Whether you are here in person in South Australia or at home, the National Congress is about all of us having a voice regarding the future of the Society, the way we work and how we carry out our Mission, which began in France with Frederic Ozanam and his companions.
Over the last few months we have shared some of the information, concerns, hopes and reflections that people have shared with us since we began this journey together.
It is surprising that it is the first time in 60 years we have gathered to reflect, pray and plan for our shared future.
Updates from the National Congress will be shared on the web and social media and in the next edition of The Record.
At the heart of our congress is the call from the Spirit to renew the face of the earth and enkindle the fire of our love.
As Vincentians we serve in hope. It is the hope of all who have helped organise the congress that the Spirit may be amongst us and that we will leave energised and challenged to carry out the work of the Society throughout our communities and wherever we are needed.
o all of those who are on the ground in Adelaide, thank you for taking time from your families, friends, work and all the other tasks that call for our attention, to be fully present and focussed on the Society and our companions.
Graham West is National President of the St Vincent de Paul Society National Council of Australia.