St. Vincent’s life was changed by encountering the poor. Encounters, especially with people on the margins, are changing lives today. No wonder Pope Francis speaks of “encounter” so often. Pope Benedict explained it well… ” love of neighbor is a path that leads to the encounter with God, and that closing our eyes to our neighbor also blinds us to God.”

The St. Vincent de Paul Young Adult Center, located in the Germantown section of Philadelphia (USA), provides unique educational service trips following the examples of St. Vincent de Paul and St. Louise de Marillac. These experience have been known to change people.

Their aim is to allow students to have an experience that will help them realize their calling to serve both their own communities as well as needy communities around the world. And most importantly, to help them recognize that compassion is at the heart of all life!

Learn more by clicking this link and watching the video!

The St. Vincent de Paul Center is a direct response to the invitation of the then Superior General of the Congregation of the Mission (Vincentians), Fr. Robert Maloney, C.M. to engage youth and young adults in the charism of the Vincentian family. The Center began under the leadership of Br. Joseph Tauraso, C.M. in 2000 as an Eastern USA Vincentian Provincial initiative based on the “Urban Plunge” model to invite youth to serve with Vincentians, Daughters of Charity, Vincentian Family members and collaborators in direct service to those who are materially poor.

The original version of this post first appeared on FamVin. See related FamVin stories

• At Any Age #I Am Vincent 
• Vincentian Urban Plunges

The St. Vincent de Paul Center is a direct response to the invitation of the then Superior General of the Congregation of the Mission (Vincentians), Fr. Robert Maloney, C.M. to engage youth and young adults in the charism of the Vincentian family. The Center began under the leadership of Br. Joseph Tauraso, C.M. in 2000 as an Eastern USA Vincentian Provincial initiative based on the “Urban Plunge” model to invite youth to serve with Vincentians, Daughters of Charity, Vincentian Family members and collaborators in direct service to those who are materially poor.