy, Antoine Frédéric Ozanam has been commended by the crit- ics, and the US National Catholic Press Association has awarded you first prize for your book. Have you made new discoveries about Ozanam, while writing this book?

Raymond L. Sickinger: There were a number of new discoveries. Let me mention five. First, the chapter on systemic change demonstrates that Ozanam thought in a system- ic way even though he never used the term systemic change that is current in the Vincentian Family. This was evident from the time of his first home visit. He recognized that people can be trapped into poverty because of their circum- stances and the policies of govern- Raymond L. Sickinger receives the SSVP emblem from the ments. Second, the chapter on sol- IPG, Renato Lima de Oliveira idarity (Catholic Social Thought) demonstrates that Ozanam was not just a forerunner of modern overnight. It was during the home suggests that the Catholic Work- Catholic Social Thought, but his visits he made between 1833 and er Movement led by Dorothy Day ideas embraced most of that tra- 1848 that he became aware of the was influenced in positive ways dition. Third, his work in the Soci- fundamental goodness of those by Ozanam’s thoughts. Day read ety of St. Vincent de Paul was not he visited and saw that they had Ozanam and was deeply moved just charity, as some have implied. the right to be able to share in the by his example. Finally, for most Rather he saw and embraced the decisions that affected their lives. Americans, Ozanam is someone necessary link of charity and jus- In that process of realization, he they do not know. There has been tice that the Church in the 21st moved away from being a royalist no comprehensive biography in century has again emphasized as in his youth to a supporter of Chris- English on Ozanam is a long time. essential. Fourth, Ozanam did not tian democracy. The book outlines The book was intended then not become a supporter of democracy that process. Fifth, the book also only for scholars and Vincentians,

International General Council 22 www.ssvpglobal.org communication/spreading Interview with Raymond L. Sickinger but also for readers who want to Raymond L. Sickinger: Ozanam’s France, but beyond its borders, is encounter a man of deep faith times were like ours: unsettled one that can still inspire us today. and principles. They can discov- with great political divisions, He is particularly inspirational for er Ozanam in a meaningful way. economic disparities, and social young people. In my classes that I Some critics have said the book problems. The Church then, as teach, my students greet Ozanam will be the “definitive biography now, was criticized for not being very positively because they see in on Ozanam in English.” Only time responsive enough and for its fail- him a young man who wanted to will tell if that is true. ures to discipline its clergy. Ozan- make his world a better place just am saw the lay person as the one as they want to do. And they are Tell us about Ozanam’s spiritual who could bring people back to impressed with what he accom- life. What place did he give to the Church and create bonds of plished in such a short lifetime. prayer in the course of his day? trust. That is true today as well. The Society of St. Vincent de Paul Raymond L. Sickinger: Ozanam’s can play the same role today as it life was a profound forty-year did in Ozanam’s time. His message long spiritual journey. He under- and his example is as relevant to- stood that everything he did as a day as it was in the 19th century. person, teacher, scholar, husband, father, and friend had a spiritual It is often said that Ozanam’s writ- dimension and could bring him, ings were prophetic. In what ways and others, closer to God. In my do you think Ozanam is research, and while reading his up to date for us today? letters, it became evident to me that prayer was essential to him. Raymond L. Sickinger: He began each morning by praying Ozanam understood that and by reading scripture (prefera- if great economic dispar- bly in Greek). His devotion to the ities and social divisions Blessed Mother is evident from his were not addressed then youth in Lyons to his death on her society would disinte- feast day. It was her kindly love he grate. The focus on per- turned to when his own mother sonal interests alone (ego- died. The Society of St. Vincent ism) was a detriment to de Paul was a means for him to society. Only by building pray in action. By serving others, authentic community and Ozanam knew that he could see maintaining the dignity the face of Christ more distinctly of each and every person and that prayer with a communi- can we create a just world. ty of believers is one of the most He knew that there were important ways to reinforce one’s systems in place that faith and to grow spiritually. kept people in poverty and that those systems For Ralph Middlecamp, Nation- were unjust. There is no al President in the United States, doubt in my mind that your book “gives us not just the Ozanam has much to say to our story of an interesting man living present world. Although he was You can order this book on at an interesting time, but also a a French layman, he saw beyond University of Notre Dame Press : http://undpress. clear picture of why he should still the boundaries of his France. His nd.edu/9780268101428/antoine- matter to us today”. What paral- was an international and Catholic frederic-ozanam/ lels do you draw between Ozan- vision for regeneration in a chang- or on Amazon am’s time and ours? ing world. His hope to create a network of charity, not only in

