Portugal’s Council Organizes a Webinar
This event replaced the annual Fatima pilgrimage due to the pandemic
Last April 24th, Portugal’s Superior Council of the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul (SSVP) organized a webinar to answer the question: What are the paths of the SSVP today?
Due to Covid-19 restrictions, the event was held virtually and replaced the traditional Vincentian Pilgrimage to the city of Fatima, which is held annually around the anniversary of Ozanam’s birth (April 23th).
Approximately 200 Vincentians took part in the webinar on the available social networks. The 3-hour event was chaired by the National President, sister Alda Couceiro. One of the issues addressed was the presentation “Paths to be followed by the SSVP in times of pandemic”. The speaker, seminarian Antonio Clemente from the Congregation of the Mission (CM), focused on seven action verbs: PRAY, FORM, ACCOMPANY, VISIT, RENEW, COLLABORATE and BE A WITNESS. After the presentation, the floor was opened to all and several testimonies were recorded.
Furthermore, Father Nelio Pita, spiritual advisor at the Superior Council, reflected on the importance of liturgy and the sacramental life, especially in times of pandemic; and Brother Renato Lima de Oliveira, 16th President General, addressed words of hope to the Portuguese Vincentians.
- Click here to read Antonio Clemente’s full speech, in Portuguese.
- Click here to read the President General’s full speech, in Portuguese
