(Rome, November 2025) — After an intense period of preparation involving the entire Congregation of the Mission, the Jubilee marking the 400th anniversary of its foundation presents itself as a time of deep spiritual renewal and renewed commitment to the poorest. Founded by Saint Vincent de Paul, the Congregation and the entire Vincentian Family are preparing to live a particularly meaningful week in the context of the IX World Day of the Poor.

One of the most significant signs of this commitment is the “13 Houses” Jubilee Project, promoted by the Famvin Homeless Alliance (FHA).

The “13 Houses” Campaign has already transformed the lives of 11,030 people across five continents and will culminate in a pilgrimage to Rome from November 9 to 17, 2025, with participants from eight countries. Among them will be the Peruvian project “Villa San Vicente,” blessed in 2019 by the current Pope Leo XIV, when he was Bishop of Chiclayo, and which continues today to serve migrants and homeless people.

On November 16, 2025, during the IX World Day of the Poor, these families will meet with Pope Leo XIV, who will present them with 13 bronze keys previously blessed by Pope Francis. These 30 cm keys, sculpted by Canadian artist Timothy Schmalz, symbolize the opening to a more stable future. They represent more than 130 projects in 79 countries, with 2,786 homes built and over 11,030 people served since 2018.

The Jubilee Made Charity: lunch with the poor

As part of the initiatives promoted by the Congregation of the Mission and the Vincentian Family in their commitment to the poor, the Superior General of the Congregation of the Mission, Fr. Tomaž Mavrič, on behalf of all Vincentian missionaries around the world, will offer lunch to 1,300 poor guests invited by Pope Leo XIV in the Paul VI Hall, a concrete sign of the 400th Anniversary Jubilee lived as charity.

The lunch, prepared by L. Perrotta Catering & Events Napoli-London, will be served by 70 Vincentian Missionaries from Italy, Spain, Ireland, the United States of America, Panama, Ukraine, Slovenia, Slovakia, Eritrea, Madagascar, the Middle East, Portugal, and Poland, along with 130 members of the Vincentian Family from Italy, Spain, Lebanon, Ukraine, Ireland, Croatia, and Slovenia.

Numerous organizations will contribute to the event’s organization: the James Ross Collection Society (Piacenza) will provide sweatshirts and t-shirts; Tecnomeeting will supply tables; the Iani Group will provide table linens; Supermercati Piccolo (Sant’Anastasia, NA) will donate desserts; and Cherubini will offer technical assistance for kitchen installation.

Thanks to the Nova Opera ETS Foundation, the lunch will feature musical interludes and classical pieces from the Neapolitan tradition. These will be performed by 100 young people from the Rione Sanità neighborhood of Naples, participants in the educational and musical programs Sanitansamble and Tornà a Cantà. These initiatives offer free artistic and social growth paths through music as a means of empowerment, education, and professional development.

At the end of the lunch, the Vincentian Family of Italy will distribute to the guests the “Saint Vincent Backpack,” containing food and hygiene products.

In preparation for the World Day of the Poor, the Vincentian Missionaries and the Vincentian Family will gather for a prayer meeting presided over by Fr. Tomaž Mavrič at the Provincial House of the Vincentian Missionaries of Italy.

A Jubilee of Active Hope

The IX World Day of the Poor, at the heart of the 2025 Jubilee Year, seeks to be for Vincentian charity a living testimony that faith, when expressed through service and mission, brings hope to those most in need.

From the homes built for the homeless to the bread shared at the Pope’s table, the Vincentian Family renews its commitment to walk alongside the poor as “pilgrims of hope” in the world—especially during this Jubilee year.

* * *

About the Famvin Homeless Alliance: The Famvin Homeless Alliance (FHA) is an initiative of the Vincentian Family aimed at supporting both emerging and established projects addressing homelessness around the world. We consider homeless people to include those living on the streets, refugees, internally displaced persons, and residents of informal settlements. Our vision is that every person has a place to call home and can participate actively in their community. The FHA was established in 2017 to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the Vincentian Charism. More information: https://vfhomelessalliance.org/en

About the Congregation of the Mission: Founded by Saint Vincent de Paul in 1625, the Congregation of the Mission is a society of apostolic life dedicated to the evangelization of the poor and the formation of laypeople, priests, and religious. Its members serve those in need and live a spirituality grounded in humility, simplicity, and apostolic zeal. The Congregation’s mission extends worldwide, reflecting its commitment to bringing the Gospel to those who need it most. More information: https://congregatiomissionis.org/en

About the Vincentian Family: The Vincentian Family is a network of religious congregations and lay associations founded or inspired by Saint Vincent de Paul and Saint Louise de Marillac. It gathers nearly 2 million members worldwide, committed to serving the poor and promoting human dignity through works of charity, education, health, and social justice. More information: www.famvin.org