International General Council 23 www.ssvpglobal.org comunicacióncommunication // spreadingdivulgación 8th February 2019 Launching of The Thematic Year of Paul Lamache

31st. January 2019 Launching of the Circular Letter of the President General International, Renato Lima de Oliveira

International General Council 24 www.ssvpglobal.org spirituality

THE CALL TO BE

P. Robert Maloney C.M. A MARTYR Espiritual Advisor CGI

rederic Ozanam was quite re- the Daughters of Charity, “A young 1. loves God with his or her whole alistic. He knew how unlikely woman will come from three or heart, whole soul, whole mind, Fit was that he would suffer four hundred miles away, from and whole strength. the violent death of a martyr, Flanders, or from Holland, to con- shedding his blood for his beliefs. secrate herself to God in the ser- 2. expresses that love in sacri- But he wrote eloquently about vice of the most abandoned per- ficial service of others, at the the call to martyrdom, urging his sons on earth. Isn’t that going to cost of time, energy and com- friends and followers to offer their martyrdom? Yes, without a doubt. passion. lives as a holocaust for Christ and A holy Father has said that any- for the poor. On Feb. 23, 1835, one who gives himself to God to 3. embraces society’s neediest he wrote to Léonce Curnier: “The serve his neighbor and endures members in love, as Jesus did, earth has grown cold. It is up to willingly all the difficulties he even when criticized for it. us Catholics to reignite the raging may encounter in this is a martyr. fire that is being extinguished. It is Did the martyrs suffer more than 4. perseveres in love faithfully up to us to recommence the era these Sisters? No indeed, they in good times and in bad, or, of martyrs. For to be a martyr is certainly didn’t… These women as the rite of matrimony ex- something possible for all Chris- who give themselves to God … are presses it, “for better or for tians. To be a martyr is to give our sometimes with sick persons full worse, for richer or for poorer, lives for God and for our brothers of infection and sores and often in sickness and in health, until and sisters. It is to give our lives noxious body fluids; sometimes death.” in sacrifice, whether the sacrifice with poor children for whom is consumed once and for all as a everything must be done; or with In his book, The Cost of Disci- holocaust, or whether it happens poor convicts loaded down with pleship, the great 20th-century slowly … To be a martyr is to give chains and afflictions… Hold them theologian, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, to heaven everything we have re- in great esteem … and look upon wrote: “When Christ calls a per- ceived – our gold, our blood, our them as martyrs of Jesus Christ, son, he summons him (or her) to entire soul. This offering is in our since they serve their neighbor for come and die.” As he wrote those hands. It’s a sacrifice that we can love of Him.” (CCD:IX:214) words, Bonhoeffer did not know make. It is up to us to choose that eight years later he would suf- what altar we want to bring our We have all known living mar- fer a violent death at the hands sacrifice to, what god we want to tyrs, heroic men and women who of the Nazis; rather, like Vincent consecrate our youth and later life poured out their lives day after de Paul and Frederic Ozanam, he to, and what temple we will meet day. We knew them, perhaps, at was proclaiming that Christ’s call in – at the foot of the idol of Ego- home in a selfless mother or- fa to martyrdom is addressed to all ism or in the sanctuary of God and ther, or at school in a teacher who disciples. humanity.” earned little but gave much. May I suggest the following characteris- As I look to the future, how Two centuries earlier, on Au- tics of the martyrdom that Freder- does the Lord call me, as a mem- gust 19, 1646, Vincent de Paul ic calls “something possible for all ber of the Society, to offer up my expressed the same conviction to Christians.” A martyr: life more fully in sacrificial love?

