Masarnau’s Music Inaugurates the International Global Foundation in Rome, in Tribute to Blessed Frédéric Ozanam
The Embassy of France to the Holy See hosted, in the historic setting of Villa Bonaparte, the inaugural concert of the International Global Foundation of the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul, an event held in tribute to Blessed Frédéric Ozanam and featuring music by Santiago de Masarnau.
The gathering brought together civil and ecclesiastical authorities, representatives of the International Confederation, members of the Vincentian Family, as well as friends and benefactors of the Conferences of Saint Vincent de Paul. We were also honoured by the presence of university professors Laura Cuervo and Beatriz García Álvarez de la Villa, researchers and promoters of Masarnau’s work.
Juan Manuel B. Gómez, PGI of the SSVP and Isabel Garzo, Executive Assistant to the PGI and Dir.Gen. of SSVP Spain
The President General International (PGI), Juan Manuel B. Gómez, expressed his gratitude to the Embassy of France to the Holy See for its excellent and fraternal welcome, with special thanks to Ambassador Charles Personnaz, Minister Counsellor Henry Simonin and former Minister Counsellor Marcel Escure. He also thanked Paulo Cavaleri, Executive Director of the SSVP in Paris, for his indispensable collaboration in organising the event.
Paulo Cavaleri, Executive Director of the SSVP in Paris, with the four musicians of the Eurídice ensemble
During the celebration, Minister Counsellor Henry Simonin welcomed those present and addressed a few words to them, thanking them for their presence at the Embassy and highlighting the significance of the gathering.
Henry Simonin, Minister Counsellor at the Embassy of France to the Holy See
The concert recalled the music of Santiago de Masarnau, founder of the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul in Spain. The Eurídice ensemble, comprising soloists Maria Musti on piano, Mariana Dudnic on violin, Marija Strackaitè on flute and Daria Rossi Poisa on cello, gave a splendid performance of his Concertante Quartet for piano, violin, flute and cello in D major.
The celebration thus brought together memory, fraternity and the future: remembering Ozanam and the origins of the SSVP almost 200 years ago, officially presenting a new tool in the service of its mission, and reaffirming the Confederation’s commitment to people most in need.
The day concluded with words of thanks to all those present and to all the collaborators who made this significant gathering at Villa Bonaparte in Rome possible.