Vincentians gather for triennial meeting in New Orleans
This article first appeared in the fall 2024 issue of the Western Province quarterly newsletter, The Vincentian.
Every three years, the Western Province holds an assembly to gather in-person for a week-long assembly to pray, discern, and discuss and vote on matters pertaining to the province. This year, the assembly was held June 25-28 in New Orleans, home to one of the province’s historic parishes, St. Joseph’s.
Among the first orders of business was the installation and oath of office of Fr. Joseph Williams, C.M., who was elected Provincial earlier in the spring. A special Mass at St. Joseph’s Church was also held to commission the new DePaul Mission Team.
“I will do my best to serve you, my confreres, with fraternal charity and care,” Fr. Williams said in his opening address. “I ask for your prayers and rely on the intercession of St. Vincent and Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal to help me in this ministry.”
Fr. Jim Osendorf, C.M., presided over the business portions of the meeting, covering departmental reports and discussions of matters ranging from the logistical and structural to the philosophical.
The gathering closed on Friday in traditional Vincentian fashion with the priests and brothers raising their voices together in singing “Salve Regina” (“Hail Holy Queen”) in recognition of their connection to the Blessed Mother.