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The call to serve Christ in the poor transforms lives
Vero Gutiérrez
Assistant Editor
Salt Lake City — A major challenge highlighted at the recent National Assembly of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SVdP) was the need to strengthen the spiritual formation of its members as the soul of their service, without losing sight of the fact that their primary mission lies in evangelization. That is precisely what distinguishes the Vincentians from other charitable organizations.
SVdP International President General Juan Manuel Gómez emphasized that this is a significant challenge; if the conferences limit themselves solely to material aid, “they will disappear — not in the eyes of men, but in the eyes of God.”
During the SVdP National Assembly, held in Salt Lake City from Sept. 8 to 12, Juan Manuel Gómez explained in his opening address that both prayer and a personal encounter with Christ — present in the poor — are essential to ensure “we do not become mere administrators of charity.”
Spiritual growth and the training of Vincentians are fundamental to strengthening and ensuring the continuity of their mission — both now and in the future — within the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.
The message also highlighted the network of friendship and the spirit of fraternity that distinguish members of Vincentian conferences. Gómez asserted that these two values have been part of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul since its inception nearly 193 years ago, when Blessed Frédéric Ozanam and a group of young Catholic university students launched this work.
Speaking on the importance of remaining faithful to the spirit of the founders, Gómez recalled that, from the very beginning, this group of Catholic students understood that service could not be reduced merely to material aid.
“For them, almsgiving alone does not merit the name of charity; that is why closeness to those in need plays such an essential role, as the relief we provide is rooted in fraternal love,” he added.
Beyond spiritual formation, the second challenge he addressed was the need for proper training for service.
“Our mission today,” said Juan Manuel, “demands knowledge and skills in administrative, legal and financial areas, as well as in leadership, communication, teamwork and resource management.”
The training of those who serve through the Vincentian Society must be geared toward the responsible management of entrusted assets, acting with transparency and maintaining honest accountability.
The international president stated that responsible planning is also a form of love. “Charity and good practices reinforce one another,” he emphasized.
He recalled the social commitment that led Blessed Frédéric Ozanam to found this society — a society that now gathers to strengthen bonds of friendship and renew its spiritual and operational commitment, with both humility and boldness, in the service of the common good and the most needy.
In concluding his message, Gómez highlighted: “May the friendship that unites us, our faith, and our Vincentian values continue to grow stronger each day, so that we may keep walking together, growing together, and serving together as ‘one single Conference spanning the globe."
During one of the National Assembly workshops, Juan Manuel shared the story of how he came to join the society. He recalled that, upon his father’s death, a question arose within him that prompted reflection on the meaning of his life: “What will you offer when you stand before God?” This question awakened a desire to dedicate his life and time to serving the most needy, just as his father had taught him. Upon learning of the work of St. Vincent de Paul, he knew he had found his place.
He admitted: “I remain enamored with Frédéric Ozanam because I found him to be the best interpreter of St. Vincent de Paul’s teachings for the laity — so powerful, in fact, that I was truly transformed when I read him.”
During his visit to the country, Juan Manuel Gómez also toured the Idaho State Correctional Center alongside John Berry, national president of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul in the United States. The visit allowed him to see firsthand the work being done by the Southwest Idaho District Council to support individuals who have served their sentences and need assistance reintegrating into society.
They were accompanied on the visit by Stacye LaRoe, the Society’s program and career guidance manager, and Ken Hebert, president of the San Dimas Conference, which currently serves an average of 25 to 30 people per month.
Juan Manuel highlighted the efforts of everyone involved in the program to walk alongside these citizens as they reclaim their place in society, helping them find safe housing and employment while also providing spiritual support.
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