Last week in Eritrea, priests, religious and lay people associated with the work of St. Vincent de Paul celebrated the 400th anniversary of the beginning of the Vincentian movement. It was in 1617 that St. Vincent began his outreach among the poor, through the Daughters of Charity. He organized wealthy women of Paris to collect funds for missionary projects — and from that humble start the Vincentian family grew into a worldwide charity.
We’re pleased to share some images from that event — along with our congratulations and prayers of thanksgiving on this wonderful occasion.
St. Vincent de Paul himself spoke movingly of service to the poor — and his spirit and charism continue to inspire Vincentians everywhere.
“You will find out that Charity is a heavy burden to carry,” he wrote, “heavier than the kettle of soup and the full basket. But you will keep your gentleness and your smile. You are the servant of the poor. Go to the poor; you will find God.”
