St. Vincent de Paul Today

The name St. Vincent de Paul, whose Memorial is today, brings to mind the Saint Vincent de Paul Society  which is usually found in every parish, and which is known for its on-going efforts to care for the poor.  "Monsieur Vincent" was born in Gascony, France in 1581 to a wealthy family, but in his years as a priest, he underwent a spiritual conversion as he came into contact with the poor.  His loving heart was moved to compassion to the point where he donated his wealth to help them and inspired others to do the same. Eventually he founded a congregation of priests, now known as the Vincentians, and with Louise de Marillac, founded the Daughters of Charity, a religious order well-known by the "white wings" they wore on their heads and for their works of charity.  In the 19th century, Frederick Ozanam, inspired by St. Vincent's life and works with the poor, initiated the St. Vincent de Paul Society.  In Lawrence, the Director and hands-on-leader of the St. Vincent de Paul Store is a Central graduate, Chanel, Vachon '59, who carries out his work with Marist simplicity and humility. 
Yesterday in a conversation with a young 14 year old freshman, who is growing like the proverbial weed, and whom I'll describe as "Not Your Average Freshman" I learned that from what he has absorbed from his Catholic education in grammar school, he willingly donates his clothes to "charity" when they are too small.  These days, that's about every 3-4 months.  He simply said, "Why keep them when others can use them?"  The spirit of St. Vincent has passed on to this young man, whose example could be an inspiration for us.  To the closets, folks.  Why let things pile up when others can use them?
Bro. Rene