Vincentians

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Vincentian Spotlight: Jim Dodd
Vincentian Spotlight: Jim Dodd 1200 1200 SVDP USA

FEW WEEKS BEFORE HIS RETIREMENT, JIM DODD SAW AN INTERVIEW ON TV THAT CHANGED HIS LIFE. It was the executive director of St. Vincent de Paul Cincinnati discussing hunger and poverty at Thanksgiving.

His eyes still well up as he recounts the moment he comprehended the suffering of people within his own community. “When you encounter situational poverty, you learn quickly that but for the grace of God it could be me in their shoes,” he says. “The loss of a job . . . a health emergency . . . things like that happen all the time.”

Jim made a gift and started working in the food pantry. Shortly thereafter he became a Vincentian.

Seventeen years later, his understanding of the ministry has changed. “Like many Vincentians, I started out just wanting to help people,” he says. “But soon I figured out that it was actually helping me grow spiritually.”

That spiritual growth stems from loving one’s neighbor. “As a Vincentian, we strive to see the face of Christ in those we visit. Well, sometimes that’s a hard thing to do!” Jim says. But the encounter must not become “transactional.” Jim recounts stories of helping a woman re-draw her mortgage to stave off foreclosure, and of working with a mother who’d become homeless with her three daughters to find stable housing and support.

The problem of poverty isn’t going away, Jim admits. But by supporting SVdP’s future efforts through legacy giving, Vincentians can ensure that struggling neighbors will receive the personal support they need.

IN RECENT YEARS, DODD HAS SERVED AS TREASURER OF THE NATIONAL FOUNDATION, PUTTING HIS PROFESSIONAL EXPERTISE INTO HELPING SVDP BUILD A CHARITABLE GIFT ANNUITY PROGRAM — A WAY FOR VINCENTIANS TO INCREASE THEIR RETIREMENT INCOMES AND LEAVE A LEGACY GIFT THAT SUSTAINS AND GROWS THE MINISTRY OF SVDP.

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10-24-24 A Letter From Our Servant Leaders
10-24-24 A Letter From Our Servant Leaders 1200 1200 SVDP USA

My Vincentian Journey: Finding My Place in the Plan

God has a plan for all of us. He knows how we fit into His plan long before we do. Sometimes our own plans for life might not go the way we expect, and we may even feel confused or alone. I have learned that if we trust God and look for ways to be of service to Him, He will guide us. I never thought my life would look the way it does today, but I am grateful! When I was lost, I turned to God, tried to act with love, and found my purpose and direction by serving others. Each challenge in my life prepared me in some unique and important way for my calling as a Vincentian, illuminating a part of the path God laid out for me.

Growing up, my parents were very involved in church and set good examples of service. My mother brought me along when she took food to families going through hard times. We shared support and friendship with them while visiting their homes, casually but in a way very similar to the Home Visits that Vincentians do. I remember bringing toys to poor communities as a part of my time in the Girl Scouts. When we needed help, our neighbors and friends were there for us as well. These early memories remain with me as guiding examples of Christian charity and neighborly love. God prepared me to become a Vincentian from the start!

When I left my little island, Puerto Rico, to attend college in California, I felt alone for the first time. I was in the big city of LA, surrounded by strangers who only spoke English. I was looking for friends and saw an opportunity to meet people at community service projects on campus. I got involved by joining a group that needed Spanish speaker to help students seeking political asylum at my university. Some of the students I served there are still very close friends to this day! I learned much about the needs of those seeking political safety in the USA. I also gained experience in case management and helping others navigate complicated government processes. When I thought I was alone, God was there guiding me towards new lifelong friendships. I connected with clients and God opened my eyes to the immense blessing of growing up in the sheltered safety and stability of a loving family in Puerto Rico. No longer naïve, I became an activist for the poor and powerless.

