The PGI, in an exclusive interview with Folha de Ozanam

Raquel Barros, Director of the Department of Social Communication of the Metropolitan Council of Olinda and Recife, conducted an exclusive interview with the International President General in the Folha de Ozanam magazine.

This publication is the official organ of that council of the SSVP in Brazil. In its latest issue, corresponding to the first quarter of 2025, the magazine publishes the full interview, which can be read below.

In this exclusive interview with Folha de Ozanam, the President General International reflects on the direction and expectations of the SSVP for the year 2025.

Brother Juan Manuel Buergo Gómez, from Spain, was elected the 17th President General International in 2023 for a six-year term. He considers Brazil his second home. A Vincentian for 33 years, he is a member of the Santo Antônio de Pádua Conference in Madrid, which makes a difference in the lives of the poor through the Santiago de Masarnau Social Centre, operated by the Madrid Provincial Council. This Conference also runs a community kitchen that distributes meals to those in need and has awarded him the Miraculous Medal as an honorary member of the Association of the Miraculous Medal.

“Assistance is a pretext to enter the homes of those in need and speak to them about God.”
— Juan Manuel Buergo Gómez, 17th President General International

FOLHA DE OZANAM: What are the goals and strategies of the Council General International (CGI) for 2025, particularly in places where humanitarian aid is most lacking?

BROTHER JUAN MANUEL: We are beginning 2025 as a Jubilee Year proclaimed by Pope Francis, under the theme “Pilgrims of Hope”. This is our strategy:

• Growing together in faith by continuing the spiritual formation programme for Vincentians. Formation materials will be published every two months on the website, available to all Conferences.
• The International Vincentian Day, with the presentation of the annual report of the Confederation.
• Support for international twinning and solidarity projects, in line with Laudato Si’.
• Encouraging the presence of young people at events and activities, especially two major gatherings in Rome: the Jubilee for Youth and the 3rd International Youth Meeting of the SSVP.
• Creating innovative ways of fundraising, including the launch of an International Foundation linked to the CIAD.
• Strengthening the governance, transparency, and unity of the SSVP through targeted training initiatives.

We also aim to improve the official website and are exploring the possibility of the SSVP obtaining Observer Status within the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.

FOLHA DE OZANAM: Brazil is considered the largest Vincentian country in the world. Here we face many social inequalities. What is your view on the role of the SSVP in eradicating poverty, and what are the main challenges?

BROTHER JUAN MANUEL: The SSVP’s role is to remain faithful to the principles of our founders. Ozanam said: “Charity treats the wounds, but it does not prevent the blows that cause them (…). It is justice that must stop the assaults.”

Most people think our organisation is solely about material charity, but our primary aim is to help those in need while also growing ourselves — ultimately, to help improve the world. “Assistance is a pretext to enter the homes of those in need and speak to them about God.”

Our challenge is to engage in platforms that allow us to influence public policy, always rooted in the Church’s Social Doctrine and in the service of human dignity and the common good.

FOLHA DE OZANAM: What was your first thought upon being elected President General, and what leadership approach do you intend to bring to the CGI?

BROTHER JUAN MANUEL: Two thoughts came to mind: the importance of friendship and faith, which give meaning to our actions, and the need to mobilise human and material resources to strengthen the Conferences. I want to lead with friendship — so that our Conference meetings become genuine fraternal celebrations that no one wants to miss.

FOLHA DE OZANAM: What are the main challenges currently faced by the CGI, and what are your goals by the end of your term?

BROTHER JUAN MANUEL: One key challenge is ensuring a clear understanding of the essence of the SSVP and reinforcing national structures. Another priority is the training of leaders, especially National Council Presidents, so they can successfully develop and account for their projects — many of which are supported by public funding.

FOLHA DE OZANAM: What is still needed for the Church to officially recognise the sainthood of Blessed Ozanam?

BROTHER JUAN MANUEL: A recognised miracle is still needed. We have the case of a Brazilian child cured in 2014, currently under review at the Vatican. Other possible cases are also being studied. The CGI continues working vigorously, though no date is yet in sight.

FOLHA DE OZANAM: Given the changes and restructuring taking place within the SSVP in Brazil, what actions could help to overcome these challenges?

BROTHER JUAN MANUEL: The Covid-19 pandemic deeply affected volunteer work across the globe. In Brazil, I saw enthusiasm, clarity, and strong fidelity to Vincentian values — especially among the youth. The CNB is wisely focusing on quality: spirituality, formation, and fidelity to the charism. We must not give in to the temptation of secularising our mission. The fruits will come.

FOLHA DE OZANAM: A final message for the readers of Folha de Ozanam?

BROTHER JUAN MANUEL: Always strive to create an atmosphere of friendship, fraternity, and holiness. Conferences need people who radiate joy, authenticity, and a deep sense of service. Frédéric Ozanam understood that the key to improving the world is to begin with oneself. And that is something we learn and live in community — in our Conference meetings — because our embrace renews the world.