It doesn’t take much, but charity and respect have a big impact.
When she was small, my mother noticed people she was told were “friends of her dad” come and go from their basement. What she didn’t know until later was her dad (my grandad) was head of the St. Vincent de Paul society for the parish, which meant people in need could come empty handed and leave with both food and their dignity because the situation was treated with charity and respect.
Beginning 400 years ago, in 1617, the St. Vincent de Paul Society started up when new pastor Father Vincent saw a family in desperate need and preached with a great passion for people to help out. They did. This society continues to carry hope and help so many people, and it doesn’t take much for us, even as a family to hear the cry of the poor and help in our own way.
How do we help the less fortunate? Do we make time to help our brothers and sisters?
May we strive to hear the cry of the poor and act in charity, inspired by St. Vincent DePaul!
For additional reading: Today’s Readings
