Letter of Saint Vincent de Paul,
Written by Saint Vincent de Paul (1581-1660),
Written in 1648,
Ink on paper,
© SCN Archival Center collection
Letter of Saint Vincent de Paul,
Written by Saint Vincent de Paul (1581-1660),
Written in 1648,
Ink on paper,
© SCN Archival Center collection
Feast of Saint Vincent de Paul
Luke 9:1-6
Jesus called the Twelve together and gave them power and authority over all devils and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal. He said to them, ‘Take nothing for the journey: neither staff, nor haversack, nor bread, nor money; and let none of you take a spare tunic. Whatever house you enter, stay there; and when you leave, let it be from there. As for those who do not welcome you, when you leave their town shake the dust from your feet as a sign to them.’ So they set out and went from village to village proclaiming the Good News and healing everywhere.
Reflection on the Manuscript Letter
Today we celebrate the Feast of Saint Vincent de Paul. It ties in beautifully with the Gospel reading of today where the disciples are being sent out to proclaim the Good News from village to village. That is what the Saint Vincent de Paul Societies (SVP) are doing throughout the world, in over 86 countries, proclaiming the Good News, providing love and care for the least among us all.
Saint Vincent (1581-1660) was a very prolific writer. He wrote over 30,000 letters in his lifetime. Until 1645 he wrote the letters himself; during the last 15 years of his life, he dictated them. By the 18th century 7,000 letters had already been published. The contents range from the very mundane, where Vincent shares that he simply has nothing to write and has nothing to say, to very strongly worded letters in opposition to Jansenism, a then-popular movement that was on the rise throughout Europe. The bulk of his letters, however, were written as beautiful Christian messages of charity, hope and love. He wrote letters to countries around the world, from Europe, North Africa, as far away as Madagascar.
I share with you a letter written by Saint Vincent on 7 July 1648. Whilst it is always nice to see the handwriting of the saints, it is mainly how he signs off (below his name) which is beautiful. He writes: 'Vincens Depaul, Unworthy priest of the Mission'.
To all the Vincentian missionaries, Daughters of Charity and lay Vincentians throughout the world, a very happy Feast day.
Saint Vincent, pray for us.
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Thank you Patrick for the work and prayer that gives us these pictures and information each day. Happy Feast Day to all Vincentions.
God bless France! France has given the Church some of the most wonderful and awesome saints. No wonder Our Lady has a special place in Her heart for France. Hopefully in the future, the citizens of France will always remember their Catholic roots….God bless France, fille aînée de l’Église, the eldest daugher of the Church.
Thank you, Father for showcasing one of St. Vincent de Paul’s letters…..’Vincens Depaul, Unworthy priest of the Mission’….it is truly awesome to see that such a gifted and holy man still maintained his humility.
Saint Vincent de Paul, patron of charitable societies and charitable works, pray for us.
The humility in Saint Vincent’s sign off moves me, and also the art of his penmanship. Hand written notes and letters have almost disappeared; to receive one or to write one becomes memorable. It seems that the power of Saint Vincent’s written words packed quite an impact. Without electronic communications, the CA global community would be different. May I use technology to serve you, Lord, and to spread Christian messages of charity, hope, and love.
Thank you Fr Patrick for the greetings today, being a Vincentian myself for 49 years!
I read this little anecdote in Fr Philip’s newsletter (St James, Spanish Place) about St Vincent: “One of my favourite stories about St Vincent relates how he was collecting for the poor in 17th-century Paris when a rather grand lady slapped him on the face. “Thank you, madame”, he replied, “that was for me. Now could you give something for the poor?”
The SVP patron is of course St Vincent, but our founder is Blessed Frederic Ozanam, The cause for his canonisation is still active and in that respect, I am praying to him for a miracle for my Godson’s wife, Amanda (diagnosed Huntington’s)
Incidentially, why Frederic has not been declared a saint is beyond me. He’s wonderful. But miracles are required – so will any CA readers please utter a prayer to him today? Thanks very much. Patricia.
I do, Patricia
🙏 of course
Me uno ,en oración, por tu pedido especial🙏
I enjoyed this reading. Perfectly set at a time when I need it reminding of what we are here to do and also help me remember a great time in my childhood, where we lived in an area where Vincent de Paul was a very prominent part of our community here in New Orleans.
En estos tiempos de crisis en la Iglesia, oro porque Dios suscite vocaciones como la de San Vicente de Paul y tantos otros que son modelos como sacerdotes. Creo que la mayor son buenos pastores y pido porque el Espiritu Santo les ilumine y San Miguel Arcángel los cuide y proteja
Hay que rezar también para más vocaciones. En nuestra área no hay muchos sacerdotes 🙁
Amen