Day of the Poor – Pope Leo invites 1,300 people to lunch - Sister of Charity of Saint Jeanne Antide Thouret

The Sisters of Charity from the General House also lent their services, coordinated – together with other volunteers – by the Vincentian Community: ‘This lunch we are now receiving,’ said Pope Leo, “is offered by Providence and the great generosity of the Community of St. Vincent, the Vincentians, whom we wish to thank. And then it is an anniversary: it is 400 years since the birth of their founder. They will accompany us by serving at the tables.”

The disadvantaged and needy people who attended the lunch are welcomed or accompanied by numerous ecclesial organisations and come from different backgrounds and countries.

The musical entertainment was provided by young people from the Rione Sanità district of Naples involved in the Sanitansamble and Tornà a cantà programmes.

At the end, the Vincentian Family distributed St Vincent’s Backpack to the guests as a gesture of closeness.

Father Tomaž Mavrič, Superior General of the Congregation of the Mission (Vincentians)

‘The Jubilee of the Congregation could not be experienced in any other way than by sharing with those most in need.’ Father Tomaž Mavrič said this yesterday on the 400th anniversary of the institute celebrated in Rome during the IX World Day of the Poor: ‘Celebrating 400 years of mission means renewing St. Vincent de Paul’s desire to serve Christ in the poor, with simplicity, humility and creative charity.’

Young volunteers from Ukraine for the Jubilee of the Poor

Ilona, Anna and Assana came to Rome from Kiev with the Sisters of Mary of the Miraculous Medal. In the Ukrainian capital, the three volunteers are not discouraged. They are able to continue their university studies and in their free time they volunteer at ‘The Society of Blessed Marta Wiecka’, which is the Ukrainian headquarters of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.

‘We help the homeless: we go out on the streets and distribute sandwiches and tea to them,’ says Sister Veronica. Once a month, we hold a meeting with families who have children with special needs. Our volunteers, who can be of different ages, devote their time to these children: they do odd jobs and play with them.

One of the volunteers addresses her peers as follows: ‘To young people who are afraid to help the homeless and the poor, I would say this: it’s not always easy, sometimes people can be rude, but we are a community and we face everything together. Don’t be afraid: this experience will change your heart for the better, and you will always find someone willing to support you.’