Vincentian Family in India Holds 20th General Body Meeting in Bihar, Strengthens Unity and Mission

The 20th General Body Meeting of the Vincentian Family in India was held from February 19 to 21 at Mokama, Bihar, in eastern India. The gathering marked a significant step in strengthening unity, collaboration, and mission among Vincentian branches across the country. The three-day national meeting was hosted by the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth (SCN), Patna Province.

Rooted in the charism and spirituality of St. Vincent de Paul, the meeting brought together 33 members representing eight Vincentian branches: CM – Congregation of the Mission (Vincentian Fathers), VC – Vincentian Congregation, DC – Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul, SSVP – Society of St. Vincent de Paul, SCJM – Sisters of Charity of Jesus and Mary,  SCN – Sisters of Charity of Nazareth, FIAT – Foundation of the International Association of Charity (FIAT Association), AIC – International Association of Charity.

Participants included both religious and dedicated lay members, reflecting the inclusive and collaborative nature of the Vincentian Family. The programme combined reflection, review, and forward-looking planning aimed at deepening unity and shared mission.

The gathering opened with prayer and a warm welcome, setting a reflective and spiritually grounded tone inspired by Scripture and Vincentian values. Participants expressed gratitude for the steady growth of the Vincentian Family in India, which now comprises 23 branches and more than 100,000 members. At the same time, the sessions offered a realistic appraisal of present challenges related to mission, coordination, and formation.

Reports and discussions highlighted the importance of annual national gatherings, ongoing common initiatives such as the Kandhamal housing project, and the work of the Commissions for Formation, Systemic Change, and Women. Emphasis was placed on strengthening collaboration, promoting shared leadership, and fostering a deeper sense of belonging among all members of the Vincentian Family.

Sr. Amrita Manjaly, Vice President of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth, reflected on the continuing relevance of St. Vincent de Paul, describing him as the “Apostle of Charity.” She noted that his charism transformed charity from occasional acts of kindness into an organised and systemic mission rooted in the inherent dignity of the poor. For St. Vincent, she said, service was not optional generosity but a living expression of faith and justice.

A highlight of the programme was the input session titled “Awakening the Legacy: Breaking Comfort Zones to Serve the Poor with Passion,” led by Fr. Shijo Antony Kanjirathamkunnel, CM. Drawing from his rich pastoral, academic, and international experience, Fr. Shijo challenged participants to move beyond comfort, complacency, and routine. Integrating theology, psychology, and lived mission, he invited Vincentians to rediscover joy, inner freedom, and courageous commitment in service to the poor.

Group discussions and plenary sessions focused on strengthening the Vincentian Family through improved formation, enhanced involvement of lay members, shared leadership, and realistic, time-bound action plans for 2026. Participants underlined the need to respond collectively to contemporary socio-political challenges while remaining faithful to the Gospel mandate.

The guidance of Fr. Francis Puthenthayil, CM, along with the dedicated efforts of the coordinating team, ensured smooth organisation, meaningful engagement, and a spirit of openness throughout the programme.

For many participants, most of whom were first-time visitors to Bihar and to the Minor Basilica of Our Lady of Divine Grace, the gathering proved to be a memorable and grace-filled experience. A Zoom interaction with International Coordinator Sr. Ellen Marie Hagar, DC, and Fr. Guillermo Vélez Campuzano added further enthusiasm, offering a global Vincentian perspective.

The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment to walk together as one Vincentian Family, strengthened in unity, renewed in legacy, and ready to serve the poor with compassion, courage, and hope.