Celebrating the 400th Anniversary of Vincentian Charism
“I was a stranger and you welcomed me”. (Matthew 25:35)
In 1617 a young priest, Vincent de Paul, became aware of the spiritual abandonment of the poor country people. Later in that year he witnessed the material poverty and misery of his parishioners. This experience transformed him into the saint of charity. Vincent encouraged people of his parish to visit a poor family who had been ill. Later he learned that many people had arrived at one time. Realizing charity needed to be organized he gained the help of Louise de Marillac and organized the Confraternities of Charity (sisters). With the help of the sisters his work continued until his death in 1660 and continues today.
About 200 years later, Frederic Ozanam was 20 years old when he began The Society of St. Vincent de Paul with the help of Sister Rosalie Rendue and several friends in Paris. Frederic studied the life of St Vincent and chose to use his rules in this lay society. Members must give of themselves, through their time, talents and resources to help the poor. The Holy Spirit gave these two men, although many years apart, the same gift of passion for people in need. This gift is still available today and is called Vincentian Charism. Vincentian Charism is a mystery revealed during the journey of each Vincentian and is most helpful in the pursuit of social justice.
In 1972, a small group of Catholics started a Council of The Society of St Vincent de Paul in Billings under the guidelines of Frederic Ozanam, with the help of the National Society of St. Vincent de Paul. We have a thrift store to help supply material needs. The Society has many works of charity including assisting people needing funds for rent or utilities. This is a most humbling experience. They invite us into their homes, we listen to their story and offer to pray with and for them. Seeing the face of Jesus in the faces of those less fortunate is very rewarding.
In Billings, our youth are also involved by helping in the thrift store, making hygiene kits, serving soup and sandwiches to the hungry and much more. If you are interested in more information about The Society of St Vincent de Paul in Billings contact your local council or svdpusa.org or local svdpmt.com. The Billings council will be having a celebration of our 45 years later this summer.
“Go to the poor; you will find God” (Vincent de Paul).
Please help us continue