Vincent de Paul was a French priest of the 17th century whose legacy continues to this day in all who seek to live the Charism of Charity. In his early days as a priest, Vincent was challenged to discover the true meaning of his life and vocation. Vincent was an intelligent person, a naturally gifted teacher, and well educated. Vincent was open to and often sought the counsel of others. Through the events of his personal life, his experiences as a priest, his encounters with the poor and needy, and his openness to the grace of God, Vincent came to recognize the Providence of God leading him as his driving force.

Vincent was particularly moved by two events that occurred during the year of
1617. These challenged Vincent to stop and reflect on his ministry as a priest and to open himself more fully to the workings of the Holy Spirit in his life and in the lives of others. While ministering in the household of the De Gondi’s as tutor and chaplain, Vincent was brought to the bedside of a very ill man who so wanted to make a good confession before he died. In this encounter Vincent came to realize the great need of clergy to minister to the rural poor. Was God leading him to this ministry?

Not long afterward, Vincent found himself preparing for mass in the parish in
Chatillon, when he was informed of a family in desperate need of help. Vincent’s immediate response was to share this need in his homily that day. The response of his sharing was wonderful as many women rushed to the aid of the family. In this experience, Vincent realized that he had to establish an organization and outreach program that would address and respond to the needs of the poor and destitute on a regular basis. Facing this challenge Vincent, became instrumental in establishing the Confraternity of the Ladies of Charity.

The more Vincent responded to the spiritual and physical needs of others, the
more he questioned what was God asking of him. As he continued to ponder the meaning of these encounters with God in prayer, Vincent became more aware of God’s presence, the workings of grace within his own life and in the lives of others. He had endured many challenges that led him to experience his “own poverty.” Through disillusionment, trials and misunderstandings, disappointments and personal sufferings, he came to acknowledge the depth of his need for God’s goodness and mercy. At this moment in his life, Vincent had been touched by the grace of God in many profound ways. This invited him into an ever deepening relationship with God. Vincent was blessed and nurtured the tremendous love of God. These experiences led Vincent to stand before God with open hands, surrendering himself to the Will of God and allowing the Providence of God to direct his future.

Through prayer and experience, there was no doubt in Vincent’s mind and heart that Jesus lived in each poor person. He continually sought to see Jesus in all he encountered. He truly believed that it was in the poor that God was to be found. Vincent developed a deep sense of God’s presence, power, graciousness and love. This truth flowed into action. Vincent was filled with a sense of purpose, new life, energy, and zeal in the service of others. Vincent loved God not only with his heart, but also with his eyes and hands, and sought to serve the poor, the abandoned, the forgotten, the sick and needy accordingly.

The center of Vincent’s life was Jesus Christ. With his heart fixed on loving God and neighbor, he searched for whatever methods might make that love active and credible. Vincent had the unique ability of drawing others into this ministry of charity. He became a bridge between the needs of the poor and the resources of the rich. He continually established relationships with others in power to effect change within the Church and in society.

Due to Vincent’s example and dedication to the poor, and to the Mission of
Charity, others came to join him as he established the Congregation of the
Mission. He assisted and guided Louise de Marillac in the beginning the Daughters of Charity. With Vincent’s help Louise furthered the organization of the Ladies of Charity, which flourishes till today.

He challenged those who joined him to refrain from judging “the poor according to their exterior, nor according to that which appears in their way of acting. …but turn the medal, and you will see by the light of faith, the Son of God.”

Vincent made it a practice for himself as well as in his counseling of others to see the dignity of each person. In ministry, he encountered people where they were, listened to their story of life, remained sensitive to the feelings, struggles and pain of the individual. Vincent gave personalized attention responding to one individual or one circumstance at a time, all the while seeking ways to alleviate the roots causes of their suffering. He placed his faith in the grace of God, and sought never to be discouraged by rejection or by a lack of appreciation or ingratitude from those he served. Each encounter with the other led Vincent to recognize the face of God. With each moment, Vincent was drawn deeper into the love of God and trusted that through God’s graciousness the Will of God would be accomplished.

Vincent is quoted as saying: “Do not worry yourself over much … grace has its moments.”

Take some time to reflect on your life … when have you experienced “moments of grace”?

How might God be inviting you into a deeper relationship?

How might you be experiencing the movement of the spirit to further the Mission of Charity?