Some commentators define this virtue as the vocational virtue and in doing so, give it meaning for the present day. Vincent de Paul understood that gentleness was exhibited in a gracious and cordial manner that wins the heart and attracts others. In one of his conferences, Vincent affirmed that if a person could not be won over through friendliness and patience, then it would be difficult to do so in any other manner. True missionaries preach with one characteristic, with the eloquence of their silence, their gaze and their goodness. Here we might apply the words of our Founder: Even if you do not say a word, you may touch hearts merely by your presence (Abelly II:197).
Some equivalents of humility are gentleness, politeness, friendliness and affection. This is a virtue about nearness to the poor. There is no place for aggressiveness, anger or insults. In the view of our Founder, gentleness enables us to build trust with other and as a result, people, especially those who are timid and reserved, open their hearts. In order to do that which is good, one of the keys that opens hearts is gentleness and friendliness.
Hospitality and welcoming those who visit our houses, especially young men and women, is one of the best ways to encourage them to be disciples of Jesus in the school of Vincent de Paul.
Servant of God Giovanni Battista Manzella (1855-1947)
On Saturday morning, October 23, 1937, in Sassari, Italy, when preaching a triduum in preparation for the pastoral visit of the bishop, Father Giovanni Battista Manzella (82 years of age) died at 4:00 am of a cerebral hemorrhage.
Through his goodness, friendliness and approachability, he won the hearts of people on the island of Sardinia, people to whom he preached the good news of Jesus Christ. What better testimony than the words of John Paul II spoken on the occasion of the 1981 ad limina visit of the bishops from Sardinia: I cannot forget the assiduous and unforgettable work of Father Manzella, the apostle of Sardinia. For nearly forty years he catechized everywhere. First as spiritual director of the seminary of Sassari, and then in his missions, he always maintained as his favored ideal the love and service of the clergy, supporting this with his complete faith and his tireless work.
With reason Father Manzella was called the Vincent de Paul of Sardinia and Holy Father Manzella.
By: Marlio Nasayó Liévano, CM
Province of Colombia
Translated:
Charles T. Plock, CM
Eastern Province, USA
