The Vincentian spirit is alive and well at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Charlotte, North Carolina. Among the many groups serving St. Vincent de Paul’s mission of helping others, the Emaús  It begins with a spiritual retreat that has a lasting impact on participants and their faith journey and dedication to serving others.

“Emaús is a movement within our parish and a ministry with a clear mission: to bring back those who are far from God, especially those who have spent years away from the Church. Many of us in Emaús have family members, friends, or acquaintances struggling with addictions or other challenges, and our goal is to guide them back to the Church through the spiritual retreats we hold twice a year,” said Oscar Zelaya, current coordinator of Emaús.

Fr. Marvin Navas, CM, shared the meaning behind the group’s name: Emaús comes from The Walk to Emmaus, where the risen Jesus appears to two disciples on their journey, shares a meal with them, and reveals Himself by breaking bread with them.

There are two groups of Emaús: all men (“Hombres de Emaús”) and all women (“Mujeres de Emaús”).

Emaús is  a three-day retreat for people 18 years and older. It begins on Friday. and ends on Sunday with a concluding Mass. At this Mass, participants’ families are present, waiting to receive them with open arms. Usually, the priest celebrating the Mass offers words of encouragement, reminding them that the community is here both to serve and to be served.

Fr. Navas estimates that 150 to 200 people attend each retreat . But Emaús is more. Meetings at the church keep members engaged, allowing them to continue assisting the parish and each other.

Most attendees hear about the retreat through word of mouth. “It’s usually friends or family inviting someone to come,” said Vicente Capistrano, Editor of Communications for the parish. “People want to experience it for themselves once they hear about it.”

 “We have met people and witnessed firsthand how their lives were before encountering Emaús, and now they are active members of this ministry. The transformation in these families’ lives is both massive and truly inspiring,” said Zelaya.

The spiritual and communal connection is part of what makes Emaús extraordinary .

The Emaús ministry are often seen at Masses and parish events, easily recognized by their white shirts. “Whenever there’s a call for help, the list fills up in about 20 minutes [with Emaús members],” Vicente shared.

“You can feel the Vincentian spirit here,” Vicente said. “People just want to help. They come to us and ask, ‘Where do you need me?’ And they’re quick to respond when we call for help.” 

The Emaús willingness to serve was apparent in September when Hurricane Helene caused damage to the outdoor area set up for Kermes, a traditional community fair featuring food stalls, games, music, and activities to bring people together. It’s a festive event, common in Hispanic cultures, usually held to celebrate special occasions or raise funds for a cause.  The storm had taken down tents and scattered tables and chairs, leaving the festival area in disarray.

Someone sent a video of the disheveled area to the Emaús group, and the response was immediate. “What time do you need us there?” the members asked, once again revealing their ingrained Vincentian readiness to help.

 This sense of service extends beyond the Emaús group. Guided by the example of the Vincentian priests, whose doors are always open, parishioners of all ages are inspired to help. Young adults have followed Emaús’ example of stepping in eagerly to provide assistance.

“That’s what it means to be Catholic,” Vicente said, “to help others in need.”

At Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, the Vincentian tradition is not just a philosophy—it is a way of life. The parishioners, led by their priests and inspired by groups like Emaús, live St. Vincent de Paul’s mission of faith in action and ensure that the spirit of service continues to blossom for generations to come.