International General Council 25 www.ssvpglobal.org vincentian family

A common two placements, with at least one opening their hearts to, and being initiative of the involving meeting directly with transformed by those they serve. those in need. They accept the challenge to live Vincentian family in St Vincent’s spirit by recognis- to promote Accommodation, living costs ing Christ in the lives of those they joint actions of and a small personal allowance serve, being respectful loving and are provided. Their year starts in non-judgmental. volunteering September with an induction and among young finishes in July with a community A recent placement has written, people: Vincentian Mass, joined by staff and trustees. “The experience has changed my The year includes some spiritual life. It was a rewarding and intense Volunteers formation, including a few days year of my life so far, working with on Holy Island, a very important the poor and putting my faith into The Vincentian Volunteers (VVs) Christian site in the England’s his- action. It changed how I saw God, were formed in 1992, in Scotland, tory. saw people, saw the world and my by the Daughters of Charity, sup- faith. I realise now what actually ported by the Vincentian Fathers, They live in a prayerful envi- matters. I recommend it to any- SVP (England & Wales) and SSVP ronment, where their spiritual one who is searching and wants (Scotland). It is a Christian charity formation develops an under- to try something different. It was with a mission to provide care and standing of Christ and His values, life changing and while not easy, it support to those in need, without was so worth it! It gave me confi- discrimination. dence about my faith and my life During their year the and many friends. My community Since 1992, more than 200 will always be in my prayers and young people (aged between 18 VVs live in a Christian there is a real family love forever -35) have served as VVs working present there. Vincentian ethos with vulnerable people in Glasgow, community of three will remain in my heart always.” “ Hull, Liverpool, London, Manches- ter and Newcastle, giving a variety or four people. They VVs come from all over the of different services while meeting world, with regular volunteers the challenge to find those most engage in work from USA and Indonesia. in need. They strive to bring St Vincent’s dream and vision to the with other charities, Applications are now invited present time. for Volunteers in 2019-20. How- helping refugees and ever, visas are required for most During their year the VVs live in those impoverished, residents outside the EU (and pos- a Christian community of three or sibly EU residents in the future). four people. They engage in work homeless, disabled, Obtaining visas is no longer taken with other charities, helping ref- for granted and can be protracted ugees and those impoverished, or suffering from homeless, disabled, or suffering More information on from addictions. VVs usually have addictions. www.vincentianvolunteers.org.uk

International General Council 26 www.ssvpglobal.org vincentian family

This project has International Meeeting of the its roots in the Famvin Homeless Alliance (FHA) Encyclical “Laudato The International Meeting of the FAMVIN Alliance Si” by Pope Francis, with the Homeless was held in Rome from 26th to 28th November 2018 in the House Mary Immacu- which Monsignor late of the Daughters of Charity. This institution was set up last year to commemorate the 400th Bruno María Anniversary of our Vincentian Charisma and was Duffe, Secretary of presented to Pope Francis in the Vatican City. the Dicastery for the Promotion of Integral Human Development, has explained in a very moving way.

International General Council 27 www.ssvpglobal.org International Meeeting of the vincentian family Famvin Homeless Alliance

