On Sept. 23, St. John’s University, Queens, New York, held its Vincentian Convocation at St. Thomas More Church on the campus. The ceremony included recognition of “outstanding individuals among us who, each in their own sphere, exemplify St. Vincent’s legacy.”

The Vincentian Family Coalition at the United Nations was honored with the International Medal, given to an organization for “distinguished service and contributions to the global community.” Members of the coalition include the Congregation of the Mission, the Company of the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul, the Association of International Charities (AIC), the Sisters of Charity Federation, and the International Society of St. Vincent de Paul.

“The Vincentian Family Coalition has become a strong and passionate voice for those who have no voice,” said Patrick Griffin, CM, executive director, Vincentian Center for Church and Society Office of the University Ministry, St. John’s University. “The coalition united these members of the Vincentian Family in order to more strongly advocate for those whom St. Vincent loved most: people on the social and economic margins of history and society… the excluded, as well as Planet Earth itself.”

Sister Teresa Kotturan, SCN, Sisters of Charity Federation NGO representative to the United Nations, accepted the award on behalf of the coalition.

Watch video recording of livestream from St. Thomas More Church (presentation of the International Medal begins at 1:06:15)

Photo (from left to right): Pattie Hughes, International Society of St. Vincent de Paul; James Claffey, Congregation of the Mission; Natalie Boone, Association of International Charities (AIC);  Teresa Kotturan, SCN, Sisters of Charity Federation; Mary Ann Dantuono, Association of International Charities (AIC); Teresa Abruzzo and Ed Keane, International Society of St. Vincent de Paul. Photo credit: Michael Dantuono