14/06/2023
Mass at the Vatican, presentation on “Fraternity, Communion and Mission: Following in the Footsteps of the Seven Founders”, presentation of amendments to the International Rule and awarding of the Charity in Hope medal to the Order of Malta.
On 14 June, the second day of the International Assembly in Rome began with the participants attending a Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican.
The official program of the General Assembly continued with a presentation by Fr. Bertin Sanon, Superior General of the Religious of St. Vincent, titled “Fraternity, Communion and Mission: Following in the Footsteps of the Seven Founders”. He spoke of the importance of community life, of the fraternal circles that are created within the Conferences and of the need to preserve, all together, the legacy that gave rise to the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul in its attention, as lay people committed to the Vincentian charism, to the service of the most needy through our faith.
Brother Ralph Middlecamp, Chairman of the Commission for the amendment of the statutes, hosted a debate and vote on the amendments presented for the modification of some articles of the International Statutes.
In addition, a collaboration agreement was signed with the Order of Malta, which was also awarded with the Charity in Hope Medal for its charitable work and service to the most vulnerable. This award was presented to Ivo Graziani, Chief of Cabinet of the Order of Malta, by brother Renato Lima de Oliveira.