The Conference focused on three This meeting has gathered more projects of this type. aspects: than 100 people and included ex- perts who have shared their expe- This project has its roots in the 1.- About those without a home riences explaining how we can im- Encyclical “Laudato Si” by Pope who are refugees, displaced peo- prove our service to the poor. Francis, which Monsignor Bruno ple and those who are homeless María Duffe, Secretary of the Di- because they had to flee war or a The head of the FHA, Mark castery for the Promotion of In- natural disaster. McGreevy presented the event tegral Human Development, has and among other attendees, we explained in a very moving way. 2.- People living in slums and could see Father Robert Maloney those living in the city in extremely CM, Spiritual Advisor of the SSVP’s The underlying idea is that with inadequate dwellings. IGC, Father Aáron Gutiérrez CM, the cooperation of the whole Vin- general assistant of the General centian Family, we work to make a 3.- Homeless people living in Superior of the CM, Sister Kath- real and sustainable difference in the street and also those who, due leen Appler DC, Mother Superi- the lives of many homeless peo- to different circumstances, sleep or of the Daughters of Charity, F. ple; that we promote the growth in the streets or in shelters. Joseph Agostino, international of new services, build a network Coordinator of the Famvin office, among the vincentian groups, and members of different branches of support and develop leaders who the Famvin. There was also a large carry out these actions. The idea representation of national Presi- is also to share the best practic- dents of the SSVP: from Australia, es that we have in the Vincentian The project has Brazil, Spain, United States, Leba- Family. non, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, been named Guatemala, India, etc. All of this from the point of view of the Vincentian spirituality The goal is that from this pro- and based on the Encyclical “Laud- “13 Houses” ject the Vincentian Family would ato Si”. also have a common denominator because it is to join in activities of this kind. The project has been named “13 Houses” because it is inspired inspired by the They have discussed about is- by the first thirteen houses built sues such as slavery and home- by Saint Vincent de Paul. The FHA lessness, of how to raise funds for invites us to promote this concern first thirteen building homes, how we can im- in our national or local coordina- prove the health services for the tors of the FAMVIN as an opportu- houses built by homeless and what position has nity to start a first joint project for the lack of housing on the agen- the homeless. da of the UN and of the Church. Saint Vincent They addressed how we can bet- The date coincided with the ter listen to the voice of the poor anniversary of our Lady of the Mi- de Paul. and replicate it in various forums. raculous Medal, and therefore a Furthermore, they submitted real solemn Eucharist was celebrated cases of cooperation of the Vin- in the Apostolic Leonian College centian Family in some countries, of the CM, said by H. Em. Cardinal especially in Latin America, where Angelo de Giorgio, Vicar General the SSVP is present in almost all of His Holiness.

International General Council 28 www.ssvpglobal.org world news

Italy “The Unity of Humankind”, National Assembly of the SSVP Italy

At the end of October, the people of Assisi, famous for having seen the birth of Saint Francis and Saint Clare, was the town chosen by the Superior Council of Italy for its nation- al meeting, under the theme “the Unity of Humankind”.

About 800 fellow members from the whole country gathered in this mystical place in the region of Umbria to share and be trained in the Vincentian spirit, with the con- stant reflection of the need to be aware of the importance of rep- resenting a charisma that has as a hallmark the service and care to the most deprived persons.

This service “does not under- stand of quantity but of quality, and does not set economic objec- tives but human ones”, stated the National President of the SSVP Ita- ly, Antonio Gianfico.

The work of the Conferences prioritizes proximity and empathy, love and the capacity to devote oneself personally to your neigh- bour. For this reason, this Assem- bly strengthened the great poten- tial that the Society of St. Vincent their holistic, spiritual and materi- inspired by the motto of the meet- de Paul has in its original NDA and al recovery. ing: The way that the Vincentian that today keeps giving an answer chooses for the unity of human- to the “traditional” poverty but At this National Assembly, the kind is the charity. Moreover, this also to “the new emerging pover- fellow member Alessandro Gino- should guide us in the service that ty”. Since, thanks to the personal ta read an interesting statement we have chosen to get to the next involvement in the relation to the of our dear President General, stage: charity is closeness, as- one that suffers most, we can re- Renato Lima de Oliveira, which sistance and justice as well; and alize their problems and thus take we attach in full. In his message, there lies inexorably the recogni- the necessary measures towards we highlight a beautiful phrase tion of the person’s DIGNITY.

International General Council 29 www.ssvpglobal.org National Assembly of the world news SSVP Italy

Communiqué from the International President General

Dear President, Dear members of the Vincentian Conferences, Brothers and sisters,

1. This humble President General thank you for the opportunity of sending you a message in this gathering of reflection that takes place in the beautiful city of Assisi. Last year in Rome, I had the opportunity to engage with several of you in the vincentian symposium of the 400 years of our Charisma.

