Wednesday, September 27, 2006
St Vincent de Paul
Today is the feast of St Vincent de Paul. He was born at Pouy, Gascony, France, around 1580 and ordained in 1600.I think we're all pretty familiar with the organizations we see all over!
~He founded the first conference of charity for the assistance of the poor... he went on to establish/found numerous charity organizations, including the Hospice of the Name of Jesus, where forty old people of both sexes found a shelter and work suited to their condition, and the Daughters of Charity.
~"Several learned Paris priests, won by his example, joined him. Nearly everywhere after each of these missions, a conference of charity was founded for the relief of the poor..."
There have been many organizations founded based on St. Vincent de Paul's works in his time, including the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. I don't know about you, but it seems that so often I desre to help the poor and needy but hardly ever take action! Growing up I had a love for the poor and the desire to really put it to action, but haven't really. There is of course the power of prayer, but I think that it'd be good if I could at least donate to the huge "Vincent St. Paul" bin which lives in our parish hall... I see it all the time and yet pass it by. Mea Culpa...
Prayers for the feast:
Dear Saint, the mere mention of your name suggests a litany of your virtues: humility, zeal, mercy, self-sacrifice. It also recalls your many foundations: Works of Mercy, Congregations, Societies. And the Church gratefully remembers your promotion of the priesthood. Inspire all Charitable Workers, especially those who minister to the poor - both the spiritually and the materially poor. Amen.
God our Father, you gave Vincent de Paul the courage and holiness of an apostle for the well-being of the poor and the formation of the clergy. Help us to be zealous in continuing his work. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
Labels: feastdays
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