September 12, 2024
Two St. John’s University students who are members of the St. Vincent de Paul Society had the opportunity to meet fellow Vincentian Archbishop Andrew E. Bellisario, C.M., Archbishop of Anchorage-Juneau, AK, when they recently attended the organization’s National Assembly.
Nina Sandoval, a Clinical Laboratory Sciences major, and Siobhan Kelly, a Biology major, attended the Society of St. Vincent de Paul’s National Assembly, held last month in Phoenix, AZ, where they not only met the Archbishop, but hundreds of fellow Vincentians striving to make the world a better place.
The theme of this year’s conference was “Adapt to a Changing World,” and featured lectures, breakout sessions, and networking opportunities for attendees. During the conference, Archbishop Bellisario led a retreat, which both students attended.
Sr. Patricia Evanick, D.C. ’97GEd, who serves as Campus Minister for Faith Formation and Leadership on St. John’s University’s Queens, NY, campus, spoke highly of the students who attended, and the need for participation in national events like the conference. “It is always an honor to send a few of our St. Vincent de Paul members to the national conference where they can meet members from around the country who share the mission—to reach out and help our neighbors in need. Our chapter regularly does service together and spends time in reflection to know where God is leading us.”
“The goal of this year’s conference was to gather everyone together as a community to find solutions and share ideas on how to improve our chapters, and the society as a whole,” Nina recalled.
Siobhan noted the first order of business was a listening session where attendants were divided into small groups of about eight people. “We shared weaknesses that had been discovered, as well as ways to improve the society to make our service more sustainable and allow room for growth.”
She added, “The world we live in is ever-changing, so the society must be just as flexible, while staying true to the Vincentian mission.”
Having attended a previous conference in St. Louis, MO, Siobhan found this one particularly inspiring. “Although we were among the youngest attendees, everyone was so great, including us in the conversation, and sharing information, ideas, and connections. It was amazing to hear about the work of other conferences, gaining insight into the potential we hold as a young conference.”
This was Nina’s first conference. “I wanted to attend to expand my knowledge and to understand more of what the society is, and gain insights from other people with more experience,” she explained.
Meeting Bishop Bellisario was a particular highlight for Nina. “After Mass, we wanted to introduce ourselves. He noticed the St. John’s University Campus Ministry shirt I was wearing and asked who we knew. We were surprised he knew several people we mentioned, and I chuckled to myself because everyone is connected in some way.”
“It was such a wonderful reminder of how the Vincentian mission truly is global,” Siobhan added, noting that she thoroughly enjoyed the Archbishop’s “beautiful” lecture. “The line that stood out the most from his talk was, ‘We are not called to be comfortable.’ We are called to constantly adapt to the changing world around us and meet the needs of the poor. We are called to encounter the whole person, not just their physical needs.”
Siobhan recalled that most of the adults she encountered stressed that young people are not only needed, but are the Society’s future. “They suggested roles a young person might take, and one lady gave me her business card and said she would be more than willing to speak with me further.”
Nina joined the society as a first-year student. “I like to be involved in any community that I serve. I am grateful to be this year’s treasurer. The society’s mission is to serve and make connections with people in need. Every Midnight Run or service project in which I participate isn’t because I must get the hours. I do it out of love. Every face that I have the chance to serve is my brother and sister through Christ.”
Siobhan agreed wholeheartedly with Nina. “Every service opportunity and reflection that follows helps me see the face of Christ in every person I encounter.”