2. First of all, I would like to introduce myself. I am Renato Lima, Brazilian, 47 years old, journalist, married and father of 2 children, and my term of office as 16th President General of the SSVP goes from 2016 to 2022 under the slogan “if anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all”.

3. My dear friend Antonio Gianfico informed me that the purpose of the meeting in Assisi is to reflect together on the social changes and, in that context, on the care for the dignity of the human person. It is important to rediscover the meaning of “unity of humankind” in a historical period in which humanity is very Member Alessandro much divided: into categories, class, census, interests and wars. The road to unity Ginota read an seems to be far away. statement of our President General, 4. The world of volunteering (and the Society of St. Vincent de Paul in particu- Renato Lima de lar) has always been at the forefront in addressing the sensitive issues linked to the Oliveira phenomenon of changes. Let us remember that from the beginning, Frederic Ozan- am was one of the most brilliant forerunner of the Church’s Social Doctrine.

5. The way that the Vincentian chooses for the unity of human- kind is the charity. Moreover, this should guide us in the service that we have chosen to get to the next stage: charity is closeness, support and justice as well; and there lies inexorably the recognition of the person’s DIGNITY: of each of the seven and a half billion people who inhabit the planet, united by the same DIGNITY.

International General Council 30 www.ssvpglobal.org National Assembly of the world news SSVP Italy

6. I invite you to read my Circular Letter of 2018 where we defined our vision of “being a global organization that promotes the INTEGRAL DIGNITY OF THE NEED- IEST”.

7. Through the home visit, the members of the SSVP are called to have an en- counter with Christ, present and hidden in the Poor. As Ozanam says: “We should fall at their feet and tell them like the Apostle: ‘You are our masters and we will be your servants, you are for us the sacred images of the God that we do not see, and not knowing to love him in another way, we will love Him through your person ‘.”

8. As proof of this, we can learn from the exemplary life of people who be- longed to the Vincentian conferences (more than 50) that today are in various stag- es of canonization processes (just to mention some of your fellow countrymen: Frassati, Geana Beretta Molla, Contardo Ferrini, and Giorgio La Pira).

9. People from all parts of Italy, Vincentian missionaries in their own land, will certainly participate in this encounter of Assisi, and they will bring in their rucksack the experience of helping others; they will exchange experiences and knowledge, because as we also say in the Circular Letter of 2018 “the Vincentians need to be permanently trained”.

10. However, all of you have something in common: your faith and commit- ment to serving the excluded of society, which is summed up in one sentence of Frederic Ozanam: “what can we do to be truly Catholic, but dedicate ourselves to what most pleases God? Let us then help the poor, as Jesus Christ would, and let us put our faith under the protective wings of charity”. This is our vocation and our way of living the faith and, as reads the motto of the Italian SSVP (“Apply a layer of colour to life”) to the needy ’s and to yours. Thank you.

Remain steadfast in your prayers and in your vincentian work. Vincentian greetings.

Vincentian greetings.

Brother Renato Lima de Oliveira 16th President General

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The Territorial Vice-president for the Middle East, Ella Bittar, with the new members of the SSVP Cyprus .

SSVP in expansion: Cyprus is the 154th territory that is joined into our great charity network

The Council General International (CGI) of the SSVP has the immense joy to announce to the worldwide Vincentian community that two Conferences have just been founded in Cyprus. Now, with the entry of Cyprus, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul is located in 154 countries/territories.

The Conference “St. Joseph of the The team participated in sev- est, all based on the principles of Apparition” was created in the city eral meetings, distributed leaflets the SSVP. of Larnaka, and the Conference and prospects, visited churches “Holy Mary” was founded in the and did presentations in parish- “I want to thank, first of all, town of Nicosia. The two new Con- es. The team spoke about the ori- God, for allowing us to achieve this ferences were established after gins of the SSVP, the history of the goal, and especially the Catholic the brilliant missionary work car- founders, the mission and vision Church of Cyprus, which has been ried out by sister Ella Bittar (Inter- of the Vincentians, the Vincentian providing the necessary support national Territorial Vice-president spirituality, the role of the Coun- so that we could found these two for Middle East) and her team, cil General, the work of the Con- Conferences”, said Ella. The mis- who made visits to Cyprus on Oc- ferences and the service in hope, sion in Cyprus was possible only tober 19, 20 and 21 of this year. that we offer in love to the poor- thanks to the support, encourage-

