Forgotten truths?

The truth is that Vincent was convinced that others shared his vision and would be generous in their response to needs. "The poor suffer less from a lack of generosity than from a lack of organization," he said.

The truth is that he was humble enough to ask others to help. He was not wedded to any messianic delusions, tendencies of thinking that he had to do it on his own.

The truth is that he was adept at involving others in what he saw needed to be done. He found his strength in accepting his limitations.

The truth is that he had courage and skill to walk where none had walked before. Over 375 years ago he gave women a role in the church by organizing female charitable organizations. "I have wished to give women a ministry in the Church, the ministry of charity" and again "For more or less eight hundred years women have had no public occupation in the Church. Now this same providence is appealing to some of you." (as quoted in "Like a Great Fire")

How conscious have we been of his legacy? This is a question that needs to be asked and answered.

We have long been noted for our practical, hands-on concern for the poor. We can be grateful for this heritage which is manifested in so many ways today. One of our cousins, Sr. Theresa Capria, SC commented that in her experience, "Whenever 'Vincentians' get together they click and understand each other. They speak the same language of practicality. The DNA is there."

And why not? We have all been nurtured on the words "Let us love God but let it be with the sweat of our brows and the strength of our arms."

practically speaking

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