September 27--St. Vincent de Paul, Priest

Today’s saint was actually something of a slacker when he first became a priest. He was in it for a Church office in order to earn money for his family, who were peasants. He could then retire early and return home. But it wasn’t to happen. St. Vincent de Paul became a good priest. With his desire to help the poor and guide them with good priests he founded the Congregation of the Mission, or Vincentians. Further he guided some women to help the poor. He cofounded the Daughters of Charity with St. Louise de Marillac. Instead of living in a convent, they lived in houses and “gave their lives to visiting the sick in the homes, ministering in hospitals, caring for prisoners, orphans, the mentally ill, and the homeless of Paris.” They were the first missionary order of sisters. St. Vincent de Paul also collected money to provide relief in time of war. He was named the patron saint of charitable societies by Pope Leo XIII.

St. Vincent de Paul gives his name to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul founded by Bl. Frédéric Ozanam. “The Society numbers about 800,000 members in some 140 countries worldwide.” The number in the United States is over 97,000. They run thrift shops, housing assistance, disaster relief, visits to homes, prisons, and hospitals, food pantries, and more.

“For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me.” These are the corporal works of mercy, which Jesus defined as the key to salvation in Mt. 25:31-46. We are grateful for the work of the Societies of St. Vincent de Paul for their ministry. God bless you.

March 15—St. Louise de Marillac, Widow and Religious

Although most people don’t know it, there is a difference between a sister and a nun.  A nun belongs to a cloistered order, where she spends her time in prayer within a religious community.  A sister goes out into the community and spends her time serving the poor, the sick, and the ignorant by being a nurse, teacher, social worker, etc.  St. Louise de Marillac was the first woman to found a religious order of sisters, the Sisters of Charity.  In 17^th century France, the poor were usually aided by rich ladies of society.  St. Louise, along with St. Vincent de Paul, realized that serving the poor would be better if those who served were of the same social class as the poor.  The Sisters of Charity expanded their ministry to orphanages, the elderly, the mentally ill, prisoners, and soldiers in the field.

Jesus said to feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, clothe the naked, visit the sick and imprisoned, shelter the homeless, and bury the dead, the Corporal Works of Mercy.  The Church has always answered this charge, but it was St. Louise who did it in a new and innovative fashion, which has led to thousands of religious orders of sisters who go out into the world.  St. Louise is the patron saint of social workers, and though the Church is not just about social work, she serves because she sees her savior in each person she serves.  Many of us are indebted to sisters who have taught us and ministered to our needs.  During Lent, let us remember to love and serve by imitating St. Louise de Marillac by our acts of kindness.