The 20th General Body Meeting of the Vincentian Family in India was held Feb. 19 to 21, 2026, in Mokama, Bihar. Members from branches across the country gathered for the annual meeting, hosted by the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth, Patna Province.
Sister Basanti Lakra opened the gathering with prayer. Sister Latika Kottuppallil welcomed participants to Mokama and invited them to use the time for reflection and renewed commitment. Sister Amrita Manjaly, vice president of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth, spoke on the continuing relevance of St. Vincent de Paul. She described him as the apostle of charity who moved charity beyond occasional acts of kindness to an organized mission rooted in the dignity of people who are poor. For St. Vincent, she said, service was an expression of faith and justice.
Reflections based on Isaiah and Luke 4:18-19 guided the opening sessions, recalling Jesus’ mission to bring good news to those who are poor. Participants also reviewed the growth of the Vincentian Family in India. The first national meeting was held in 2007 at NBCLC in Bangalore with 13 members from four branches. Today, the Vincentian Family in India comprises 23 branches and over 100,000 members.
Reports highlighted national gatherings, formation programs, and the work of the Formation, Systemic Change, and Women Commissions. Members reviewed common projects, including housing initiatives in Kandhamal, and efforts to strengthen communication through newsletters and digital platforms.
Time was set aside to reflect on the present challenges facing people who are poor and the Church within the current social and political climate. Discussions focused on deeper collaboration among branches, stronger formation at every level, and a clear action plan for 2026 with defined goals and timelines.
Sisters representing the Central and Provincial Leadership took part actively in the sessions. Participants expressed gratitude to Sister Latika Kottuppallil, provincial, and her team for hosting the meeting, to Sister Lilly Thomas, and the local Community for their hospitality. Organizers also recognized the Sisters and volunteers who coordinated the event.
The meeting closed with a shared commitment to unity, collaboration, and service to people who are poor, renewing the Vincentian Family’s call to live the Gospel through concrete action.