EXHIBITION OF PATRON SAINTS
Society of Saint Vincent De Paul
The society
of Saint Vincent de Paul is a worldwide lay movement that brings God’s love to
the poor under the direction of a spiritual adviser.
It was founded
in 1833 by a group of students led by a law student; Fredric Ozanam. A year later they
adopted Saint Vincent de Paul as the patron saint. The society has over two
million members working in 136 countries. In Saint Vincent de Paul, we live the
gospel.
Our patron saint
Saint Vincent De Paul often referred to as
‘Apostle of Charity’ was born in southern France in 1581 to a poor family. His
ambition was to become a priest so that he can provide for his family and live
a comfortable life. He achieved this ambition in 1600.
However one
day when he was travelling by sea, he was captured and sold as slave to Africa.
He was passed from one master to another until he got to a French master who
was living in Algeria. The master was a catholic who had converted to Islam.
When his master discovered his true identity he gave him his freedom. Vincent
de Paul returned to France and worked with a rich family.
Having
experienced the life of the poor and rich he found Christ in a new way. He
detached himself from his family and decided to spend the rest of his life with
the poor. He died in Paris on the 27th of September 1660. Pope Leo
XIII declared him patron saint of all
works of charity.
The important roles he played in the
catholic church.
He
discovered that helping the poor was something he couldn’t handle alone he
enlisted the help of a few priest. Who are now known as the Vincentian priests.
Vincent organized The Ladies of Charity, a coalition
of noblewomen to serve poor people.
With the
co-operation of Louise de Marillac in 1633. They founded the ‘Daughters of charity’.
How Catholics can emulate his
lifestyle.
We live in a
nation that is creating poverty every day and everywhere. While we wait for the
better management of our national affairs. We can help to bind the wounds of
those who are being hurt.
The greatest
gift we can give to people today is our time, our talent and our treasure. No
one is too poor to give. If you don’t have money give your time, If you don’t
have time give your talent.
