Vincentian Family gather in Birmingham

On Saturday 22nd April members of the Vincentian Family in Great Britain gathered in St Chad’s Cathedral, Birmingham. The day began with Mass at 12noon. The main celebrant was Archbishop Bernard Longley and the homilist, Fr Eugene Curran CM, who is parish priest of the Sacred Heart Vincentian parish in Mill Hill, London NW7. “Mini Vinnies” from the local schools of St Cuthbert’s and St Joseph’s Primary Schools enacted the life of St Vincent de Paul. Their role play reminded all of us how and why the Vincentian Family began. In his own life time, Vincent Depaul (1581-1660) began three organisations – the Ladies of Charity (AIC), The Vincentian Fathers (CM) and the Daughters of Charity to serve those living in spiritual and material poverty. Two hundred years later, with the support of Sr Rosalie Rendu DC, Frederic Ozanam and his six companions started the Society of St Vincent de Paul in Paris. Today the Vincentian Movement has more than 160 institutions belonging to it with over 4,000,000 members across the five continents, all serving those who are in need. After Mass everyone retired to the Cathedral Hall for refreshments and a catch-up.