On the 31 January 2026, the International President General of the Society of St Vincent de Paul published the 2026 Circular Letter, addressed to all members, collaborators, staff, and volunteers of our global Vincentian family.
The Circular Letter is a long-standing tradition within the International Confederation of the Society of St Vincent de Paul (CGI/SSVP), serving as the President General’s yearly message of reflection, encouragement, and guidance for our shared mission.
This year’s letter welcomes the new year with a message rooted in fraternal love, unity, and spiritual growth. Drawing on the words and spirit of Blessed Federico Ozanam, the President General reflects on the year just passed and invites all SSVP members to continue living out our charism through friendship, compassion, and service in every corner of the world.
Highlights from the 2026 Circular Letter
In the 2026 Circular Letter, we are reminded that:
We are one worldwide Conference, united by faith and charity, called to serve those most in need with mutual love and fraternity.
The work of the Society isn’t just about alleviating material need, but also about holistic human development, grounded in the Gospel and Social Doctrine of the Church.
The Society’s mission must be expressed not only in acts of service but in communication, formation, governance, and collaboration across all regions and cultures.
A new initiative introduced in the letter is the International Global Foundation, established to strengthen cooperation and mobilise resources for evangelisation and solidarity projects around the world.
The Circular Letter also emphasises ongoing commitments to youth engagement, formation of members, environmental sustainability, and strategic governance – all essential pillars of the Society’s work in serving the poor and building stronger Vincentian communities globally.
A Message for All Vincentians
Throughout the letter, the International President General calls each of us to renew our Vincentian vocation, deepen our faith, and live out our mission with courage and hope. He encourages us to embrace unity, to share the story of Frederic Ozanam’s legacy, and to continue transforming lives through friendship, prayer, and compassionate action.
The full 2026 Circular Letter is available below for reading and reflection.
