Guide for the Journey

Vincent de Paul (1581-1660) was perhaps the greatest advocate of the poor in his day. Born in Pouy, France, he came to love and serve God at a young age. He was ordained a priest at the age of 19 and was widely sought after as a confessor and spiritual director. (See page 157 for more information on his life.)

He founded the Congregation of the Mission (Vincentians) in 1625 and, with St. Louise de Marillac (d. 1660), founded the Daughters of Charity in 1633. 2010 marks the
350th anniversary of their deaths.

Vincent readily assisted abandoned children, prisoners, refugees, and the homebound. He gave alms to the poor, but also said: “Charity does not consist only of distributing alms, but helping the poor to regain their dignity and independence.”

The following thoughts are taken from one of his letters.

Even though the poor are often rough and unrefined, we must not judge them from external appearances nor from the mental gifts they seem to have received. On the contrary, if you consider the poor in the light of faith, then you will observe that they are taking the place of the Son of God who chose to be poor.

Jesus showed all of us that his mission was to preach to the poor: “He sent me to preach the good news to the poor.”

Blessed are the poor
Since Christ willed to be born poor, he chose for himself disciples who were poor. He made himself the servant of the poor and shared their poverty.

Jesus went so far as to say that he would consider every deed that either helps or harms the poor as done for or against himself. Since God surely loves the poor, he also loves those who love the poor.

For when one person holds another dear, they also include in their affection anyone who loves or serves the one they love. That is why we hope that God will love us for the sake of the poor. When we visit the poor and needy, we must be understanding where they are concerned.

We must try to be stirred by our neighbors’ worries and distress. We must beg God to pour into our hearts sentiments of pity and compassion and to fill them again and again with these dispositions.

Charity is the greater rule!
It is our duty to prefer the service of the poor to everything else and to offer such service as quickly as possible. If a needy person requires medicine or other help during prayer time, do whatever has to be done with peace of mind. Offer the deed to God as your prayer.

Do not become upset or feel guilty because you interrupted your prayer to serve the poor. God is not neglected if you leave him for such service. One of God’s works is merely interrupted so that another can be carried out. So when you leave prayer to serve some poor person, remember that this service is performed for God.

Charity is certainly greater than any rule. Moreover, all rules must lead to charity. Since she is a noble mistress, we must do whatever she commands.

With renewed devotion, then, we must serve the poor, especially outcasts and beggars. They have been given to us as our masters and patrons.