It’s hard to miss that millions of young pilgrims from around the world are embarking on a journey through Europe making their way to World Youth Day in Lisbon, Portugal. As we witness this remarkable event, we are reminded of St. Vincent de Paul and his profound impact on charitable endeavours and inspiring transformations.
Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, Bishop of Parramatta, accompanied by 170 pilgrims from the Parramatta Diocese, joins the pilgrimage with a shared purpose of celebrating and strengthening their faith alongside young Catholics in the presence of Pope Francis. Recently delivering a homily from the centre of “apostolic action” – the St. Vincent de Paul chapel in Paris – Bishop Vincent spoke about the significance of St. Vincent in our society and his own connection to the saint.
Beginning with the story of St Vincent’s shame of his family roots and the poverty he was born into. So much so, that he refused his father’s visit to the seminary due to his peasant clothing. Secretly St Vincent de Paul desired success and fame, but we soon learn that “St Vincent underwent that profound process of conversion” after listening to the confession of a dying beggar – who put things into perspective.
So moved was St Vincent by the man’s “deep faith” that he made significant changes in his own life – notably beginning his mission to become the apostle of the poor.
Referring to the Letter to the Philippians, Bishop Vincent reminds us that Jesus “did not cling to his status of divinity but became poor. He emptied himself,” he reflects. “And that gradual emptying process culminated in the crucifixion. Because of his total abasement and condescension, he was raised on high and became King of Kings. This is the process of transformation that we Christians are called to emulate.”
On a personal note, Bishop Vincent’s life in the seminary was truly shaped by the patron saint of charitable associations.
“I have a personal love of St Vincent de Paul,” says Bishop Vincent of the model saint. “Even though I follow the footsteps of St Francis of Assisi, I was so enamoured by St Vincent de Paul that I took on his name.”
This inspiration may be in part due to his profound experience with the St Vincent de Paul Society (widely known as Vinnie’s) when he first migrated to Australia. Having provided him with his first shopping experience in a new country and a poignant Christian experience overall, Bishop Vincent says that from that day onwards, he was fascinated with the saint.
“I met wonderful people in the volunteers behind the counter. They really modelled for me the best of Christianity,” he reflects before adding, “I also got some good bargains!”
Founded in France in 1833, the St Vincent de Paul Society is now active in 150 countries, has 800,000 members and is led by 1,500,000 volunteers – a nod to St Vincent’s global reach and continuing relevance in modern society.
St Vincent’s enduring importance is further solidified in Father Gregory Jacobs SJ, the Parish Priest of Holy Family Parish, Mount Druitt and one of the chaplains at WYD in Lisbon.
Fr Gregory is a Jesuit and has been involved with the St Vincent de Paul Society for over 35 years. “To do this [pilgrimage] with St Vincent de Paul is one of the highlights of my priestly life,” he said. “He connected with the poor and the underprivileged… this is where the church speaks to people in a very special way.”
Father Gregory is resolute in his belief that St Vincent de Paul is certainly one of the “universal speakers of the church in the ways we connect with the wider society,” explaining that it is our connection with social justice and caring for our neighbour that proves “Christ coming alive” in each of us every day.
“That they can still speak to us even now after centuries of being gone. That they still speak to a modern world,” he says, certainly proves that St Vincent’s footsteps are those to be followed.
