Vincentian Family Gathering in Northampton

On Saturday 2nd May 2026, members of the Vincentian Family gathered for midday Mass in Northampton Cathedral. These included Daughters of Charity, Vincentian Priests, Members of the AIC and members of the Society of St Vincent Depaul. Sr Mary Timmons DC, Chair of FamVin GB, warmly welcomed everyone at the start of this annual Family gathering. Mass was concelebrated by Fr Chris Perry from the diocese, Fr Stephen Monaghan CM and Fr Eugene Curran CM from the Vincentian Fathers. Fr Stephen was the homilist for the Mass, and he explained that he was eminently suited to this task because, as a youngster, he had often accompanied his mother on her SVP visits as well as being taught by the Vincentian Fathers when he was at school! He then went on to describe the CHARISM passed on to us by Vincent de Paul, Louise de Marillac, Frederic Ozanam and many others which is our privilege to share and pass on in these our times. As St Vincent told us so often: "The Poor are our Lords and Masters!"

After Mass we gathered in the nearby St Thomas Centre to socialise and have refreshments. Here we listened to a very interesting talk from Mark Choonara CEO of CARITAS Southwark on "The Vincentian Charism and Catholic Social Teaching. Mark explained that the Vincentian Charism and Catholic Social Teaching are closely aligned. Some common elements are listed below:

• Seeing Christ in the Poor
• Serving in humility, simplicity and Charity
• Acting concretely to address material and spiritual poverty
• Organising Charity so that it is effective
• Forming hearts and structures that reflect God's love for the most vulnerable
• Human Dignity and respect for life
• The Common Good
• Preferential option for the Poor
• Solidarity
• Advocacy and Systemic Change

At the end of the day, thanks, were also given to Mrs Elaine Heyworth who is the current National President of the SVP in England and Wales as well as being the Chief Operating Officer for Northampton Diocese.