A call to accompany and form others through Vincentian spirituality

Editor’s Note Assistant Memo and Vero Gutiérrez participated on behalf of the Holy Spirit conference of the Southwest Idaho Council

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MISSOURI — The Society of St. Vincent de Paul, at the national level, through its Hispanic-Latino Formation Subcommittee, held a formation course in Spanish for Vincentian spiritual advisors from different conferences across the country.

The Pallottine Retreat and Conference Center in Florissant, Missouri, hosted the gathering, which took place from July 30 through August 2. Spanish-speaking members from different regions of the country participated in the event. They are active members of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul and currently serve as spiritual advisors or are preparing to assume this responsibility.

The training was led by Sylvia González, president of the National Hispanic-Latino Formation Subcommittee; Aldo Barletta, National Vice President for the Growth and Enrichment of Vincentian Spirituality; and Sister Consuelo Tovar, assistant director of Vincentian formation for the National Council of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul and a member of the Daughters of Charity.

A team of formation trainers from different councils also assisted with the organization and presentation of the formation gathering. They included Lily Reyes from Nebraska, Susana Manríquez from Washington, and Martha Montoya and Sonia Burgos from New York.

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The gathering addressed topics including Vincentian formation and vocation, the roles and responsibilities of the spiritual advisor, available resources, apostolic reflection, Vincentian discernment and consensus, the use of technology, and other related subjects.

During his presentation, Barletta explained that the goal of the training was to help participants understand the different dimensions of Vincentian formation, as well as the implications, roles and responsibilities of spiritual advisors within the conferences.

The gathering included presentations on various topics, with particular emphasis on the formation of the spiritual advisor, who has the important responsibility of accompanying and guiding members of their respective conferences from the perspective of Vincentian spirituality, helping them advance on their own journey toward holiness.

Participants also discussed the importance of maintaining a focus on practical love for people experiencing poverty. They emphasized that Vincentians must “focus on the importance of both action and spirituality in our love for those in need.”

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In the chapel of the Pallottine Center, the formation team is composed of Lily Reyes, Susana Manríquez, Martha Montoya, Sylvia González, president of the National Subcommittee for Hispanic-Latino Formation; Sonia Burgos; Sister Consuelo Tovar, associate director of Vincentian Formation for the National Council of SVdP; and Aldo Barletta, National Vice President for the Growth and Enrichment of Vincentian Spirituality. (ICR Photo / Vero Gutiérrez)

One of the central aspects of the gathering was reminding participants that those who

assume the role of spiritual advisor within a conference are called to strengthen the virtues, values and spirit of the Vincentian vocation. They are also called to contribute to the spiritual formation of Vincentians and provide guidance on spiritual matters.

Above all, spiritual advisors have the responsibility of helping members of the conference grow as a community of faith and remember that every moment is an opportunity to walk toward holiness. The challenge is to see the face of Christ in each person who comes seeking assistance.

The ministry, the presenters explained, would not be possible without Vincentians drawing closer to the Eucharist, prayer, and special moments of reflection, both personally and together with other Vincentian members.

In summary, the spiritual advisor is the person within the conference who is committed to learning about and sharing Vincentian spirituality with the other members of the group.

Finally, it was announced that, in order to follow up on and strengthen this formation process, the Formation Committee will be responsible for promoting and following up on online meetings that will take place over the coming months. One of the goals is for the participants themselves to collaborate with the Society of St. Vincent de Paul in supporting the formation of other spiritual advisors in their respective regions.