Today we honor St. Vincent de Paul (Monsieur Vincent, as he preferred to be called), a man whose simplicity. gentleness, generosity and meekness has left a lasting mark on the Church. Almost every parish has a "poor box" sponsored by the St. Vincent de Paul Society, (founded in 1833 by Blessed Frederick Ozanam who was inspired by Monsieur Vincent) which accepts donations of food an clothing as well as of money. Thanks to Monsieur Vincent's conversion, millions have found needed help when there was no other recourse.
A brilliant man, he was ordained to the priesthood at the age of nineteen, and at first aspired to serving the elite and feathering a comfortable nest for himself. A series of events, the most dramatic being chaplain of the galley slaves of France's navy, turned his attention to the needs of the poor. Supported and encouraged by a wealthy family, he devoted his full ministry to the poor, founded a congregation of priests, The Congregation of the Mission (Vincentians) and with Louise de Marillac, founded the Ladies of Charity or Sisters of Charity. Again we see how God can turn misguided ambition, energy and a talents to a good, greater than ever imagined. What can God do with us if we let him have HIS way?
Bro. Rene
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