Vincentian Convocation Explores “What Must be Done?”

Honorees at this year’s Vincentian Convocation were individuals and organizations who answered the thematic question posed during St. John’s University’s annual Founder’s Week celebration, “What Must be Done?”

The Convocation, held on September 26 at St. Thomas More Church on the Queens, NY, campus, is the capstone celebration for Founder’s Week. It is a meaningful time at St. John’s as the University community focuses on the life and legacy of St. Vincent de Paul, the founder of the Congregation of the Mission, culminating in his feast day on September 27. 

In his welcoming remarks, Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P., President of St. John’s, told the gathering that in bestowing awards, the University confers honor upon these individuals and organizations. 

“It’s important for us to do what we do, because when a community bestows honor, it expresses its most important values. It holds them up. It clarifies them. It celebrates them—and it gives them human form in the lives of the individuals that we congratulate today.”

He added, “It’s also a form of inspiration, because we hope that one of the results of this ceremony today is that when you hear the incredible lives of the people that we honor, we will all be inspired to embrace more deeply our own vocations to the Vincentian mission of St. John’s.”

Fr. Shanley concluded by saying the ceremony was also a form of gratitude. “To the people that we honor today, we thank them as we honor them for what they have done for the Church and for our world.”

Rev. Patrick J. Griffin, C.M. ’13HON, Executive Director, Vincentian Center for Church and Society, noted that the Founder’s Week theme is often characterized as the Vincentian question. 

“From this starting point, Vincent and St. Louise de Marillac began to determine what service they could provide for the most neglected in their world. We draw attention to the fact that they were individuals who opened their ears and eyes to the people of their time, and heard what needed to be done, as well as how to do it.”

The Convocation fulfills an essential role in the celebration of Founder’s Week, Fr. Griffin stressed. “We highlight individuals and groups who recognized the needs, and then asked themselves the question, ‘What needs to be done?’ We will hear how that comes true.”

The following awards were presented:

Vincentian Mission Award
Joanne Persico ’93MBA, ’09PD
Head Coach, Women’s Volleyball
St. John’s University

Caritas Medal
Catholic Charities Brooklyn and Queens
Accepted by Richard Slizeski, Senior Vice President, Office of Mission
Catholic Charities Brooklyn and Queens

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Medal
Serena Martin
Executive Director
New Hour for Women and Children–Long Island

St. Vincent de Paul Medal
Dylan Corbett
Executive Director
Hope Border Institute

Frédéric Ozanam Award
The Bridge to Life, Inc.
Accepted by Catherine Donohoe, President, Bridge Women’s Support Center
The Bridge to Life, Inc.

International Medal
Famvin Homeless Alliance
13 Houses Project
Accepted by Mark McGreevy, Chief Executive
Depaul International

During the Convocation, Mr. Slizeski delivered the annual Vincentian Chair of Social Justice lecture, “125 Years of Faithful Service: Catholic Charities Brooklyn and Queens.” He noted that through their work with the poor and the vulnerable, they encounter Christ “and accompany our brothers and sisters in their journey of faith.”

Hearing the call to aid the orphan, the widow, and the foreigner has been at the core of the missions of St. Vincent de Paul and Catholic Charities Brooklyn and Queens, Mr. Slizeski stressed, noting his pride in the common history and presence they share with St. John’s among these communities. 

“We have always striven, and succeeded, in answering that Vincentian Question, ‘What must be done?’” he said.

Over his 20 years with Catholic Charities, Mr. Slizeski has seen the agency respond creatively and strategically to community needs as they become apparent. “In one of St. Vincent’s prayers, he asks, ‘God, grant us the grace to see with the same eyes as you do.’ Today, in his spirit, let us make this our prayer. Let us see Christ in one another.”