When I graduated, I entered the world of financial planning. I quickly threw myself completely into the financial world. It was challenging to be a Latina woman on Wall Street, but it became my plan to rise up and become a financial planning superstar. I felt independent, invincible, and unstoppable. Then an accident left me paralyzed from the neck down. I went from running towards my career goals to having to learn how to walk again. But God sends us angels in challenging times. My “roommate” at the hospital prayed, cried, and laughed with me. Her Christian devotion helped me learn to love and believe in God again. We still share a deep relationship founded on God’s love, and support each other through the hard times. The man who helped me learn to walk again would eventually become my husband. Without knowing it, I met the best example of Vincentian values ever: supportive, loving, accepting, compassionate, and free of judgement. When I felt most lost and thrown off course, God put angels in my life that exemplified faith, love, devotion, and compassion.

Being a mother is not always easy. I traded the hustle and bustle of my Wall Street career for the challenge of juggling the demands of motherhood, community service, and my neck and my lingering back condition. Back in 2010, I again found myself very scared and lost. One son was fighting in the war in Iraq, the other was about to move away for college, and I had lost both my parents and my brother in rapid succession. While praying after Mass one morning, our parish pastor noticed me grieving alone. Father John sat with me for a while, then told me to follow him. We walked into the parish offices, and I found myself in a small room with files and supplies strewn about. I met a Vincentian who said they could use some help. I didn’t know at the time how much of an influence that Vincentian would have on my life and my spiritual journey.

I began my (volunteer) Vincentian service by translating for clients and supporting the casework of other Vincentians. I initially struggled and was not good at conducting interviews at all. My financial planning background caused me to instruct and command clients rather than listen and support them. They “fired” me from case management, leaving me very heartbroken and quite sad. I was very good at organizing the messy office, and a few weeks later Father John called me and insisted I go back to the offices and lend a hand. Some of the long-term Vincentians grumbled after I filed away their forms and organized all the file cabinets. Soon those that had grumbled began appreciating the increases in efficiency and process improvements, they asked me to stay and get more involved. Being “fired” taught me to use my strengths, and I helped improve the finances of the counsel as a whole and organized the offices to help case managers accomplish more. When I lost my family and my home was empty, God provided a new family and a new home in need of love and guidance.

Father John called to insist I represent my conference at the National Assembly meeting. There I saw examples of Vincentians “embracing the world in a network of charity and friendship. These examples of leadership and service drove me across the border from volunteer to Vincentian. My unique experiences as a Latina, a woman in finance, a mother, and a woman with disabilities all aligned to prepare me to be a unique voice for those in the community who lacked one. God helped me overcome all those challenges to prepare me for my role as a Vincentian.

Meditating on this journey has helped me appreciate God’s loving guidance and increased my gratitude for the angels He has sent to help me along this path. The challenges I’ve faced have not only shaped who I am but have also deepened my understanding of Christian love and compassion. Each step of the way, God placed the right people, the right experiences, and the right opportunities in my path, reminding me that we are never alone in our service or our struggles.

Every Vincentian has their own unique journey, marked by moments of grace, growth, and faith. Whether it’s organizing, visiting homes, or offering counsel, each one of us plays a vital role in this beautiful network of charity. Countless small humble acts of service combine to make meaningful impact in the world.

As we continue this path together, I encourage each of you to take a moment and reflect on your own Vincentian journey. What challenges or blessings have brought you closer to your mission? Let’s share these experiences, learn from each other, and deepen our commitment to serving those in need.

Please continue the conversation!

Yours in Christ,
Isabel Darcy
National Vice President, Southeast Region

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Contemplation: Be a Moment for Others
Contemplation: Be a Moment for Others 800 800 SVDP USA

By Timothy Williams, Senior Director of Formation and Leadership Development 

Thrown from his horse and struck blind by a great flash of light, Saul of Tarsus then heard the voice of Jesus Christ, admonishing him for his oppression of the early Christians. Soon after, he would dedicate his life fully to Jesus Christ. We remember this event on the road to Damascus as the conversion of St. Paul. For most of us, our conversions are far less dramatic than Paul’s. Conversion takes a lifetime, the sum total of many small “moments of conversion” rather than a single flash of light.

The word conversion has its root in the Latin conversus, meaning “to turn around.” When we are converted our hearts turn towards God, but for this to happen, our hearts must be open to finding Him in the people and events of our lives. Our stubborn hearts are easily distracted by the pleasures and troubles of our material lives, but from time to time, God slips through in an encounter with a person, in an event that has special meaning in our lives, or sometimes just in a feeling that washes over us.

