Guide 1
Reflection 1 The Great Example: Chatillon-les-Dombes
Goal of the first session
To begin to understand the systemic change principles practiced by Vincent and to reflect on my own service
Song: [optional]
Prayer for systemic change
We praise and thank you, O God, Creator of the Universe.
You have made all things good and have given us the earth to cultivate.
Grant that we may always use created things gratefully,
and share them generously with those in need.
Give us creativity in helping the poor meet their basic human needs.
Open our minds and hearts so that we might stand at their side
and assist them to change whatever unjust structures keep them poor.
Enable us to be brothers and sisters to them,
friends who walk with them
in their struggle for fundamental human rights.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. AMEN
Scripture Reading: 1 John 1:1-3
Introduction:
This reading from St. John, which the international heads of various branches of our Vincentian Family have chosen to highlight our theme this year, emphasises how concrete the incarnation is and also the concreteness of our works of charity. Practical, concrete and effective services are the hallmark of our Vincentian pragmatism, underpinned by the absolute belief that each person is made in the image and likeness of God and is a temple of the Holy Spirit. The spark of divine life in every person is to be brought forth as we serve them both corporally and spiritually, in ways that are well thought out and achieve lasting results.
All projects for the poor start modestly and grow into being.
The original story of Vincent’s experience as Parish Priest of Chatillon-les-Dombes in many ways sets the pattern for a coherent strategy.
Vincent hears of a family in desperate need and gives a moving homily, thereby enlisting others - ‘God touched the hearts of my listeners’.
Upon visiting the family later he finds many others on the road offering assistance, including a great pile of provisions. He observes that suddenly the members of the family have more than they could possibly need, realises that some of the food would perish and be wasted – and they would be just as badly off. What was needed was organisation!
Vincent made a plan, called a meeting, formed an association and delegated tasks and responsibilities to the people of the parish. From this seemingly small start a whole movement began. (Cf. Roman P. 123)
Both Vincent and Louise, and later Frederick Ozanam and Elizabeth-Ann Seton, insisted that services be carried out with competence, relevant skills and adequate resources. Louise, ever the practitioner, fretted if all was not right and would give enormously detailed instructions as to how tasks should be carried out.
Saint Vincent de Paul excelled in the process of empowerment. He listened to others’ ideas and sought their advice, and provided the tools that were needed by collaborators in achieving the Vincentian mission. He empowered his followers by stipulating core values, rules and virtues such as respect and mutual support; he encouraged participative relationships as means of serving the poor.
The many stories of Jesus raising the sick and the poor into a transformed existence is at the heart of the lives of all our Vincentian Saints and underpinned by Matt. 25:31-41
Individual reflection, Sharing & Listening
In the Châtillon story, what happened to this family?
Can you envisage what happened next in this community?
How does this speak to your Vincentian heart?
Reflect together on your own service
Systemic Change begins with:
• Defining a need
• Building awareness
• Enlisting and empowering an organised, multi-faceted response
Family wisdom
Do not be afraid of new beginnings. Be creative. Be inventive. Organise new works of love in the service of the poor. You who have energy; who have enthusiasm; who want to do something of value for the future; be inventive, launch out; do not wait. (Frederic Ozanam)
Sample strategies
==> Listen carefully and seek to understand the needs and aspirations of the poor, creating an atmosphere of respect and mutual confidence and fostering self-esteem among the people
==> Construct a shared vision with diverse stakeholders: poor communities, interested individuals, donors, churches, governments, the private sector, unions, the media, international organizations and networks, etc.
==> Educate, train, and offer spiritual formation to all participants in the project
What are the underlying principles of the Chatillon story?
Share any new insight or action you feel challenged to undertake.
Are these strategies part of our ordinary way of acting?
Vincentian Family Prayer
Lord Jesus, you who willed to become poor,
give us eyes and a heart directed toward the poor;
help us to recognize you in them-
in their thirst, their hunger, their loneliness, and their misfortune.
Enkindle within our Vincentian Family
unity, simplicity, humility,
and the fire of love
that burned in St. Vincent de Paul.
Strengthen us, so that, faithful to the practice of these virtues,
we may contemplate you and serve you in the person of the poor,
and may one day be united with you and them in your Kingdom. AMEN
Song: optional
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