DESPITE living on the other side of the world more than 400 years ago, most Australians are familiar with St Vincent de Paul.
They know his name from the society that bears it and works to help Australians through the worst disasters and emergency situations life has to throw.
St Vincent de Paul Society national president Claire Victory said Australia said this year as we celebrated the extraordinary contribution of St Vincent de Paul it was worth reflecting on what his vision means for us in Australia in 2021.
“In the face of overwhelming poverty and suffering, Vincent urged his followers to bring God’s justice and love to people who were unable to live a full human life,” Ms Victory said.
“He said, ‘Deal with the most urgent needs. Organise charity so that it is more efficient…. Teach reading and writing, educate with the aim of giving each the means of self-support. Intervene with authorities to reform structures… there is no charity without justice’.
“It was a simple message, one that informs and directs us still, 400 years later.”
The Society has more than 50,000 members and staff operating in every state and territory.
“Our work in grassroots communities is known and understood by most people,” Ms Victory said.
“Our vans and our shops are public testament to our faith and our expression of charity.
“For many who have left our institutional Church, working at the coalface with very vulnerable people is an authentic expression of their faith.
“In their demonstration of love, they bring Gospel values to life in the lives of so many people who need a hand up from time-to-time.
“We at Vinnies are a broad church. We come from many different backgrounds and walks of life. We’ve lived very different lives and have a wide range of views across some really important issues.
“But anyone who shares our vision for a dignified life for all is welcome in our services – as members, as volunteers and as staff. We are a diverse Society. We welcome everyone from different backgrounds who want to be part of Vincent’s vision.”
Ms Victory mentioned the upcoming Plenary Council, which begins on Sunday, calling it a “rare opportunity for change in the Church”.
“In our submission in the lead up to that Council we acknowledged the need for greater inclusion at every level of the Church in Australia,” she said.
“Many people are excluded from full participation in the Church because of gender, sexuality, marital status – the list goes on.
“Every single one of us has got important work to do – whether it’s ‘dealing with the most urgent needs’ or ‘intervening with authorities to reform structures’.
“Today I thank our members, volunteers and staff who embrace Vincent’s vision and continue his commitment to the dignity of all human beings.”
St Vincent de Paul was a French priest who worked tirelessly for the needs of the poor in his lifetime.
He helped to reform the declining French Church and spread these reforms across the country.
