September 30, 2010
More than 1,600 students, faculty and administrators from each
campus of St. John’s University emulated the life and work of St.
Vincent de Paul by participating in a host of volunteer activities
on Sept. 25 during the annual University Service Day.
The
day is an opportunity for the entire University community to show
fidelity to its Vincentian mission by serving those who need it
most. Service Day also marked the end of a
year-long celebration of the 350th anniversary of the
deaths of Vincent and Louise de Marillac.
Reverend Patrick J. Griffin, C.M., Executive Vice President for
Mission and Vincentian Chair of Social Justice, said, “One of my
favorite quotes from St. Vincent de
Paul is, 'The poor suffer more from lack of organization than
from lack of good will.'
“During Service Day we marshal the University's resources
across all our constituencies: students, faculty, staff,
administrators and alumni,” he added. “We focus our good will in
service of the local community, and we make a difference. The
organized energy which so many people bring to this effort is a joy
and a hallmark of our living out the mission.”
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