Today we celebrate St. Vincent de Paul's feast. He was ordained in 1600 and appointed to the Queen's household in France. He came under the influence of Berulle and the French School; he then began to help all the poor: orphans, prostitutes, the sick, the disabled, the homeless, anyone in need. He organized groups to provide food and clothing; he also founded the Congregation of the Missions to preach and train clergy. We know them as the Vincentians. He co-founded, for women, the Daughters of Charity. His work continues today all over the world.
My own nephew directs the St. Vincent de Paul in Phoenix, Arizona. Among other things, he oversees the distribution of clean clothes and food for the poor; they have a place for showers; a huge cafeteria serves the poor and they pack hot food to be distributed in other centers. St. Vincent died in 1660 and was canonized in 1737.
I am in St. Louis this week seeing friends and celebrating with college classmates. Both Maryville University and St. Louis University are having alumni festivities this week end. It is good to see friends I have known since grade school! If I miss a day posting my blog, you will understand. I am trying to write everyday, but may not have easy access always to post while away this week.
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