We don’t always recognize our moments of conversion when they are happening. It is sometimes only years later that we are able to look back on an event, maybe even a very bad experience, and understand how it set us onto a path leading towards God.

Just as each of us can find God in the people and events in our lives, so also we are the people in the lives of others; the actors in their events. How well do our actions point them towards God? Do we demonstrate His love by our own gentleness, by our selfless giving, by our friendship? Do we imitate Christ? Do we always see others as more important than ourselves? “Sometimes,” St. Vincent taught, “all it takes is a gentle word to convert a hardened person; a harsh word, on the contrary, is capable of upsetting a soul and causing in it a bitterness that could be very harmful to it.” [CCD XI:56]

Every person is made in the image of God, the imago dei, unique and unrepeatable, including us. It doesn’t matter whether others see us that way, it matters that this is who we are. When we act according to God’s will, when we love the way He taught us, we can become a light of hope, an instrument of His will. We can be, for others, a moment of conversion.

Just as we sometimes reflect on our lives, “re-reading” moments and seeing that God was there with us all along, so, too, can the neighbors we serve. It may not be during our home visit. It may not even be next week or next year. But if we are truly acting according to God’s will, then He is speaking through us, in our words and in our actions. One day, we can be the neighbor’s moment of conversion, not through our effort, but through our faith; not through our will, but through our hope; not through our plans, but through our love.

Contemplate

How can I better be God’s instrument as a moment of conversion for others?

Recommended Reading

500 More Little Prayers for Vincentians

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10-17-24 A Letter From Our Servant Leaders
10-17-24 A Letter From Our Servant Leaders 1200 1200 SVDP USA

Today, the world seems to be constantly shifting beneath our feet. The political turmoil surrounding the 2024 presidential election, the ongoing wars and conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine, the destruction wrought by Mother Nature by hurricanes and fires, and the relentless barrage of distressing news can leave us feeling overwhelmed and uncertain. In these challenging times, it is our faith that serves as an anchor, grounding us and providing the strength we need to navigate through the stormy seas of life.

The Bible tells us in Philippians 4:6-7, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” This passage reminds us that in the midst of chaos, we are called to turn to God in prayer, to lay our burdens at His feet, and to trust in His divine plan. It is through this act of faith that we can find peace, even when the world around us is in turmoil.

Faith is not just a passive belief; it is an active trust in God’s goodness and sovereignty. It is the assurance that, no matter how dire the circumstances, God is with us, guiding us, and working all things for our good. This assurance allows us to face the uncertainties of life with courage and hope. It is this faith that empowers us to rise above our fears and to be a light in the darkness for others.

One of the most profound ways we can live out our faith is through service to others. The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is a shining example of how acts of service can transform lives and bring hope to those in need. Our organization, inspired by the life and works of St. Vincent de Paul, is dedicated to serving the poor and marginalized, providing not only material assistance but also compassion and love. We know that when we serve others, we are serving Christ Himself. This service not only meets the physical needs of those we help, but also affirms their dignity and worth as children of God.

Service to others has a remarkable way of shifting our focus from our own worries and anxieties to the needs of those around us. It reminds us that we are part of a larger community, interconnected and interdependent. When we reach out to help someone else, we are reminded of the power of human connection and the importance of solidarity. This sense of community can be a source of great comfort and strength, especially in times of stress and uncertainty.

Moreover, serving others can be a powerful antidote to the feelings of helplessness and despair that often accompany difficult times. When we take action to make a positive difference in someone else’s life, we are reminded that we have the power to create change, no matter how small. This can be incredibly empowering and can help to alleviate the stress and anxiety that come from feeling powerless in the face of global events.

The work of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul and similar organizations is a testament to the transformative power of service. By providing food, clothing, shelter, and support to those in need, we are not only meeting immediate needs but also offering hope and encouragement. We are living out the Gospel message of love and compassion, and in doing so, we are helping to build a more just and compassionate world.

As we navigate these challenging times, let us remember the words of Jesus in John 16:33, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Our faith in Christ gives us the strength to face the troubles of this world with confidence and hope. It reminds us that, no matter how dark the night, the dawn will come, and God’s light will shine through.

