Every year, on the anniversary of St. Vincent de Paul’s death, we come together as a community to honor our namesake with a Feast Day. The university has planned many activities to celebrate his legacy, and all members of our university community are most welcome to participate. You will find details below.
When St. Vincent departed this Earth on Sept. 27, 1660, he left behind a legacy filled with inspiration and a vision for us to carry forward. Throughout his 80 years, St. Vincent envisioned the poor rising above to a higher socio-economic status. He strongly believed education could provide that mobility. Every day, I witness members of the DePaul community implementing his vision. From teaching and mentoring to leading projects that serve our local community, you admirably engage in work that continues to honor his life.
Traditionally, Feast Days provide a moment for us to pause as a community and reflect on our mission. This year, we are fortunate to have the Division of Mission and Ministry to help us pay tribute to St. Vincent. Last year, in preparation for DePaul’s new strategic plan, University Ministry and the Office of Mission and Values reorganized their units. They created one division – Mission and Ministry – to meet one of the priorities of our strategic plan: deepen the university’s commitment to its Catholic, Vincentian mission.
The
Division of Mission and Ministry serves the entire university community. Student programs focus on community service, faith formation and leadership development. New faculty and staff programs aim to strengthen mission engagement. The Vincentian Studies Institute continues to support mission-related scholarly research. I encourage you to learn more about the new Division of Mission and Ministry, and I hope you will participate in one of the many programs offered.
Today, on this Feast Day, explore how you might deepen your own engagement with our mission. Every member of the DePaul community helps to fulfill our educational and societal mission, and that begins with you. In the words of St. Vincent, “May God be pleased to unite all of you so closely by an indissoluble bond of charity that you may be recognized by this mutual friendship…”
Thank you for all that you do, and happy Feast Day.
FEAST DAY EVENTS
Thursday, Sept. 27, 2018
8:30 a.m.
Student Center, 120 AB
In honor of the Feast of St. Vincent de Paul, Mission and Ministry invites you to join this celebration, which recognizes mission scholars for their dedication to Vincentian service and leadership. College of Communication Dean Salma Ghanem will deliver the keynote presentation.
Thursday, Sept. 27, 2018
12 p.m.
St. Louise de Marillac Chapel
Student Center, First Floor
A special liturgy will be celebrated in honor of the feast day of Vincent de Paul. Lunch to follow in Catholic Campus Ministry lounge, Lincoln Park Student Center 104.
Thursday, Sept. 27, 2018
12 p.m.
Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Chapel
Lewis Center, First floor
A special liturgy will be celebrated in honor of the feast day of Vincent de Paul, followed by a lunch reception in the DePaul Center, 11th floor, North Café.
Friday, Sept. 28, 2018
2 – 4 p.m.
LPC Quad
This festive carnival builds community and celebrates St. Vincent de Paul’s Feast Day. Games, photos with St. Vincent, prizes and food are included in the planned festivities.