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On Friday night I traveled to Rome for the Vincentian Family celebration of the World Day of the Poor. The Superior General, Fr. Tomaž Mavrič, CM, had invited the provincials to attend. It turned out to be quite an event and a great experience for all who were able to participate.
Final preparations for the day began the night before, as all the volunteers gathered in the chapel of the Collegio Leoniano for orientation and instructions. We were told that about 1,500 persons who were poor were invited to Paul VI Hall for lunch on Sunday, November 16. The three-course meal would be served by several hundred volunteers from the Vincentian Family, including priests, seminarians, Daughters, Sisters, young adults from Vincentian family groups, and adults from groups sharing the charism. They gave us identification tags, which would enable us to get into the hall; T-shirts or jackets, which would identify us as Vincentian “waiters;” and instructions on how we would divide into groups of six to serve the meal at specific tables. It promised to be well organized, but more about that later.
With the training done, we turned our thoughts to prayer, lifting up to God those whom we would be serving the next day. Click here to read the homily that Fr. Tomaž preached at the prayer service. Afterward, we went to a lower hall for a light buffet supper and a chance to greet people. I had the opportunity to meet a family from Peru who knew Pope Leo well. In fact, Bishop Robert Provost, OSA, helped the family obtain a home in Chiclayo through the 13 Houses campaign. Famvin Homeless Alliance Coordinator Mark McGreevy, OBE, expressed the hope that Pope Leo’s past involvement with the 13 Houses will lead him to continue the support that Pope Francis had given during his papacy.
On Sunday morning, we started out early and arrived at St. Peter’s Basilica before 8 a.m. to go through security and work our way around to our assembly area. There were about 300 priests gathered for the concelebration along with a good number of deacons. At 9 a.m., we received our instructions for the Mass (how Communion would be distributed, etc.), then we processed into the Basilica and took our seats to pray the Rosary before the Eucharist began. I was seated next to Fr. Paschal Scallon, CM, the provincial of Ireland. It was the first time that both he and I had the opportunity to concelebrate at a ceremonial Mass in the Basilica. What a magnificent, uplifting ceremony! For a copy of the Pope’s homily, click here, and click here for Pope Leo’s words during and after the Angelus. He mentions the Vincentian Family at the end.
It was not easy to squeeze our way through St. Peter’s Square after the Mass to get to Paul VI Hall. People had packed the square for the Angelus in anticipation of the Pope’s message on this, the ninth World Day of the Poor. Most, if not all, of those who would be our guests at the lunch, had also attended the Mass, so they entered Paul VI Hall as we did to find over a hundred tables set with linen cloths and napkins, glassware, and fine silverware. The lunch was not to start for about an hour, as the Pope fulfilled his other commitments before joining us. During that time, we organized ourselves into teams, learned which tables we would serve, enjoyed the music of the youth orchestra, and had a chance to observe and get to know some of our guests. Not knowing the Italian language, it was difficult to chat with them. Still, one could see that our guests felt a little uneasy in this new setting for them. That would soon change as they felt the warmth of the Vincentian family spilling into their lives.
We also got to meet some of the other members of the Vincentian family who were volunteer “waiters.” I had the good fortune of meeting two young women from Ukraine who had come with a small group. They were from Kyiv. Again, not speaking the language, I touched my heart and asked them how they were doing. I could see tears welling up in their eyes. They had left the city for a few days, but the horror they have been experiencing was still present to them. One of our confreres, who traveled with them, said that these women trembled every time they heard an ambulance siren in Rome.
As we finished speaking, a rousing cheer filled the hall as the Pope arrived and made his way to the head table. Once he said the blessing and sat down to eat, the volunteers sprang into action. What had been a well-organized plan the night before, soon turned into organized chaos. Each volunteer carried two plates of pasta to serve to our guests, but the “teams” soon broke up and lost each other in the rush. It wasn’t a problem, though. Our task was clear and simple: Each guest would receive a plate of delicious pasta, served with kindness. When our guests had finished, we cleared those dishes from the table and proceeded to serve the second course, a plate of delicious veal and roasted vegetables. The third and final course was dessert. As the meal progressed, our guests seemed more relaxed and comfortable. The initial uneasiness of our guests turned into smiles, satisfaction, and joy. Chatter at each table increased and their appreciation of what they received was evident.
The work of the Vincentian “waiters” was not done, however. Once our guests left, we cleared all of the tables and stacked the chairs before sitting down to share that same meal, this time, served in takeout containers with plastic forks and paper napkins. It was delicious. It was a great day for our guests and for us as well.
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops' “Special Message” on immigration
At their Plenary Assembly in Baltimore, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops issued a “Special Message” on immigration. It addresses the Church’s concern over the evolving situation impacting immigrants in the United States. It is a simple yet powerful tool for our homilies and teaching on this critical issue which touches on the reality of people’s experience today. Click here to read the statement.
Report from Charlotte, North Carolina
Fr. Marvin Navas, CM, pastor of Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, sent this report from Charlotte:
I think by now you have seen videos of what is happening in Charlotte, North Carolina. Some videos include testimonies of United States citizens of Hispanic descent who are being detained by law enforcement just because of the color of their skin.
Our Lady of Guadalupe is comprised mostly of Hispanic immigrants who are now adversely affected by ICE’s presence and raids throughout the city. Despite what is happening, our pastoral ministry continues. We will continue to celebrate the sacraments, especially the Holy Eucharist. However, we have had to cancel all other activities at the church out of consideration for our parishioners’ safety. We will continue to offer religious education online and stream each of the Masses. Food will be delivered to families in need. We will bring comfort and reassurance to people.
Attendance this weekend at all the Masses was drastically reduced. It seemed reminiscent of the pandemic several years ago. It was sad to see our church so empty and the deep anguish on the faces of our parishioners who did attend. This was true for all regardless of age. Even many of our documented citizens of the United States were afraid to leave their homes because of discrimination. For many, this experience is a throwback to when many left their countries of origin in search of opportunities to support their families free from violence and poverty. We left our land because of abuses, discrimination, exploitations, and war for a better future in the land of freedom. We are reminded how fragile freedom is.
Despite these present challenges, our people remain hopeful of what this great nation represents to myriads of people around the world. We will not let these difficulties diminish our hope. As the Lord has accompanied us thus far, we believe firmly that this will continue to be the case. Our faith in God remains strong. We at Our Lady of Guadalupe stand ready to support our people in any way we can.
New posts of the Nuntia Express
Click here and here to read recent posts from the Nuntia Express.
Celebration of the Tenth Anniversary of the Vincentian Family Office
On Saturday we will celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the Vincentian Family Office. Click here for information and the livestream link to the Eucharistic Celebration on Saturday.
VMY International Bulletin
The Vincentian Marian Youth have shared their October 2025 International Bulletin with us. To read it, click here.
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