Let us also remember that we are called to be the hands and feet of Christ in the world. Through acts of service, we can bring His love and light to those who are struggling. Whether it is through our work with St. Vincent de Paul, reaching out to a neighbor in need, or simply offering a kind word to someone who is hurting, we can make a difference.

We need to hold fast to our faith in these turbulent times. Let us turn to God in prayer, trusting in His goodness and sovereignty. And let us commit ourselves to serving others, knowing that in doing so, we are serving Christ Himself. May our faith and our acts of service bring us peace and hope, and may they be a beacon of light to those around us.

Peace and God’s blessings,
John

John Berry
National President

 

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Contemplation: A Communion of Vincentians
Contemplation: A Communion of Vincentians 800 800 SVDP USA

By Timothy Williams, Senior Director of Formation and Leadership Development 

Championship teams are often described as having a “culture of winning.” Our neighbors in generational poverty are sometimes described as living in a “culture of poverty.” Cultures are formed by shared beliefs – for the winning team, a belief that they are winners leads them to see everything they do as serving the cause of winning. A culture of poverty can form when we begin to believe that “good things are not meant for people like me,” and it becomes harder to take actions that we believe are hopeless. Beliefs drive behavior.

The Cultural Beliefs incorporated into the Rule in 2018 represent those things that all Vincentians believe, which in turn lead us to act in a certain way. Our belief in “One Society” for example, leads us to view all of our fellow Vincentians as a family with shared goals. [Rule, Part III, St. 2] Importantly, these cultural beliefs were not invented in 2018. On the contrary, they represent a set of common beliefs that go back to the founding of the Society – beliefs that move us to act as Vincentians, beliefs that make us who we are.

As the Society expanded, first by splitting the original Conference into two, and soon afterward by the founding of Conferences outside of Paris, Bl. Frédéric recognized that it was not enough for each local Conference to perform works of charity in isolation. To live our shared charism, to honor our God and our patron, it was necessary for new Conferences to “understand that their strength is in unity and that the entire uniqueness of their work lies precisely in its universality.” [182, to Lallier, 1838]

As the Society continued to grow, with new Conferences forming around the world, Frédéric emphasized that “To grow is not…important; there must at the same time be unity in proportion as the circle widens, each of its points connected with the center by unbroken spokes.” [137, to Janmot, 1836]

With members now in more than 150 countries, it remains true that ours is a community of faith that extends beyond the boundaries of each Conference, forming “a true and unique worldwide Community of Vincentian friends.” [Rule, Part I, 3.3] We recognize this with the process of aggregation, formally incorporating each Conference into the International Confederation of the Society. “Our moral strength,” as in Frédéric’s day, “comes from other conferences in Paris and the provinces. This solidarity raises us in the eyes of the world at the same time that it gives us confidence.” [137, to Lallier, 1837]

You cannot be a Vincentian without other Vincentians, for we grow in holiness together. In the same way, we cannot be Conferences without other Conferences, Councils without other Councils, and we cannot be a network of charity encircling the world in any way except together, in communion with all of our fellow Vincentians.

Contemplate

How do I stay in communion with my District, Diocesan, and National Council?

Recommended Reading

Apostle in a Top Hat

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I Am a Vincentian (Spanish version) -Video-
I Am a Vincentian (Spanish version) -Video- 1080 1080 SVDP USA

¡Gracias vicentinos!

During this Hispanic Heritage Month, we give a special shout to our Hispanic and Latino American Vincentians, celebrating the special contributions and talents that they bring to SVdP Conferences across the country. Our Spanish-speaking and bilingual Vincentians are indispensable in serving our neighbors in need. ¡GRACIAS for all that you do!

 

Translation: Our Vincentians are saying “I Am _(name)_, and I Am a Vincentian.”

 

 

Erika Aldana, SVdP Long Island NY

Javier Lerch, PhD, National Homelessness Committee

Lalo Rodela, Formation Renewal and Delivery Committee

Claudia Ramirez, CEO of SVdP Contra Costa CA

Julie Bennett, CEO of SVdP Madison WI

Luis Gonzalez, CEO of SVdP North Texas / Dallas

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10-10-24 A Letter From Our Servant Leaders
10-10-24 A Letter From Our Servant Leaders 1200 1200 SVDP USA

A Time of Prayer

As I write this article, our country is recovering from the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene, and Hurricane Milton is headed to create even more devastation.

