2008 Theme: Vincentian Beyond Borders:
Building a Civilization of Love
“Charity embraces
justice.”
--St. Vincent de Paul
January 25-31, 2008
“In the Vincentian tradition, we seek to foster a world view and
to further efforts toward global harmony and development, by
creating an atmosphere in which all may imbibe and embody the
spirit of compassionate concern for others so characteristic of
Vincent de Paul.” (University Mission Statement.)
St. Vincent de
Paul (1581-1660) transcended borders of class, gender and
geography to “preach the Good News to the poor.” His ministries of
education and service envisioned a civilization of love where
“charity embraces justice” and the riches of God’s creation could
be shared equitably among all God’s people. During this 14th annual
Founder’s Week we seek to examine the interdependence of humankind
and our responsibility to love—“extending our hearts and minds to
nurture our own and the other’s good.” Be Vincentian beyond borders
- attend Founder’s Week events!
Founder’s Week, established at St. John’s University in 1995,
begins with the Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul on January 25.
The Vincentian Community celebrates this date as the Founding of
the Congregation of the Mission. On this date in 1617, St. Vincent
de Paul preached the first mission in Folleville France and
recognized the need to evangelize the poor by serving both their
spiritual and material needs. Today, the order of the Congregation
of the Mission, commonly called “Vincentians”, is the sponsor of
St. John’s University.