A Shining Example of Mercy and Charity
In John Paul II’s homily, dedicated to celebrating the figure of Saint Vincent de Paul, the depth of this saint’s commitment to the service of the poor and needy emerges clearly. The Pontiff affirms: “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall find mercy” (Mt 5:7), emphasising how Saint Vincent embodied this beatitude in his life. Through the words of the homily, we are invited to reflect on the powerful legacy of St Vincent and his continuing source of inspiration for many in the world today.
A Refuge for the Needy
St Vincent was not just a saint; he was a refugee. He was known as the ‘father of the poor’. John Paul II describes him as follows: “He was like a refuge for all the needy and wretched, and he helped the poor of all kinds… commonly he was called the father of the poor.”
The Call to Conversion and Holiness
Every saint has a story, and St Vincent’s is no exception. He too had his moments of doubt and uncertainty. However, as John Paul II recalls, “saints are not born. Saints one becomes, through a more or less long, tiring and methodical journey of conversion, penance and purification.”
Seeing Christ in the Poor
St Vincent had the unique ability to see Christ in the poor. He served the needy not as a duty, but as a privilege. John Paul II emphasises this by saying: “Precisely in them charity knows how to discover hidden treasures. Precisely in them we must see, with Vincent, our ‘masters, lords and masters’, that is, those whom we must serve.”
Conclusion
As we celebrate the figure of St Vincent de Paul, we are called to reflect on our personal call to holiness and service. “Our thoughts go first of all to the missionaries he founded and who today work in many parts of the world for the evangelisation of the poor and the formation of priests.” May his life, words and example, so eloquently described in John Paul II’s homily, inspire us to live with love, mercy and dedication, always seeing God’s presence in those around us.