In times like these, our Vincentian family must gather and unite in what we do best — prayer & action! We must pray for all those impacted by these natural disasters, and then live our Vincentian mission by responding. This is what we do so magnificently well!

These difficult times give us all an opportunity to reflect on the many blessings in our lives. During my 34 years of being a Vincentian, I’ve met so many good people and had the opportunity to witness ordinary people doing extraordinary things.

Vincentians that are growing spiritually and putting that growth into action are truly everyday saints.

When you hear the word “saints”, you may have a mental image of someone in heaven. In Louisiana, sports fans may think of a man wearing a helmet and a black and gold uniform playing football. But to me, every time our Vincentian family responds to a disaster, provides a hot meal, prevents homelessness by making a Home Visit or provides help with a critically needed prescription, I know there’s an everyday saint behind it somewhere.

These everyday saints share their time, talent, and treasure with our neighbors in need. They stand up during the devastation of a disaster, visit the poor in their homes, and donate much needed in-kind goods and financial resources. They make sacrifices, giving of themselves to make the world a better place.

We all share our concern for our neighbor in need and reach out to them. In the world today, everyday saints are critical. They are on the front lines in our daily battle against poverty and are the lifeblood of our organization.

Serving others is an important part of our Vincentian spiritual journey. I often think about the statement, “Every saint has a past and every sinner has a future.” In the context of our work, that’s a very true statement. None of us are perfect, but we can all be everyday saints to people who may have made mistakes, been a victim of a disaster or some other circumstance beyond their control, and need our help in putting their lives back together.

Every member of the St. Vincent de Paul family is bringing the bright light of Christ to someone who desperately needs a helping hand-up of compassion and hope.

I thank our great Disaster Services Corporation SVdP staff, led by Brian Burgess and Liz Disco-Shearer, who are working hard to respond to these disasters.

Most importantly, I ask you to join our entire Vincentian family in praying for those devastated by these disasters.

As we are just a few weeks away from All Saints Day, thank you for following the example of St. Vincent de Paul, St. Louise de Marillac, Blessed Frédéric Ozanam, and Blessed Rosalie Rendu. Thank you for making a difference in the lives of our neighbors in need. May God bless you and your family.

Sincerely in Christ,
Michael J. Acaldo
National CEO

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Contemplation: Charity Given and Received
Contemplation: Charity Given and Received 800 800 SVDP USA

By Timothy Williams, Senior Director of Formation and Leadership Development 

Charity, Blessed Frédéric explained, was the strongest tie of friendship, but charity “is a fire that dies without being fed, and good works are the food of charity.” [82, to Curnier, 1834] This would make no sense if charity were a synonym for good works, as the word is often used today. Instead, for Frédéric and for Vincent, charity is something that pre-exists our works, and is something we receive as well as give.

Of our three theological virtues, faith, hope, and charity, the Apostle Paul tells us that charity is the greatest. In many translations of the bible, this virtue is called love, which is the sense in which Frédéric and Vincent discuss charity. In the original Greek, Paul uses the word agape, one of several words for love in that language. Unlike the words for romantic or brotherly love, agape does not describe a feeling. Indeed, God does not command us to feel a certain way about another person. Instead, He tells us, using that same word, agape, to love our enemies, do good to those who hate us, bless those that curse us. Even sinners, after all, love those who love them. Charity calls us not to feel but to act.

The Greek agape appears to descend from the Hebrew word for love, avaha, which in turn comes from the root hav, meaning “to give.” Agape, charity, is the divine love, expressed towards us through the act of giving: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son…” The Son, in turn, gave us His very life, an act of giving which He explained was the greatest love. Not content to give Himself to us only once, St. Vincent explained, Christ “willed to break all the laws of nature” to remain truly present, sacrificing Himself again and again, feeding us as bread and wine in the Eucharist. He did this, Vincent explained, because “charity is inventive to infinity.” [CCD XI:131]

This love called charity is not a feeling, but instead is “the theological virtue by which we love God above all things for his own sake, and our neighbor as ourselves for the love of God.” [CCC, 1822]