International General Council 32 www.ssvpglobal.org world news ment and presence of the Church at our side. It is very possible that more USA new Conferences will be created in Cyprus shortly, taking into account A mobile app the excellent openness of the clergy and Catholics in general. The motiva- for the tion is infectious. Vincentians in Also the 16th President Gener- the United States al, our brother Renato Lima, spoke about this very gratifying news for The Superior Council of the the SSVP and for the extension of SSVP in the United States has our service to the most marginalized. developed a mobile applica- “The SSVP Plus Project, thank God, tion to keep all Vincentians connected and informed. has been progressing steadily. We have managed to bring the seed of This is an example of how new technologies can help us in our the SSVP to Albania, Liberia and now service to people who need it most. In addition, thanks to this Cyprus. We still have other nations in application, we can also receive notices of upcoming Vincentian sight. We thank many Superior Coun- meetings or about issues related to training and spirituality. This cils that have helped CGI in this task, is undoubtedly an important breakthrough to maintain the net- with economic resources and support work of charity advocated by the Blessed Frederic Ozanam more materials”, said Renato Lima. lively and fruitful.

We thank, from the bottom of our France hearts, the unconditional support of Monsignor Youssef Soueif, Maronite Third Edition Bishop of Nicosia, who during the homilies on the day of the founding of “Innovate! of the Conferences motivated the for the parishioners to join the SSVP. Mon- signor Youssef appointed Father Akl solidarity” Abi Nader to accompany the Nicosia Conference, and Sister Teresa to sup- A contest promoted by the port the growth of the Larnaka Con- SSVP in France, and aimed at ference. the students of higher educa- tion. The Republic of Cyprus belongs The purpose of this contest is to en- to the European continent, but due courage the would-be entrepreneurs to the work of our Vice-presidency and to support innovative projects that of Middle East, and for cultural and contribute to counter poverty in all its historical reasons, the country will be forms: related to loneliness, housing, initially linked to the supervision of access to education, the our sister Ella Bittar, from Lebanon. problems of exclusion, em- Cyprus is a country with a million in- ployment, inequality of op- habitants, but with only 8% of Catho- portunities, etc. lics who follow the Maronite rite. The website of this initiative is, www.concoursinnovate.com

International General Council 33 www.ssvpglobal.org world news

Portugal The Portuguese Parliament grants the Human Rights Award 2018 to a Vincentian work located in Oporto

The Assembly of the Republic of Portugal, through the Committee on Constitutional Affairs, Rights, Free- doms and Guarantees, awarded to the Vincentian Assistance to Pris- oners (OVAR), which is a special work linked to the Central Council of Oporto, the “Human Rights Award 2018”.

The OVAR was recognized by the exceptional work of humanization world, the SSVP provides excellent Portuguese Parliament for acting of the poorest, in particular, of the support for prisoners and former with the penal population and inmates. inmates, with the aim of providing granting support to the prisoners conditions for a decent and pro- and their families in the three pris- “The great work developed by ductive life,” said our president ons in the north of Portugal: Cus- the OVAR, in the promotion and Renato Lima. toias, Saint Cross of the Bishop and rehabilitation of prisoners and Pazos de Ferreira. support for their families, gives The prize will be awarded on an account of the importance of December 10, 2018, in a ceremo- By publicly recognizing the the Vincentian spirit, of voluntary ny presided over by the president work of the OVAR, the prize is, in work and of Christian solidarity of the Assembly of the Republic of fact, recognition of the charitable together with those who suffer,” Portugal, in Lisbon. The General actions carried out by the Socie- remarked the 16th General Presi- Council congratulates the Vincen- ty of St. Vincent de Paul on Por- dent of the SSVP, our brother Re- tians of Portugal on this excellent tuguese soil, bearing in mind the nato Lima. “In many parts of the news!

