Vincentian Family to launch Jubilee Year

MANILA, Philippines - The Vincentian Family composed of 14 organizations all over the country will observe a Jubilee Year from Sept. 27, 2009 to 2010 in honor of the 350th death anniversary of their founders, Sts. Vincent de Paul and Louise de Marillac.

With the theme “Charity and Mission,” the celebration will highlight ways of giving homage to St. Vincent and St. Louise as witnesses to and examples of love and service to persons in situations of poverty.

St. Vincent de Paul is the Patron Saint of the Universal Church for all works of charity; while St. Louise de Marillac is the Patron Saint of all social workers and those involved in social works.

Apart from liturgical celebrations, Sr. Mary Ann Guevara, DC, head of the Vincentian Family executive committee, said that the Vincentian Family has also organized various activities aimed at deepening the spirituality of the Vincentian charism, including a Vincentian Youth Congress, a Jubilee Formation Series, mobile photo exhibits, commemorative song album, and the recitation of a Special Jubilee Prayer.

She called on all those who are studying and have studied in schools run by the Vincentian Fathers and Daughters of Charity to join the Jubilee Year contests, like the national search for best practices of Vincentian Charities, the Jubilee Year’s theme song writing, video essay and oratorical contests.

A special stage presentation entitled “San Vicente: A Zarzuela” is being arranged by the Adamson University and the Vincentian Center for Identity and Mission, in coordination with the Vincentian Family Coordinating Council.

The Vincentian Family is made up of religious congregations and associations that were either founded by St. Vincent de Paul and/or that follow the Vincentian spirituality and charism of service to the poor. 

Among them are the Ladies of Charity-International Associations of Charities, the Congregation of the Mission, the Daughters of Charity, the Association of the Children of Mary Immaculate-Vincentian Marian Youth, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, the Young Ladies Association of Charity, the Sisters Handmaids of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul, Sisters of Charity of Our Lady Mother of Mercy, the Association of St. Louise de Marillac, the Brothers of Charity, the Daughters of Charity Alumni Association, the Alumni of the Congregation of the Mission, the Vincentian Family Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Inc., the Association of the Miraculous Medal, and the St. Vincent de Paul Foundation.