Saturday, September 27, 2014

What Would Monsieur Vincent Do?

As we remember the great man of charity, St. Vincent de Paul, the grave situation in West Africa comes to mind. Thousands have already died from the Ebola "plague" and specific information from Liberia gives us a grim picture of what is happening.
Schools and businesses are closed. People are not allowed to work for fear of contact with the virus, so there is no income. Food prices are skyrocketing, as supplies diminish. The Catholic Hospital in Monrovia, the capital of Liberia, had to close because 16 of its staff died, including three Brothers of St. John of God, who run the hospital. Now, even the common illnesses of malaria and measles can't be treated. People live in the fear of "who's next?"
An effort is being made to clean the existing hospital or build another, and to open a training school for nurses. Grants are being sought, but, as always are slow to come. The students of Central Catholic and other Marist Schools are collecting mission money for this cause. as well as to help the hungry receive help to buy food. What would St. Vincent do in this case? May his example and intercession help us find a solution.
Bro. Rene

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