Visit of the IPG to the “OVAR” Project

International General Council 34 www.ssvpglobal.org ssvp youth

Spirituality Day with the Lebanese Youth

Trip of the International Vice President for the Young, Children and Adolescents to Lebanon

The International Vice President could know first-hand the great service provided by the young Lebanese Vincentians, since he shared with them their daily work within the Conference.

On his first day in Lebanon, he ing. They perform all these activ- magazine as an Activity Report, in lived with the young people of the ities thanks to the donations that which they publish the work car- Conference of Notre Dame, in the they obtain by organising solidar- ried out throughout the year and town of Jounieh, where 40 mem- ity events and making themselves is sent to the benefactors in order bers of this Conference help more known through informative leaf- to inform them about the activi- than 100 families in the city. The lets that they hand out through- ties and projects, a practical way work that they carry out consists, out the city. The young people of promoting transparency in the on the one hand, in sharing food of this town serve alongside the management of the resources ob- and food vouchers and, on the adults, since they share the same tained. other hand, in running workshops Conference. of computing, languages (English On the second day, Willian and French), visual arts and sew- This Conference has an annual Alves visited the Conference Saint

International General Council 35 www.ssvpglobal.org Trip of the International Vice President for the Young, Children ssvp youth and Adolescents to Lebanon

Group of Lebanese Vincentians in a meeting with the International Vice-president, William Alves

Pierre in Cornet Chahwan, which is in need. This Conference helps are responsible for promotional also a mixed Conference of adults an average of 110 families (most and awareness-raising events to and young people. In the head- of them refugees from Syria and help the neediest and to make the quarters of the Conference, there Iraq). SSVP known. is a space for sewing where the members of needy families can The International Vice Presi- A very special moment of the work. Everything they make is sold dent for the Young, Children and trip was the holy mass that took and part of the money is for the Adolescents also visited the Con- place in the parish of Saint Vin- families as a wage, while the other ference located in Zouk. The main cent de Paul, which was partially part serves to maintain the activi- work of this Conference relates to destroyed during the war and that ty. There is also a general medical education, since it runs a nursery young people have rehabilitated practice and another one of den- in which 60 children study. There and cleaned so that the religious tistry that the assisted families can is also another space for children service could continue. use free of charge. and adolescents who go, after school, to study languages and The trip ended with a day of The young members of this receive school support. Thus, be- spirituality with young Lebanese Conference, most of them stud- tween 70 and 80 teenagers study Vincentians, which had as train- ying medicine and dentistry, par- there. Once a month, the mem- ers the priests of the Congrega- ticipate in these activities to assist bers of this Conference organize tion of the Mission. On this day, the families. an event of entertainment and lei- they spoke of Jesus Christ, “who sure for families in the community is always clothed in mercy and Beside the headquarters of the and help more than 100 families in love, capable of changing peo- Conference of Saint Pierre there their area. ple”. The young thought about is a firm of professional catering the need to be “clothed in this that they manage themselves. The Vincentian children that love and in Jesus’ acting way, There, they prepare meals for due to their young age do not visit especially when we are with the schools, events and for families directly the families in their homes poor”.

International General Council 36 www.ssvpglobal.org ssvp youth

22nd to 27th January - Panama 2019 World Youth Day

Facebook, @jornadamundialdelajuventud, www.panama2019.pa.

International General Council 37 www.ssvpglobal.org visits of the international president general

Meeting of the fellow members of Porto’s Central Council The President General visits the Central Council of Oporto, accompanied by the National President of Portugal

On last October 12th and 13th, the fellow member Renato Lima de Oliveira, 16th President General of the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul, paid an official visit to Porto’s Cen- tral Council. The IPG was accompanied, at all times, by the National President of Portugal, the fellow member Alda Couceiro. The host was the brother Manuel Carvas Guedes, President of the local Central Council.

The Council of Porto prepared an intense agenda for the President Gener- al and the National President. On the first day (12th October), there was the visit to “Ozanam House”, where the President General was impressed by the quantity and quality of the services provided to users. Afterwards, they paid an institutional visit to Mgr. Manuel Linda, Bishop of Porto, with whom they had a very pleasant and relaxed conversation, reaffirming the Diocese’s full support to the Vincentians.

