September 27, 2018
Throughout his life, St. Vincent de Paul called the people of France to serve the poor. Founded in 1625, the Congregation of the Mission, also known as the Vincentians, continues that mission to this day. Since founding St. John’s University nearly 150 years ago, the Vincentians have extended St. Vincent’s vision, and continue to serve those most in need while using resources and considerable intellectual capital to build a more equitable world.
Each year, at the annual Vincentian Convocation during its Founder’s Week celebration, St. John’s honors individuals and organizations who mirror the work of St. Vincent de Paul. The Convocation, held on September 24 in St. Thomas More Church on the Queens, NY, campus, paid tribute to a group of dedicated men, women, and organizations who are actively engaged in making a difference in the world and seeking justice for those on the margins of society.
Founder’s Week, held September 20–27, and encompassing the Solemnity of St. Vincent de Paul, takes place across all campuses of St. John’s University. It serves as an opportunity for the entire St. John’s community to reflect on the life and work of Vincent and his followers through lectures, reflection, and prayer and offers its members direct service opportunities to help those most in need. This year’s theme is “Be Vincentian: Called to Action.”
During his Convocation address, Conrado “Bobby” Gempesaw, Ph.D., President of St. John’s University, said, “All our honorees have touched the lives of so many, and it is a privilege for St. John’s University to recognize their valuable contributions to society.”
Dr. Gempesaw concluded his remarks with a quote from St. Vincent: “‘Our Lord’s work is accomplished not so much by the multitude of workers, as by the fidelity of the small number whom he calls.’ Today, he has called upon these very special organizations and individuals whom we honor, and they have responded in their own extraordinary and compassionate ways.”
The following awards were presented.
- Vincentian Mission Award: Rocco J. Mirro, Graphic Designer and Illustrator, Office of Marketing and Communications, St. John’s University Posthumously
- Caritas Medal: Gerald J. Ryan Outreach Center
- St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Medal: Mary Anne Marshall Mueller '70C, '89G, Adjunct Instructor, Department of Theology and Religious Studies, St. John’s University
- St. Vincent de Paul Medal: Charles “Chuck” Levesque, J.D., President and Executive Director, Depaul USA
- Frédéric Ozanam Award: American Immigration Council
- International Medal: Global Medical Relief Fund
- Gold Medal: Margaret M. Fitzpatrick, S.C., Ed.D. '00HON, President, St. Thomas Aquinas College
During the Convocation, Dr. Fitzpatrick delivered the Vincentian Chair of Social Justice lecture, “What Must Be Done?” “If action brings us to God, and God calls us to serve the poor, then we must consider the perennial and penetrating Vincentian question, ‘What must be done?’” Dr. Fitzpatrick posed.
One way to serve people who are marginalized, Dr. Fitzpatrick suggested, is by addressing the fundamental issue of systemic change on behalf of all who suffer.
“We need intellectuals who can engage in thoughtful research, conduct data analysis, and offer possible solutions to the world's unequal distribution of wealth and unsustainable resources. This must be done,” she stressed.
Dr. Fitzpatrick added, “If this research and these proposed actions do not come from a passion driven by the cries of the poor and the environment, I think that they will not be sustainable.”
She noted that Vincent’s interaction with the poor in Paris and the French countryside changed his life and drew him into sanctity. “Through this communion, Vincent urged us to use the strength of our arms and the sweat of our brows to do good, and to do it well. This must be done.”
Rev. Patrick J. Griffin, C.M., Executive Director of the Vincentian Center for Church and Society, observed, “Dr. Fitzpatrick spoke clearly and forcefully about what she believes, and this can be said most truly about her sense of social justice. One can hear that fact echoed in the way that she addressed this year’s Founder’s Week theme.”