Reflecting on the work of Saint Vincent de Paul, it is inspiring that he was not only hard working but also a remarkable leader and force of change. According to Maloney’s article “Fire Within: The Spirituality that Sparked the Works of St. Vincent de Paul,” his impressive contributions include founding the Charities, the Congregation of the Mission, and the Daughters of Charity. He also guided each group he founded. Much of his attention was directed at helping society by providing relief for abandoned infants and those suffering from war, plague, and famine. Being Vincentian reflects a caring dedication of service to others.
St. Vincent was most concerned with what God wants us to do. The film Vincent de Paul: Charity’s Saintemphasized how St. Vincent worked tirelessly toward serving that purpose. Maloney’s article “Fire Within: The Spirituality that Sparked the Works of St. Vincent de Paul” notes how he was always taking on new causes. His massive relief programs, such as soup for the hungry, for which he organized huge food collections, were among his many projects (Maloney at 7). His admirable work makes me feel like we should all be regularly helping in similar endeavors, such as present-day soup kitchens and other food drives for the poor. Clearly, his spirit of giving to others, and especially the poor, sets an example for us to follow and reveals the Vincentian way.
Since he founded the community of priests that sponsored St. John’s University, students should feel a sense of gratitude and connection to this Saint and appreciate the spiritual drive he possessed. We can consider ourselves part of the Vincentian family, which means to be a part of the commitment and ideals of St. Vincent. We should be able to connect with the Vincentian spirit which leads us to service, much as St. Vincent served his community in France. He felt Christ was the “Evangelizer and Servant of the Poor” (Maloney at 8). Therefore, Vincentian-minded individuals relate to Christ’s concern for the poor. Also, it suggests an identification with the spiritual “fire” of St. Vincent. This urges action, as opposed to just prayer or compassion. The film Vincent de Paul: Charity’s Saintnotes that it includes not only doing good things, but doing them well. It is a passion that urges people to consider what God is asking, how to love, how to respond, and then actually responding. It reminds us that God has a plan, which followers must discern, and it requires a need to listen and act (Film: Vincent de Paul: Charity’s Saint).
If we have Vincentian spirit, we should also appreciate the importance he placed on speaking the truth, exercising humility, and zealously loving others. St. Vincent spoke and wrote about these values (Maloney at 8-10). The film also described the importance he placed on simplicity or honesty and gentleness. He was compassionate and respectful. To be Vincentian means to demonstrate these values in daily lives. St. John’s University offers students opportunities to get involved with the community for the sake of the community and, therefore, explore this spirituality. Charitable work seems to be a particularly good chance to reflect Vincentian values.
Adopting the Vincentian mindset recognizes the benefits of working collaboratively, especially as part of organized institutions. The film Vincent de Paul: Charity’s Saintpoints out how Vincent de Paul institutionalized charity. He did not just go out into the streets to help the poor. He realized the need for organized efforts and created the organizations. To build upon his legacy, Vincentians embrace working together to provide service to others, much as St. Vincent, with the help of Louise de Marillac, created the Ladies of Charity and Daughters of Charity (Film: Vincent de Paul: Charity’s Saint).
The film describes Vincent de Paul as an “apostle of charity.” The Vincentian tries to follow the same path, regardless of the perceived worthiness of the individual in need. For example, the film noted how St. Vincent felt compassion and the need to help the prisoners serving their sentence on galley ships. He was horrified by their treatment and felt that even these people deserved his help. Another example is how he felt the need to help the abandoned infants. At that time, abandoned infants were considered the product of sin and wrongful behavior and not worthy of help. In contrast, St. Vincent felt all were children of God and deserving. This beneficence is part of the Vincentian spirit. Charity is not supposed to pass judgment. A Vincentian spirit recognizes that all people are loved by God and should not be neglected.
Vincentians reflect upon the life and ideals of St. Vincent and model his efforts. It is noteworthy that he became a respected spiritual counselor to key figures, including other spiritual leaders, and royalty in 17thCentury France but never lost sight of the importance of helping the less fortunate, especially the poor and abandoned in society (Maloney at 7). Therefore, to be Vincentian requires remembering the needy.
St. Vincent’s mission to reform the Church was an amazing accomplishment, particularly when it is remembered that France at the time was always involved in war. The film noted he was a “symbol of Catholic reformation,” and, as praised by the priest at his funeral, he effectively “changed the face of the Church” (Film: Vincent de Paul: Charity’s Saint). His success was due to his talent as an effective organizer and executive. He reformed the clergy and parish. To be Vincentian in the formal sense is to be a member of the Congregation of the Mission, a Roman Catholic society of priests and brothers founded by St. Vincent to preach missions to the poor and train priests. St. Vincent’s big plans made his mission spread beyond the local community to all of France. To be Vincentian is to be devoted to missions and missionaries. Attempting to model efforts after St. Vincent, they try to bring long-lasting worldwide changes.
The film also noted that St. Vincent, when young, was focused on just finding a job, much as students attending St. John’s University. His later spiritual conversion, as described in the film, redirected his focus to service in the way God wanted (Film: Vincent de Paul: Charity’s Saint). This change suggests that the Vincentian way is to be open to a spiritual growth over time. The film also noted that, while he was influenced by St. Ignatius of Loyola and other spiritual leaders, he became his own leader of the poor. This further suggests that the Vincentian spirit includes a sense of independence and an openness to our own paths and spiritual growth.
To be Vincentian is to follow St. Vincent’s dedication of advocacy for those most abandoned. He was devoted to helping the poor, the abandoned children, the prisoners on the galleys, and those suffering in hospitals because he was committed to being a follower of Jesus. This indicates that to be Vincentian, one should actively work to help the poor, not only to benefit them, but to change lives (Film: Vincent de Paul: Charity’s Saint).
Significantly, Vincentians focus upon the following question: “What must be done?” This question was the directional force behind much of St. Vincent’s accomplishments (Film: Vincent de Paul: Charity’s Saint). By reflection upon this question, Vincentians are led to consider what they should do to help the poor and suffering. They strive to follow Jesus as the Evangelizer. They can look to St. Vincent, his work and ideals, as a spiritual model.
Greta Jaye / Global Passport 