Vincentian Brothers Formation Meeting

Brother Adam Budzyna, who spent a number of years in the Eastern Province  studying the use of media, writes….”September 1-8, 2013 in Thessaloniki the brothers of the Congregation held a regional meeting . This meeting was organized in memory of Br. Jean (of Greek origin) as well as a pilgrimage in the footsteps of St. Paul in Greece.
 Among the participants of this important event there were two brothers from France, two from Congo, and one from Algeria, Cameroon and Poland. This time gave us the opportunity to meet each other and exchange experiences of activities that each of us carries in his region. During our stay in Greece, we acquainted with Greek culture which dates back to ancient times and we also recognized the present problems facing the Catholic Church in the area. However, this time in Greece, it was a time to deepen our vocation, taking as a model Br. Jean, who dedicated his life to Christ, evangelizing the poor in Thessaloniki.”

Bro. Jean Prindezis was born on Christmas Day 1942 in the Greek island of Syra. He entered Congregation of the Mission on February 27, 1959 and took his final vows on July 19, 1964 (in old liturgical calendar the feast of St. Vincent de paul was  observed on that day). Afterwards he was assigned to the house in Thessaloniki where he served the Vincentian community as economy with high competence and commitment as well evangelized the Catholics and the Poor in the area. He died on the feast of Sacred Heart of Jesus (June 15), 2012 and interred in the Catholic cemetery in Thessaloniki.

As we read in the website of Province of Poland, “the meeting provided opportunity to know each other and share experience related to the ministry each of the brothers carries on in his local community.  While in Greece they had an opportunity learn about ancient Greek culture and get know about contemporary problems in the society and Catholic Church in Greece. It was also a time to reflect and deepen their own vocation looking at the life of late Bro. Jean Prindezis CM who committed all his life to evangelization of the Poor”.

Take a look at the picture gallery at the Facebook page of the Province of Poland

Vincentians have been present in Thessaloniki since 1783 in the parish of Immaculate Conception. The house belongs to Province of Paris, however its community is international including three Confreres from Poland (one is Superior).  They serve Catholic community in the area as well Daughters of Charity present in Greece.