Saint Vincent de Paul
This coming Tuesday, September 27th, is the feast of Saint Vincent de Paul. In 16th century France, Saint Vincent de Paul observed the disparity between the rich and the poor. As a priest, he had the opportunity to experience the aristocratic life as well as the life of the destitute poor in Paris. He organized groups of women called Charities who gave their time and belongings to the poor. Some of these women chose the consecrated life and became the first female congregation to live a consecrated life “in the world,” and not in the cloister. Saint Vincent de Paul and Saint Louise de Marillac founded this congregation, named the “Daughters of Charity.” Our first U.S.-born saint, Mother Elizabeth Ann Seton, founded the U.S. branch of the Daughters of Charity.
Two centuries after Saint Vincent de Paul, a 20-year-old college student, Frederick Ozanam, and five other students, witnessed the dire poverty of the lower social classes in Paris. They decided to dedicate themselves to the poor, after the example of Saint Vincent de Paul. In 1833, they established the “Conference of Charity of Saint Vincent de Paul,” soon to be called “The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul.” They were determined to bring not only bread but friendship to the poor. They would not ignore the Lazaruses at their door in 19th century Paris. Frederic Ozanam was beatified by Pope John Paul II in 1997.
We are blessed to have so many conferences of the Saint Vincent de Paul Society in our Archdiocese. I encourage people to join these conferences which do so much to serve the Lazaruses at the door right here. I especially encourage our young adults in this regard. Many members of the Saint Vincent de Paul Society have served for many years, and they continue to do great work. It is important that their service continues and grows, and that more young people join them in this beautiful apostolate of charity.
The parable of the rich man and Lazarus certainly speaks to us today in a world where there is so much poverty and destitution alongside wealth and affluence. The poor are our brothers and sisters to be welcomed and loved, not strangers to be ignored or rejected. In the poor, we are to see the face of Jesus as did Mother Teresa of Calcutta.
May the Gospel parable of the rich man and Lazarus stir our consciences! The Lord whom we see in the great gift of the Holy Eucharist asks us to see Him also in the lives of the poor and the suffering. May the Eucharist strengthen us in charity!
- Deacon Ed Herrera