Called to Compassion: Living Our Vincentian Vocation

As members of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul at Mary Mother of God parish, we are not simply volunteers performing acts of charity. We are Vincentians, called by Christ to a vocation of love, service, and deep spiritual growth. Inspired by the life of St. Vincent de Paul and guided by the principles of Catholic Social Teaching, our mission is to draw closer to the Lord through compassionate service to those in need.

Pope Francis reminds us that, "We are called to find Christ in the poor, to lend our voice to their causes, but also to be their friends, to listen to them, to speak for them, and to embrace the mysterious wisdom which God wishes to share with us through them" (Evangelii Gaudium, 198). This insight captures the heart of the Vincentian vocation: it is not only what we do, but who we are becoming as we serve.

St. Vincent de Paul himself urged his followers to see Christ in the face of the poor. He said, "Go to the poor: you will find God." This is more than a pious sentiment—it is a spiritual truth that forms the foundation of our calling. When we bring food, offer a listening ear, or simply accompany someone in their struggles, we are encountering Christ himself.

The Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) offers a vivid image of the Vincentian spirit. The Samaritan does not cross the road or turn away. He is moved with compassion, tends to the wounds of the injured man, and ensures his continued care. Jesus ends the parable with a clear command: "Go and do likewise." This is not just a moral lesson but a mandate for Christian living—a directive to be present, to act, and to love.

Catholic Social Teaching reinforces this with its core principle of the preferential option for the poor. It challenges us to place the needs of the vulnerable at the center of our concern. The dignity of every human person, solidarity with our neighbors, and the call to promote the common good all align with our Vincentian practice.

In our visits and outreach, we are not just meeting material needs. We are recognizing the God-given dignity of every person. We are practicing a "charity that evangelizes," as St. Vincent would say—a charity that both uplifts others and transforms our own hearts.

Let us continue to grow as a community of faith in action. May we find strength in prayer, wisdom in Scripture, and inspiration in the lives of the saints. And may our service always be a reflection of God's mercy and love.

"Charity is the cement which binds communities to God and persons to one another." —St. Vincent de Paul