06/01/2023
We are ending 2022 and welcoming 2023, the year in which our Society of Saint Vincent de Paul will celebrate, with the grace of God, its 190th anniversary.
But 2023 holds strong emotions about several other dates, which will also receive our support and appreciation. Let us look at some of these important dates below.
On January 31st, another CIRCULAR LETTER will be published, the last one this term.
On February 8, the INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF JULES GOSSIN will be officially opened, with the launch of a literary contest as in previous years.
On February 17th, we will be celebrating the SEVEN FOUNDERS of the SSVP, on the same liturgical date of the seven founders of the Servite Order.
On April 23rd , to celebrate the 190 years of foundation of the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul, a Holy Mass, will be broadcasted live from Fatima (Portugal), in four languages, for the whole planet. On the same day, we will commemorate the 210th anniversary of the birth of Blessed Antoine-Frederic Ozanam.
From June 13th to 17th, the GENERAL ASSEMBLY of the International Confederation will be held in Rome with the election of the 17th International President. On July 4th, will be a great moment for the youth with the “International Day of the SSVP Youth”.
On July 21st,, the foundation of the International General Council 184 years ago (1839) will be remembered. And on August 14th, the INTERNATIONAL DAY OF SSVP’s WOMEN MEMBERS, in honor of Amelia Ozanam, will be widely celebrated in all regions of the world.
On September 9th, the inauguration of the new President General will take place in Paris, France. As well, members will visit the tomb of the 2nd President General International, Jules Gossin (1789-1855). And to close the year with a “golden key”, on November 19th, members will reflect on the 7th World Day of the Poor.
As described above, the year 2023 is full of glorious moments in which the SSVP will be in international evidence. We pray the Good Lord that we can carry out all these activities and initiatives.
The present Board of Directors has been working very hard, with the support of the staff in Paris, to do our best to prepare all these events and ephemerides. We thank everyone for their support, especially the Superior Councils that form our Confederation.
Brother Renato Lima de Oliveira
16th President General International