THE St Vincent de Paul Society’s new Queensland president issued a call for spiritual renewal to society members during his recent induction at St Stephen’s Cathedral, Brisbane.
President Brian Moore’s call comes about four months after he told The Catholic Leader the society had a limited future unless it could be “refreshed with new members and volunteers”.
At his induction by Archbishop John Bathersby on the night of July 2, Mr Moore, a society member for the past 44 years, told those gathered that spiritual renewal was also necessary if the society was to fulfil its true purpose.
He said the real question in terms of the society’s effectiveness “is and always been the one of personal holiness, which is a very beautiful personal relationship between the individual and Almighty God”.
“Conference administration, finances, making conferences more efficient, developing the necessary skills to listen and advise, being aware of issues that affect the poor are all important matters but secondary,” Mr Moore said.
“The fruitful activity of the society depends most of all on its members becoming people of deep faith,” he said.
“Being a member of the St Vincent de Paul Society is not an achievement but a commitment to grow in personal holiness.”
Mr Moore then went on to list signs showing “whether we are growing closer to our Blessed Lord Jesus Christ, or whether we have consciously settled for a same and unchallenging substitute”.
“One sign is whether our conference and council meetings are held in a spirit of fraternity … simplicity and Christian joy … free from bickering, jealousy and distrust.
“Another sign is our attitude towards the poor … Each family or person should be discussed as they should be treated … with the respect that is due to any brother or sister in Christ.”
Speaking after the induction, Mr Moore said he felt “very humbled and honoured” and that the event in St Stephen’s had been “awe inspiring”.
