Remembering Pope Francis –
A Shepherd to the Poor | Thank you for our new Shepherd, Pope Leo XIV How exciting it was to see the white smoke in Rome on May 8! How exciting it was to hear Pope Leo XIV’s first address and blessing to the People of the world! Thank you to the Holy Spirit for guiding the Cardinals in their choice. Let us pray for Pope Leo XIV as he leads his flock, bringing peace and unity and hope to the poor and marginalized. | | We will always remember Pope Francis for being a Pope for the People and going out to be with the people in the streets to meet them where they were. How fitting that Pope Francis was able to give the Easter Blessing in St. Peter’s Square before dying the morning of Easter Monday. He is now home with Our Lord. In his World Day of the Poor messages, Pope Francis poured out his heart to those on the margins, and to those who serve them. In 2021, he wrote, “The poor, always and everywhere, evangelize us, because they enable us to discover in new ways the true face of the Father.” Those of us involved with the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul know the truth of those words. We encounter Jesus in the trembling hands of the hungry, in the fear of a single mother who does not know how she will be provide for her children, and in the loss of hope of someone about to lose their home. Pope Francis was not content to merely speak about the poor — he went to them. He visited hospitals, refugee camps, prisons and homeless shelters. His actions loudly reinforced his words: “We are called to discover Christ in them, to lend our voice to their causes, but also to be their friends, to listen to them, to speak for them and to embrace the mysterious wisdom which God wishes to share with us through them.” (World Day of the Poor, 2017) In a letter to the Superior General to celebrate 400 years of the founding of the Congregation of the Mission of the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul, Pope Francis stated, “The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul is an extraordinary force for good in the service of the poor, with hundreds of thousands of members worldwide. We thank God for the gift of his life. We thank Pope Francis for all that he did reaching out to the poor and bringing us World Day of the Poor. During this Jubilee Year, let us be Pilgrims of Hope! Linda Dollard, National President | One Month to Go: Get Ready for the ANF! | McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario
From Thursday, June 19 to Saturday, June 21, 2025 The Annual National Formation (ANF) meeting in Hamilton is now just over a month away, and we’re excited to share the full event program and the list of workshops with you. Register here | | You will meet the Council General International President, Juan Manuel B. Gomez, and John Berry, President of the SSVP USA. You will also be inspired by messages from Dr. Donna Beegle and Elia Hernandez-Moreno. Ray Sickinger and Tim Williams will transport you to the dawn of Society, Msgr. Con O'Mahony and Bishop Yvan Mathieu will help you deepen your spirituality. Discover the full program The ANF reflects a fundamental value of Vincentian life: gathering as a family. It is a family reunion where we build bonds and strengthen our friendships by learning from the diverse experiences of our brothers and sisters in active service across the country. That's why your Vincentian brothers and sisters will be presenting workshops that are sure to inspire and educate you. The ANF is a very important and meaningful way to improve the way you serve your neighbors in need, to improve and make your conference or council more effective, to grow your membership, and to strengthen friendship and community within the Society across the country. REGISTER HERE Please join us. We look forward to seeing you in Hamilton! | Unique Housing Project Underway in Moncton | A unique approach to providing housing for those who need it most is underway in Moncton. Housing for Life was created by a group of socially committed individuals who responded to an invitation from the national Social Justice Committee of the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul. A member of Mother Teresa's conference recruited a dozen people who met twice a month for several months, to reflect on the many causes of social injustice. "Why don't we go beyond the discussion and start taking action on one of those issues?” READ MORE | | Testimony:
The SSVP Impact during the 2024 Jasper fires | On July 22nd, 2024, three wildfires merged into one due to dry conditions and wind speeds and the town of Jasper quickly experienced a forced evacuation of the entire town and park. | | 800 housing units were lost, including homes and apartment buildings, along with several businesses. In early August, Edmonton Central Council contacted Father Anthony Narisetty, the parish priest of Our Lady of Lourdes to see how we could assist. READ MORE | Jan’s Journey of Vincentian Service from 2000 to retirement
SSVP of Vancouver Island - Our Lady of Guadalupe Conference, Campbell River BC Janice Singbeil wore many hats of service for OLOG Conference. As a founding member she helped form the conference back in 2000. Dispatching, food purchasing and storeroom maintenance were among her first roles of active duty. | | Jan found her true niche within the Society, when18 years ago Social Services in Campbell River reached out to SSVP to provide basic household items for men temporarily sheltered in motel rooms. Kitchen and bathroom items were delivered in knapsacks and laundry baskets. This service was no longer required when the government purchased these motels and converted them into long term single occupancy units. READ MORE | Sharing the Joy of Giving at Monsignor William Irwin School Recently, Monsignor William Irwin Elementary School took a beautiful initiative to support the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul (SSVP). As part of their donation drive, the school invited us to speak with students about the work we do and the mission we carry forward. I prepared a short presentation, highlighting the history of St. Vincent de Paul and the charitable activities we continue today. The students listened attentively, eager to learn how their efforts could make a real difference in the lives of others. The most heartwarming moment came when we brought the SSVP truck around, and the students helped load the donations themselves. The joy on their faces, and the genuine fun they had giving, was absolutely priceless. It struck me that many Vincentian parents and grandparents have children in local neighborhood schools like this one. If we take the opportunity to adopt these schools and establish a visible Vincentian presence, we can leave behind more than just good memories, we can plant seeds of compassion, generosity, and community spirit that grow for years to come. And if there's any doubt, the photos say it all. Peter Ouellette, Vincentian
Divine Mercy Conference, Edmonton AB | Janice Singbeil
Lady of Guadalupe Conference, Campbell River BC Janice was a founding member of the OLOG Conference and has been actively involved since its beginning in 2000. Initially she was responsible for logistics such as shipping and food purchasing. Her main contribution began 18 years ago, organising the delivery of household items to men in temporary accommodation. This evolved into the Welcome Kits programme, which provides essential household items to women and children fleeing domestic violence. Jan was instrumental in growing the programme, storing supplies in her own home and managing donations and deliveries. Her commitment has left a lasting impact. | | We invite you to submit your nominations to recognize a Vincentian in our community whose work and dedication deserve to be celebrated. | The Promise of the Holy Spirit and His Peace Jesus said to his disciples: Whoever loves me will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. Whoever does not love me does not keep my words; and the word that you hear is not mine but is from the Father who sent me. I have said these things to you while I am still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you. Peace, I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid. You heard me say to you, I am going away, and I am coming to you. If you loved me, you would rejoice that I am going to the Father, because the Father is greater than I. And now I have told you this before it occurs, so that when it does occur, you may believe. (John 14: 23-29) REFLECTIONS | | We regularly publish exciting facts about the SSVP. Visit our Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn frequently to find out more about the Society. To promote our publications, please like and share them. Links to our social media can be found at the bottom of this newsletter. We are always looking for Vincentian testimonials and conference/council activity stories. Send your stories to share with Vincentians across Canada to editor-editeur@ssvp.ca. If you received this from a friend, you can subscribe to receive our newsletter directly. SUBSCRIBE HERE | Connect with us on social media | | | | |
