Niagara University, the first Vincentian university established in the United States, will celebrate its rich history of education and service in the spirit of St. Vincent de Paul with a full slate of events Sept. 25-Oct. 3, 2021. The theme for this year’s Vincentian Heritage Week is “Vincentian Personalism: caring for body, mind and spirit.”
The theme reflects the university’s commitment to showing respect for the dignity of the human person and engaging the totality of each individual, as a physical, intellectual, spiritual, social, and political being. During this special week, Niagara will host events that focus on the sacredness and uniqueness of each person; an affection for each member of the local community and of the larger community; and the sharing of spiritual, educational, and ultimately, transformational experiences with one another.
Below is the full schedule of Vincentian Heritage Week events, with links to participate in some of the events virtually.
Saturday, Sept. 25
Society of St. Vincent de Paul "Friends of the Poor" Fundraising Walk
10 a.m., Goat Island (registration begins at 8:30 a.m.)
Sunday, Sept. 26
Family Weekend Mass with Induction of New Vincentian Scholars
11 a.m., Alumni Chapel/Facebook Live on NU Campus Ministry
Monday, Sept. 27
Praying with St. Vincent
8:30 a.m. Gacioch Chapel
Join Kristina Daloia, director of Campus Ministry, for a half hour of formation, prayer, and reflection to start your day! Come every day or as often as you can!
Mass of St. Vincent
12:15 p.m., Alumni Chapel
Labyrinth Walk
1-4 p.m., Castellani Art Museum
Walk the portable labyrinth and enjoy a moment of quiet reflection in the CAM. Labyrinth provided by professor Mitch Alegre
Poverty Simulation (Dept. of Social Work)
1:30 p.m., MPR, Gallagher Center
Tuesday, Sept. 28
Praying with St. Vincent
8:30 a.m., Gacioch Chapel
Yoga+ swag sale for Children with Cancer
11 a.m –noon, outside Gallagher Center
Yoga and stress reduction workshop
12:15-1:15 p.m., Castellani Art Museum
Join Audrey Dunn, Class of 2021 and founder of Yoga+, in an introduction to yoga and an optional mini-class.
Journey into Wellness: Releasing Stress and Building Resilience (virtual)
Dr. Donna Kester Phillips, director of the Center for Mindful Practice at Niagara University, will share information, experiences, and tools to empower attendees to continue their exploration and journey into wellness. Visit: https://www.niagara.edu/center-for-mindful-practice/ for the recorded one-hour session, available starting Sept. 28.
Wednesday, Sept. 29
Praying with St. Vincent
8:30 a.m., Gacioch Chapel
Therapy Dogs
Noon-2 p.m., Library
Vincentian Heritage Convocation
4:30 p.m., Alumni Chapel simulive event
Honorees:
- Caritas Medal: Eddie Burnett, Vincentian Residence Porter, UG2 Facilities Services
- St. Louise de Marillac Award: Adrienne Kasbaum, Director of Nursing Services, Niagara County Health Department
- Perboyre Medal: Rev. Bernard Tracey, C.M., Executive Vice President for Mission, St. John's University
- Rev. Thomas Augustine Judge, C.M. Award: Lauren Paul, Director of Operations, Cornell University Women’s Lacrosse
- The Vincentian Mission Awards: Jennifer Beebe, Ph.D. Associate Professor, Education, and Dana Radatz, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Criminology and Criminal Justice, Niagara University
Thursday, Sept. 30
Peace Garden and Mural dedication
(Timon Hall rear courtyard)
Praying with St. Vincent
8:30 a.m., Gacioch Chapel
Therapy Dogs
11 a.m.-1 p.m., Library
“Caring for Body, Mind and Spirit: The Vincentian Way”
3 -4:20 p.m., MPR, Gallagher Center
Join students in Dr. Acosta Valle’s REL 103 class for the first in a series of symposiums on “Caring for body, mind and spirit in the Christian Tradition.” This encounter with Fr. Aidan Rooney focuses on the holistic care of the human person, body, mind, and spirit, as lived through the Vincentian mission.
Friday, Oct. 1
Vincentian Heritage Mass
12:20 p.m., Upper Level Gallagher Center
Saturday, Oct. 2-Sunday, Oct. 3
Center for Mindful Practice Mindful Conversations Conference (virtual)
For information and to register: https://www.niagara.edu/mindfulness-conversations/
Vincentian Heritage Week is a way for the university community to pay homage to St. Vincent, a 17th century Catholic priest who inspired and organized his contemporaries to serve the less fortunate, and other saints, while highlighting the university's Catholic and Vincentian character.