God’s gift, God’s love, God’s charity is completely gratuitous, yet we cannot help but love Him in return, in our words and in our deeds, “with the strength of our arms and the sweat of our brows.” [CCD XI:32] We love Him also by loving our neighbor, in His name and for His sake. Love freely given is freely repaid. This is why, as Frédéric said, “He who brings a loaf of bread to the home of a poor man often brings back a joyful and comforted heart. Thus, in this sweet business of charity, the expenses are low, but the returns are high.” [1361, to the General Assembly, 1837]

Charity is not meant to make us feel a certain way. It is meant to make others feel a certain way: loved.

Contemplate

How do my visits, my manner, and my love make the neighbor feel?

Recommended Reading

Mystic of Charity (especially “Home Visits in the Vincentian Tradition”)

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10-03-24 A Letter From Our Servant Leaders
10-03-24 A Letter From Our Servant Leaders 1200 1200 SVDP USA

Last Friday, September 27, we celebrated the Feast Day of St. Vincent de Paul. On that day, we, along with the whole Catholic Church, honored the life and legacy of a man whose name has become synonymous with charity and service to the poor. St. Vincent de Paul dedicated his life to helping the marginalized.

Most of us know about St. Vincent de Paul. He was born on April 24, 1581, in Pouy, France. From humble beginnings, he pursued an education and was ordained as a priest in 1600. Initially, Vincent sought a comfortable ecclesiastical position, but his life took a transformative turn when he encountered the profound poverty and suffering of the people around him. This experience ignited a deep sense of compassion and a calling to serve the poor.

St. Vincent de Paul’s commitment to charity led him to establish several organizations that continue to impact the world today. In 1625, he founded the Congregation of the Mission, also known as the Vincentians, a society of priests dedicated to preaching to and serving the poor. Later, in collaboration with St. Louise de Marillac, he co-founded the Daughters of Charity, a community of women devoted to caring for the sick and impoverished.

St. Vincent de Paul’s legacy is marked by his innovative approach to charity. He believed in addressing both the immediate needs and the systemic causes of poverty. His initiatives included establishing hospitals, orphanages, and schools, as well as organizing missions to rural areas. Vincent’s work extended beyond France, influencing charitable practices across Europe and inspiring countless individuals to dedicate their lives to service.

The Feast Day of St. Vincent de Paul is not only a celebration of his humanitarian efforts, but also a reflection on the spiritual dimensions of charity. Vincent’s life exemplifies the Christian virtues of humility, compassion, and selflessness. He taught that true charity involves seeing Christ in the faces of the poor and serving them with love and respect. This spiritual perspective continues to inspire the faithful to engage in acts of kindness and social justice.

Today, we, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, carry forward Vincent’s mission. SVdP operates in over 150 countries, providing assistance to millions of people in need. The Society’s work includes food programs, housing assistance, disaster relief, and advocacy for social justice. The Feast Day serves as a reminder of the ongoing need for compassion and action in addressing the challenges of poverty and inequality.

St. Vincent de Paul left behind a legacy of profound wisdom and compassion that continues to inspire and guide the Society of St. Vincent de Paul today. Some of his well-known quotes encapsulate principles that are as relevant now as they were during his lifetime, providing a moral and spiritual compass for those dedicated to serving the poor and marginalized.

“Charity is the cement which binds Communities to God and persons to one another.”

This quote underscores the foundational role of charity in building strong, compassionate communities. The Society of St. Vincent de Paul embodies this principle through our extensive network of volunteers, who provide direct assistance to those in need. By offering food, clothing, shelter, and emotional support, we foster a sense of community and solidarity, binding people together in mutual support and love.

“We should assist the poor in every way and do it both by ourselves and by enlisting the help of others.”

St. Vincent’s call to action is reflected in the collaborative efforts of our work. The Society not only engages our members in charitable activities but also partners with other organizations, businesses, and government agencies to amplify our impact. This collaborative approach ensures that resources are maximized and that a broader range of services can be provided to those in need, from emergency relief to long-term support programs.

“Go to the poor: You will find God.”

