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CONFERENCE OF MAE DE DEUS, SALIGAO ‘Vincentians—Lend a hand’—(Continuation)—2. by Mrs. Annie Cordeiro. A Vincentian treats the poor with dignity and consider him as his equal. A vicentian’s visit to the house of a poor should make him ‘feel good’ and be an _expression_ of love. Although the fundamental object of the Society is to visit and help the poor, no work of charity is foreign to the Society. The spirit of sharing of affection, resources and giving one’s own time is a manifestation of the fraternity of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. Through their activity, vicentians come to realize that only when one gives himself to others, a person can obtain perfect fulfillment. The joy of disinterested love is a fountain of true happiness.. The Society of St. Vincent de Paul has spread in most of the countries of the world. Vicentian service promotes international goodwill. It not only helps to alleviate hunger and human want but also helps to spread the Word of God through charitable works. Today we need to get into a genuine Apostolate . Vatican II states that it is the responsibility of every Christian to convey the message of love and make Christ known to those who do not know Him yet; a Vicentian takes upon himself this task as a Vicentian vocation. Jesus said to his disciples " as the Father sent me I send you"; today he is saying this to the Vicentians. On this auspicious occasion of the Silver Jubilee of the Conference of the Mae de Deus, let us thank God for the blessing and graces He has showered on us; let us remember the Founder of the Society, Blessed Frederic Ozanam and renew our pledge to follow his ideals. Let us also thank our Patron St. Vincent de Paul and Mother Mary for their guidance in our works of charity. This celebration should be a boost to continue our mission wholeheartedly and with zeal; let it be an opportunity to live our vincentian commitment. The gospel reminds us to see the broken Body of Christ in the centre of our lives. May the Lord enlighten us to carry on the work for the poor and needy without loosing its spiritual aspect….( ends) Compiled by Fr. Nascimento Mascarenhas. |
