FROM THE PROVINCIAL

Love in Action

Dear friends,

May Jesus Christ be praised!

“...the love which God lavishes upon us and which we in turn must share with others.” That is how Pope Benedict XVI describes the content of his first encyclical letter Deus Caritas Est (“God is Love.”)

In the first section of his letter, Pope Benedict writes convincingly of the meaning and dignity of love – as found in the Blessed Trinity and reflected in our own lives especially in the love of husband and wife. He explains how easily society cheapens and exploits love, and he calls us to live in our daily lives and relationships that higher love to which God calls us.

In the second section of his letter, the Pope turns to love in action, especially within the Church. He writes, “The Church’s deepest nature is expressed in her three-fold responsibility of proclaiming the word of God, celebrating the sacraments, and exercising the ministry of charity. These duties presuppose each other and are inseparable. For the Church, charity is not a kind of welfare activity which could equally well be left to others but is a part of her nature, an indispensable expression of her very being.” As a result, “The Church cannot neglect the service of charity any more than she can neglect the sacraments and the Word.”

For those of us who are inspired by the example of Saint Vincent de Paul, this encyclical letter has a special relevance. Saint Vincent calls us not only to serve the poor, but to love the poor. In fact, he challenges us first to see and love Christ in the poor and then to let that love be what moves us to action and to service of the poor.

As we approach Holy Week and Easter, celebrations of the great love God has for us in redeeming us, we who are inspired by Saint Vincent should find ourselves being called to a greater charity for the poor, a greater love for the poor, a love expressed in action. The love God lavishes on us we must share with others, especially the poor.

This issue of The Vincentian begins a presentation on the parishes we Vincentians care for in the Province of the Midwest. Our parish ministry is not only a ministry of proclaiming the word of God and celebrating the sacraments, but it also is a ministry of charity! Through our parishes, we can love and serve the poor, and we can invite others to collaborate with us in that love and service.

This issue focuses on St. Vincent de Paul Parish in Perryville, the historical successor to our very first parish ministry in the United States. Just down the street from St. Vincent’s is our first American foundation, St. Mary’s of the Barrens. Nearly a year ago, we broke ground there for the new residence especially for our senior members. Now, as the construction project comes together and the long awaited end is in sight, we are beginning to plan for the dedication of the new residence - hopefully in late June. Your continued prayers, support and financial gifts are making this project come to fruition, and for that I thank you even as I ask for your continued support.

Pope Benedict closes his encyclical on love by citing saints throughout the Church’s history who are examples of love in action. As could rightly be expected, he mentions by name Saint Vincent de Paul and his co-worker, Saint Louise de Marillac, whose concern for the poor make them “lasting models of social charity for all people of good will.” May their example inspire each of you who read this.

Thank you for all you do for the Church and Congregation. You are in my daily prayers.

Blessings.

James Swift, C.M.