Statement by Antonio TAJANI, EP President, on the occasion of the 400th Anniversary of Vincentian Charism, in the EP in Brussels.

Brussels

TAJANI, Antonio (EPP, IT)

statement

inter-religious dialogue (T)

400th Anniversary of Vincentian Charism: extracts from the statement by Antonio TAJANI, EP President

Atmosphere ahead of the event, handshake, (5 Shots)

SOUNDBITE (English), Antonio TAJANI, EP President, Today we commemorate what Saint Vincent de Paul started many centuries ago, 4 centuries ago ! That year Saint Vincent in Chatillon helped a family who was suffering because of sickness and poverty. That day with a simple act, something exceptional started. St. Vincent created the first association, the Confraternities of Charity. They brought food and assistance to poor families, he then collected funds for missionary projects, from that moment on, Saint Vincent was able to involve all levels of society, governments and institutions building a network around the world.

SOUNDBITE (English), Antonio TAJANI, EP President, We can be proud today, as a European institution to celebrate the achievement of the Vincentian family. We are grounded on the same values as those of our integration projects. Today, more than ever, Europe needs to go back to these principles. We need to put back at the centre of our actions, the values which make up our identity.

SOUNDBITE (English), Antonio TAJANI, EP President, I am particularly proud that the Vincentian family has decided to launch here, today, a major global project called Famvin Homeless Alliance. This project will be a key contribution to our common objectives with the United Nations, and will help to reduce poverty around the world.