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January 10, 2003/Shevat 7 5763, Vol. 55, No. 20
Proselytizing not part of Vincentian ministrySTEPHEN J. JENKINSThe Society of St. Vincent de Paul was founded in 1833 and today is vibrant in 132 countries. The Society attempts to provide essential services - food, clothing, prescriptions, furniture, assistance with shelter and utilities - to people who are suffering.St. Vincent de Paul serves the most vulnerable and fragile in the community without regard for their race, color, creed or country of origin. Our roots are biblical. Isaiah in the Hebrew Scripture urges, "releasing those bound unjustly, untying the thongs of the yoke; setting free the oppressed, breaking every yoke; sharing your bread with the hungry, sheltering the oppressed and the homeless; clothing the naked." Matthew in the Christian Scripture says: " 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? When did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? When did we see you ill or in prison, and visit you?' And the king will say to them in reply, 'Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.' " The Society's endurance and growth during the last 170 years derives from the spirituality which moves its members, called Vincentians, to find Christ in the person of the poor. Despite setbacks and frustration, Vincentians persist, understanding they are blessed more in serving than those in need are blessed by being served. Members bear witness through their example: by the way they act, by the way they treat the people they encounter, by the way they speak on behalf of those in need. By serving those poor in whom we find our creator, the message of the Scriptures becomes clearer. We are all children of a loving God. Proselytizing or conversion is not a part of this ministry. Our volunteers serve the less fortunate to live out their faith each and every day, not just during weekly services. The love they offer those in need is unconditional. The Society, Catholic in character, has members of many faiths associating and assisting in its good works. We believe in the Fatherhood of God and the Brotherhood of man. The Society in the United States also provides funds voluntarily ("twinning") through its member conferences to similar units in other countries. This recognizes the fact that God has blessed us with abundant resources, and we share them with those who have less. In India and Pakistan, for example, such funding often goes to conferences where a majority of members are not of the Catholic faith. We extend an invitation to anyone to come and see firsthand what our work is, either as a volunteer or simply as an observer. For more information or to schedule a visit, please call 602-261-6844 or visit any of our St. Vincent de Paul sites throughout the community. Stephen J. Jenkins is president of the Phoenix Diocesan Council, Society of St. Vincent de Paul. |
