Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P. President | St. John's University website

Two St. John’s University students, members of the St. Vincent de Paul Society, recently met Archbishop Andrew E. Bellisario, C.M., Archbishop of Anchorage-Juneau, AK, at the organization’s National Assembly.

Nina Sandoval, a Clinical Laboratory Sciences major, and Siobhan Kelly, a Biology major, attended the assembly held last month in Phoenix, AZ. The event provided them with opportunities to meet hundreds of fellow Vincentians dedicated to community service.

The conference theme was “Adapt to a Changing World,” featuring lectures, breakout sessions, and networking opportunities. Archbishop Bellisario led a retreat during the event which both students attended.

Sr. Patricia Evanick from St. John’s University praised the students' participation: “It is always an honor to send a few of our St. Vincent de Paul members to the national conference where they can meet members from around the country who share the mission—to reach out and help our neighbors in need.”

“The goal of this year’s conference was to gather everyone together as a community to find solutions and share ideas on how to improve our chapters,” Nina recalled.

Siobhan noted that attendees participated in listening sessions: “We shared weaknesses that had been discovered, as well as ways to improve the society to make our service more sustainable and allow room for growth.”

Reflecting on her experience at a previous conference in St. Louis, MO, Siobhan found this one particularly inspiring: “Although we were among the youngest attendees...it was amazing to hear about the work of other conferences.”

For Nina, attending her first conference was an opportunity for growth: “I wanted to attend to expand my knowledge and gain insights from other people with more experience.”

Meeting Bishop Bellisario was memorable for Nina: “He noticed the St. John’s University Campus Ministry shirt I was wearing...we were surprised he knew several people we mentioned.”

Siobhan emphasized that young people are vital for the Society's future: “They suggested roles a young person might take...one lady gave me her business card and said she would be more than willing to speak with me further.”

Nina joined the society as a first-year student: “I like to be involved in any community that I serve...Every face that I have the chance to serve is my brother and sister through Christ.”

Siobhan agreed with Nina's sentiments: “Every service opportunity and reflection that follows helps me see the face of Christ in every person I encounter.”