Page 11 - Demo1

VInnIES VIEw
The challenge to help others
Options 11
BY BRIAn mooRE
IN September, the St Vincent de Paul Society celebrates two impor- tant feast days, Blessed Frederic Ozanam on September 9, and St Vincent de Paul on September 27.
As Christians we are all a part of the one Body in Christ, who are all called to be Christ-like in a similar way to St Vincent and Blessed Frederic, by going out in the spirit of service to meet the needs of others, especially the poor, the home- less, the marginalised and the disadvantaged.
I honestly feel that there are times when we all need to follow the promptings of the Holy Spirit by renewing our commitment to nd Christ in the heart of the poor.
Many readers of The Catholic Leader would realise the St Vincent de Paul Society is a lay-led Catholic organisation that aspires to live the Gospel message by serving Christ in the poor with love, respect, justice, hope and joy, by working to shape a more just and compassionate society.
The St Vincent de Paul Society was founded in France by a group of young Catholic univer- sity students led by Frederic Ozanam in 1833.
This group of young people decided to name the society after the patron saint of charity St Vincent de Paul (1581-1660).
It was the human Jesus who captivated Vin- cent so much so that he was convinced that his life’s purpose was to bring Christ’s hope to the poor.
Frederic Ozanam was involved in many de- bates on religion.
Against sceptical opponents, Frederic argued that Christianity had always fostered human progress.
He demonstrated this with evidence from history.
They challenged him by saying – “Don’t try to impress us with what the priests and nuns are doing for the poor. Tell us, Frederic Ozanam, what are you doing for them – you and your fellow Catholics? Show us your works, then we might believe.”
The challenge was taken up by Ozanam.
His response to his young group of university students was, “we must do what Jesus did, let us go to the poor”.
That night Ozanam and his room-mate Au- guste took some of their own rewood to an old man living in an attic a few doors away
Frederic then proposed to his friends that they put their faith into action by forming a “little society” to work for the poor.
The St Vincent de Paul Society is a way of life that Vincentians have adopted because they believe in the values and beliefs it represents.
It is built on love – love of God and love of our neighbour for love of Him.
Their charity is limitless, without bounds.
Such was the love that burned in the heart of Frederic Ozanam.
Such is the love that has carried the St Vincent de Society over many years.
As Christians we must strive to love the poor, the disadvantaged and be the hands and feet of Jesus.
Such a love can be summed up in the quota- tion from Blessed Frederic Ozanam: “The knowledge of social well-being and of reform is to be learned, not from books, but in climb- ing the stairs to the poor man’s garret, sitting by his bedside, feeling the same cold that pierces him, sharing the secret of his lonely heart and troubled mind.”
Sadly, due to the inevitable aging process, sickness and death there are now vacancies for conference members and volunteers in our con- ferences, centres of charity and special works.
These represent opportunities for people of good faith to live out their faith in practical terms in the service of the poor.
Members of the Vincentian family are con- tinually praying that we can nd enough caring people to consider joining the Vincentian family as the demand for the society’s assistance con- tinues to increase.
Should the society fail in a parish because of the lack of membership, it will not be because of its philosophy or structure.
It will not be due to the lack of clergy support, lack of money or lack of work.
It will fail because of us.
How heavy then is the responsibility of each
Hand up: “Just a couple of hours of your time each week or a fortnight are very precious to the needy, the distressed and the lonely.”
Any person, young or old,
who is willing to give those in need “a hand up” is welcome to join the St Vincent de Paul Society.
of us as Christians to look beyond our current commitment to our God by undertaking service to the poor and give close consideration to be- coming a member of the Vincentian family.
The society challenges the best in us to be re- ally caring and Spirit- lled people.
The most tting tribute to our founder Blessed Fredric Ozanam is to make sure that the work he started 184 years ago is handed to others.
Any person, young or old, who is willing to give those in need “a hand up” is welcome to join the St Vincent de Paul Society.
As you are reading this article there are people in our communities who need our talents, our know-how, our concern and our love.
Just a couple of hours of your time each week or a fortnight are very precious to the needy, the distressed and the lonely.
Should you desire to become a member of the Vincentian family feel free to contact your local St Vincent de Paul Conference president, your parish priest or the St Vincent de Paul Society state administration of ce on (07) 3010 1000.
“Lord Jesus ... call many generous souls to Your service in the St Vincent de Paul Society and transform them into ministers of Your Mercy for only You can do all things. Amen.”
By BRian mOORe
Brian Moore is the former state president og the Queensland St Vincent de Paul Society
www.catholicleader.com.au
The Catholic Leader, August 27, 2017