Memorial of Saint Vincent de Paul, Priest

Memorial of Saint Vincent de Paul, Priest

Since I came to the U.S., one thing that has amazed me is the generosity shown to the poor. Americans contribute between $40 and $50 billion annually through government aid, private donations, and nonprofit organizations. Your generosity, often unnoticed, has a profound impact on the world, especially the lives of the poor. You should be proud of the difference you make.

So, why do you help the poor? Is it because you have more than you need? I believe it’s because you have a heart like Jesus’, who “was moved with pity for them because they were troubled and abandoned, like sheep without a shepherd.” Your generous heart feels compassion for those in need.

Today, we celebrate the memorial of Saint Vincent de Paul, a true model of compassion and service. Vincent dedicated his life to helping the poor and the suffering. He knew that helping others meant following what Jesus did;

He famously said, “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.”

Story: One of the best-known stories of Saint Vincent de Paul:

One day, while traveling, he met a poor man begging for food. Instead of just giving him money, Vincent invited him to share a meal. This act showed that the poor deserve dignity and respect. Inspired by this experience, Vincent founded the Congregation of the Mission (the Vincentians) and the Daughters of Charity.

Vincent’s story reminds us to see the face of Christ in the poor and to treat them with compassion. He said,” Since God surely loves the poor, he also loves those who love the poor.” Today, let us commit to being instruments of Christ’s love and compassion for the poor. May we serve the poor not just with our hands but with our hearts.

May God bless us all.