By Brian Moore
RECENT research that was published in national newspapers found that one in seven Australians were living in poverty.
Nearly 18 per cent of children live beneath the poverty line, one-third of them in sole-parent families.
On September 27 each year the St Vincent de Paul Society in Australia and in countries across the world celebrated the Feast Day of our patron saint, Saint Vincent de Paul.
St Vincent and the Society’s founder Blessed Frederic Ozanam certainly put their faith into action.
As Christians we are all a part of the one Body in Christ, who are all called to be Christ-like like St Vincent and Blessed Frederic, by going out in service to meet the needs of others, especially the poor, the marginalised and the disadvantaged.
I honestly feel that there are times when we all need to follow the promptings of the Holy Spirit by renewing our commitment to find Christ in the heart of the poor… Let us now ponder on some of the spiritual insights of Saint Vincent de Paul.
“Extend mercy towards others, so that there can be no one in need whom you meet without helping. For what hope is there for us if God should withdraw His mercy from us?”
“You have been chosen to be at the disposition of Divine Providence and, if you do not fully submit to it, you will lose much.”
“But do you know what it is to labour in charity? It is to labour in God, for God is charity, and it is to labour for God purely and entirely; it is to do so in the grace of God.”
“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 … Charity is certainly greater than any rule. Moreover, all rules must lead to charity.”
“We ought to deal kindly with all, and to manifest those qualities which spring naturally from a heart tender and full of Christian charity; such as affability, love and humility. These virtues serve wonderfully to gain the hearts of men, and to encourage them to embrace things that are more repugnant to nature.”
“It ought to be considered a great misfortune, not only for individuals, but also for Houses and Congregations, to have everything in conformity with their wishes; to go on quietly, and to suffer nothing for the love of God. Yes, consider it certain that a person or a Congregation that does not suffer and is applauded by all the world is near a fall.”
“Humility and charity are the two master-chords: one, the lowest; the other, the highest; all the others are dependent on them. Therefore it is necessary, above all, to maintain ourselves in these two virtues; for observe well that the preservation of the whole edifice depends on the foundation and the roof. “
For a number of years due to the aging process, sickness and death of members of our great Vincentian family, there is an urgent need to recruit new conference members in our conferences and special works to look after Christ’s poor in Queensland and I imagine it is the same story in other states and territory’s.
Volunteers are also needed to assist in the work at the Society’s Centres of Charity and Special Works.
Members of the Vincentian Family are continually praying that we can find caring people to embrace the Vincentian Vocation as the demand for the Society’s assistance is increasing substantially
Should the Society fail because of the lack of membership, it will not be because of its philosophy or structure.
It will not be due to the lack of clergy support, lack of money or lack of work.
It will fail because of us. How heavy then, the responsibility of each of us as Christians to look beyond the status quo and consider becoming a member of the Vincentian Family.
The Society challenges the best in us to put our Faith into Action and be really caring and Spirit filled people.
The most fitting tribute to St Vincent and to our founder Blessed Fredric is to make sure that the work started some 180 years ago is handed to others.
Any person young or old who is willing to give those in need “a hand up” is welcome to join the St Vincent de Paul Society.
At this moment there are people less fortunate than ourselves who urgently need our talents, our concern and our love.
Just a couple of hours of your time each week are very precious to the needy and distressed.
Should you desire to become a member of the Vincentian family feel free to contact your local St Vincent de Paul Conference president or the St Vincent de Paul Society State Administration Office on (07) 3010 1000.
May I now conclude with this prayer….“Lord Jesus…call many generous souls to Your service in the St. Vincent de Paul Society and transform them into ministers of Your Mercy… for only You… can do all things.”
Amen.
Brian Moore is the former state president of the Queensland St Vincent de Paul Society.
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