This profound statement highlights the spiritual dimension of serving the poor. For Vincentians, charity is not just a social duty, but a spiritual practice. By seeing Christ in the faces of those we serve, we are reminded of the sacredness of our mission. This perspective encourages us to approach our work with humility, respect, and a deep sense of purpose, transforming acts of charity into encounters with the divine.

“The poor have much to teach you. You have much to learn from them.”

St. Vincent de Paul believed that serving the poor was a reciprocal relationship, where both the giver and the receiver are enriched. This philosophy is integral to our approach, which emphasizes listening to and learning from those we serve. By understanding the unique challenges and strengths of individuals and communities, we can provide more effective and empathetic support, fostering empowerment and resilience.

“Let us love God, but let it be with the strength of our arms and the sweat of our brow.”

This quote encapsulates the Vincentian commitment to practical, hands-on service. Vincentians are known for our tireless dedication, often going above and beyond to meet the needs of those we serve. Whether it’s through Home Visits, running thrift stores, or any of our many special works, Vincentians put our faith into action, demonstrating love through tangible deeds.

In today’s world, the principles articulated by St. Vincent de Paul are more relevant than ever. We continue to adapt to contemporary challenges, such as homelessness, food insecurity, and social isolation, while staying true to our Vincentian values.
St. Vincent de Paul’s timeless wisdom provides a guiding light for us in the modern age. His quotes remind us that charity is not just about giving but about building relationships, learning from one another, and finding God in the service of others. As we continue our mission, the words of St. Vincent de Paul inspire and challenge us to create a more just and compassionate world.

Peace and God’s blessings,
John

John Berry
SVdP National President

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Contemplation: Heroic Virtue
Contemplation: Heroic Virtue 800 800 SVDP USA

By Timothy Williams, Senior Director of Formation and Leadership Development 

The word “courage” often brings to mind images such as a firefighter rushing into a burning house to save a child, or a soldier making his way under fire to help a downed comrade. Among our Vincentian saints and blessed, few examples are more vivid than that of Bl. Rosalie Rendu, who, during the revolution in 1848, climbed atop a barricade in the midst of some of the fiercest fighting in the city, demanding that they cease fire. Just days prior to this, the Archbishop of Paris, attempting a similar act, had been shot dead. For Rosalie, both sides paused in their hostilities.

What is courage, exactly, and in what sense did our holiest Vincentians pray for God to grant it to them? Rosalie prayed to God “to grant me the spirit of faith which will strengthen me in my weakness and give me the courage to make the sacrifices that He asks of me.” [Sullivan, 104] The courage she sought was not to overcome trials or danger, but to overcome her own weakness; to overcome herself.

St. Louise was even more explicit in explaining this, saying “We need great courage to overcome ourselves, although often the things we call trials are more imaginary than real.” [SWLM, L.438] As she understood, it is not the difficulty of the trials that prevents us from acting, since many of them are not even real. Rather, it is our own fear, our own egos.

St. Vincent urged the missioners to “always be very courageous” because otherwise “that cursed spirit of laziness gives up at the smallest contradiction: there’s not the slightest discomfort it doesn’t avoid, no responsibility it doesn’t fear, no satisfaction it doesn’t seek; this self-love ruins everything.” [CCD XI:216] We associate courage with heroism; Vincent associated courage with selflessness. This is not a contradiction, as Rosalie’s great heroism shows. Rather, selflessness is a prerequisite to heroism, and it is the selflessness that requires courage. We recognize this same thing in our military heroes, whose award citations often include some form of the phrase “with complete disregard for his own life and safety.”

Courage is of the heart, which is the Latin root of the word. As Frédéric once put it, “I admire that courage which knows restraint in the face of a stricken family, and that praiseworthy smile which shines like a parting ray in the midst of the most somber thoughts. But I love not less those solitary tears shed in the silent room at the foot of the crucifix…whatever is strong is not what stands stiffly, but what straightens up after bending.” [290, to Amélie, 1841]

The first step towards canonization in our church is the recognition of a life of “heroic virtue,” which doesn’t begin with courage under fire, but with courage to overcome ourselves.

Contemplate

Do I pray for the courage to give more of myself?

Recommended Reading

Amélie Ozanam: A Heart with Much Love to Give

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