Encounter of the Vincentian Family in Brazil

“The Poor; Our Masters and Lords”

From 20 to 23 June, 45 people from various branches of the Vincentian Family from all over Brazil gathered in São Paulo.

The participants represented the Congregation of the Mission, the Daughters of Charity, the Sisters of the Servants of the Poor of Gysegen, the Congregation of Religious of St. Vincent de Paul, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, the International Association of Charities and the Brothers CMM. This was the fifteenth National Meeting of the Vincentian Family in Brazil, which takes place every two years, and this time, the Congregation of the CMM Brothers were represented by the Brothers Albertus Geroda, Damasus Dobat, and Rosario de Jesus Martins.

The theme of the meeting was “The Poor; Our Masters and Lords”, a proper phrase of St. Vincent that he always contemplated and that he put it into practice in his work for the poor. This phrase is actually inspired by the Gospel of John: “I am your Master and Lord” (13:13-14).

The meeting was officially started with the Eucharistic Celebration, led by Father Joelson, CM, coordinator of the National Council of the Vincentian Family in Brazil. In his brief homily, Father Joelson said: “We are from the same family, we drink from the same source of Christ and of the Vincentian Spirituality. May today be a celebration that can mark each of us to have more communion as a family and from there strengthen us to each other, witnessing the Vincentian charism for and together with the needy.”

During the days of the meeting, there were several issues that were discussed and shared: Systemic Change; Collaborative Action; Project for the Homeless; Campaign “13 Houses” and Vocational Culture of the Vincentian Family. In this meeting, there was also a moment to speak about ‘Finding Vince’, the video festival about the life and mission of Saint Vincent de Paul, held in Rome in October 2018, which was presented by Tiago Tibúrcio, responsible for the communication of the Vincentian Family of Brazil at the international level.

The participants felt blessed to have the opportunity to be present at the gathering. They were happy with the issues addressed and discussed, and also with the brotherhood and the spirituality among the branches of the Vincentian Family.

Br. Damasus Dobat CMM (Brazil)