At the annual Vincentian Convocation held on September 25 at St. John’s University in Queens, New York, individuals and organizations were recognized for their contributions reflecting the Founder’s Week theme: “Be Vincentian: Set Your Heart on Fire.” The event is a central part of Founder’s Week, which commemorates the life and work of St. Vincent de Paul through lectures, campus tours, and service activities.
Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P., President of St. John’s University, addressed attendees by saying, “In every era and culture, there have been supremely admirable persons who show us the upper reaches of human capability, and in doing so, inspire us to expect more from ourselves. I’m calling these people exemplars.” He continued, “This is why we canonize saints and hold people up as exemplars—to be admired, respected, and inspired by them, so that we, in our own lives, will aspire to do more than we think that we can.”
Rev. Patrick J. Griffin, C.M., Executive Director of the Vincentian Center for Church and Society at St. John’s University, linked this year’s theme with both Founder’s Week and the university’s $400-million fundraising campaign. He quoted St. Vincent de Paul: “So, our vocation is to go, not just to one parish, not just to one diocese, but all over the world…to set people’s hearts on fire.” Rev. Griffin added that those honored had responded to this call by putting words into action.
The awards presented during the convocation included:
– The Vincentian Mission Award was given to Manouchkathe Cassagnol for her work as Clinical Professor in Pharmacy Practice and as Executive Director of the Academic Center for Equity and Inclusion at St. John’s.
– The Caritas Medal went to Habitat for Humanity of New York City and Westchester County; CEO Sabrina Lippman accepted on behalf of the organization.
– MaryAnn Dantuono received the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Medal for her involvement with Ladies of Charity AIC-USA and International Association of Charities at the United Nations.
– Ralph McCloud was awarded the St. Vincent de Paul Medal for his role as Senior Fellow at NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice.
– Adhikaar for Social Justice and Human Rights received the Frédéric Ozanam Award; Meenu Gorkhali accepted as Co-Executive Director.
– The International Medal was presented to Congregation of the Mission Nongovernmental Organization (NGO) at the United Nations; James Claffey accepted as former NGO Representative.
James Claffey also delivered this year’s Vincentian Chair of Social Justice lecture titled “Getting in the Way at the UN.” As he noted during his address marking 80 years since the founding of the United Nations, Claffey questioned its ongoing relevance due to structural challenges such as veto powers among five member nations blocking resolutions on peace or security issues.
He stated: “Resolutions about global peace and security are often blocked by one of the five nations that gave themselves individual veto power at the very foundation of the institution. On other issues, there are no enforcement mechanisms in place to ensure that nations fulfill their pledges.”
Claffey acknowledged flaws within the UN but emphasized its positive impact: “its significant contributions to humanity are undeniable.” He pointed out that while goals remain aspirational due to institutional limitations—such as lack of enforcement mechanisms—the charter begins with “We the people,” highlighting its focus beyond governments or diplomats.
He said he believes it is important for organizations like Congregation of Mission priests and brothers—who serve across 102 countries—to maintain an active presence at the UN. Their advocacy includes organizing events aimed at influencing policy discussions around poverty while empowering grassroots communities.
To students attending his lecture Claffey said: “I hope when you graduate you take with you not just a diploma and great memories of St. John’s but also something of great Vincent de Paul—if not his commitment to church then pieces of his humanity.”