International General Council 38 www.ssvpglobal.org The President General visits the visits of the international president general Central Council of Oporto

Then, Renato and Alda went to the head office of the Central Council, in Santa Catarina street, where the presidents of Special Works made a brief account of the activities underway. This was followed by the visit to the “Social Shop”, located in the very headquarters, and to the “Saint Vincent de Paul Store”, located a few meters away. After that, they took the under- ground to get to Vila Nova Gaia, where the President General took part in the meeting of Saint Ovidio Conference and attended a fraternity dinner offered by the Zone Council.

Next day (13th October), they visited two Zone Councils in the town of Maia, an event that was attended by political leaders of the region. After- wards, they went to “San Antonio Home”, where the delegation that ac- companied the President General was offered a delicious lunch. Later, at the Diocesan House of Vilar, a general meeting of the Central Council was held, attended by 800 Vincentians. On that occasion, the President General gave a lecture entitled “forward-looking approach of the General Council.

The Central Council In the Holy Mass, celebrated by Mgr. Manuel Linda, Bishop of Porto, the Choir “Our Lady of Maia” livened up the celebration, and treated all to of Porto was the international anthem of the SSVP, entitled “the Light”, which was sung founded in 1893. by the whole assembly. A strong emotion was also felt during the perfor- mance of the theatre group of “Touguinha’s Social Centre”, from Vila do Conde. During the Assembly, the book “Ozanam: a model, a reference” was It currently has launched, whose author is the fellow member José Garcia, a work of 45 pages that gathers the main letters written by Ozanam and contains recom- 25 mendations for the Vincentians. Zone Councils In the evening, a farewell dinner was served in Valongo. This event was attended by the representatives of the Zone Councils and of the Central Council’s board. 304 Conferences In all the places visited, the President General unveiled commemorative plaques, received souvenirs, talked with the Vincentians, gave brief speech- es and recorded the activities through dozens of photographs. “The Portu- 6 guese Vincentians are very kind and they know how to receive us warmly. Vincentian Works Here in Porto, I feel at home, like every time I come to Portugal”, stated the President General. “I want to thank the president Carvas Guedes who did not spare efforts to organize our work schedule so wonderfully. I enjoyed all 3,500 the places visited and will always take, deep in my heart, the memory of all Active members the exciting moments that we have lived together.” The President Renato finished congratulating the whole SSVO in Porto”.

23,000 The Central Council of Porto was founded in 1893. It currently has 25 People assisted Zone Councils, 304 Conferences, 6 Vincentian Works, 3,500 active mem- bers and 23,000 people assisted. This city has been chosen by the General Council to host, in June 2019, the plenary assemblies. On that occasion, the General Council will celebrate its 180 years of existence.

International General Council 39 www.ssvpglobal.org strategic goals 2016-2022

MISSION Formation A network of friends, seek- 1 Ongoing process for all ing holiness through the members personal service to the poor and the advocacy for social justice. Youth 2 30% of members under 35 years of age VISION 2022 Twinning To be recognized as a world 3 Build a global network of wide organization, which spiritual and material support promotes the integral hu- man development of those Expansion most in need. 4 Presence in all countries

VALUES Vincentian Family 5 Permanent and deep • Service collaboration • Spirituality Solidarity • Humility 6 International and local • Charity partnerships • Empathy Global Aid 7 Revamp fraternal aid and development processes

Communications 8 Renew with the use of world- class technology

IGC structure 9 Constant search for accountability and efficiency

National Councils 10 Support to maximize effectiveness

International General Council 40 www.ssvpglobal.org www.ssvpglobal.org

Ssvp-Conseil Général International

CONFEDÉRATION INTERNATIONALE DE LA SOCIÉTÉ DE SAINT VINCENT DE PAUL International General Council 6, rue de Londres 75009 PARIS (France) TEL: +33-153 45 87 53 / [email protected] www.ssvpglobal.org