Father Dan Borlik, CM, Provincial Superior of the Southern Province, applauds recipients of the St. Vincent de Paul Award.

Partners Recognized for Charism and Commitment

Members and friends of the Southern Province gathered in New Orleans in October to celebrate friendship and collaboration in works for the poor. More than 100 people attended the evening Mass and reception that recognized new Affiliate Members of the Congregation of the Mission and recipients of the St. Vincent de Paul Award.

Emile Falanga, Bill and Georgia Irwin, and Clarence Miller were installed as Affiliates of the Congrega-tion of the Mission Southern Prov-ince. An Affiliate is someone who has been connected with the works of the Vincentians for an extended period of time and demonstrated personal commitment to living the Vincentian spirit and charism. Once nominated by members of the Vincentian commu-nity, an Affiliate must be approved by the Superior General in Rome.  This honor means the Congregation recognizes them as attached members sharing in the graces of all prayers and works. 

“Today, the local Vincentians of the Southern Province joyfully celebrate the legacy of our founder by formally honoring several of our collaborators here in New Orleans,” said Father Dan Borlik, CM, Provincial Superior of the Southern Province. “St. Vincent once said, ‘Those whom you serve should feel the effects of your kindheartedness.’ Well, today we Vincentians say thank you, and we, too, have felt the effects of your kindheartedness.”

The St. Vincent de Paul Award was given to Sister Vera Butler, PBVM, Lena Charles, the Daughters of Charity in New Orleans, and all the volunteers of the Feed Jesus Program and St. Joseph Rebuild Center. Over the years, the Southern Province has bestowed the St. Vincent de Paul Award on their most devoted collaborators. 

“These award recipients have manifested devotion to the Vincentian ideal of service to the poor in various ways and have served our community over a long period of time. This is a way for the Vincentians to acknowledge their gratefulness for these people of God,” said Fr. Borlik.

Sr. Butler, a co-founder of the St. Joseph Rebuild Center, said, “Alone we can do very little, but together we can do a lot and make a real difference in the lives of the people we minister with. Our collaboration with the Vincentians is a real blessing and both St. Vincent and Nano Nagle, our foundress, were kindred spirits in the way they reached out and cared for those who live in poverty. We look forward to strengthening the bonds of friendship and collaboration with the Vincentians.”

Left: Father Lou Arceneaux, CM, (left) and Father Tony Ruiz, CM, concelebrated the Mass at the annual October Vincentian Week for the Southern Province in New Orleans.

Right: Fr. Borlik, CM, visits with a friend of the Vincentians at the reception held at the Rebuild Center, on the campus of St. Joseph’s Church.