Gene Smith presents his final report on the Vincentian Family Challenge to support the works of the family in New Orleans.

September 25, 2008

Dear Sisters and Brothers,

As you know, we were called together by Providence last April in New Orleans at the Vincentian Family “Solidarity in Action” gathering. We had the incredible experience of seeing and feeling the pain of the poor of Katrina. We were moved by what we saw as we toured. We were touched by the hands-on experience of visiting the residents of a nursing home, planting flowers, boarding up houses, and rebuilding a playground. And, we were called to action!

The Challenge

We responded to the needs of the poorest by resolving to become ministers of fund raising and raise $1,000. each, or as much as we could, for the support of the work of the St Joseph Day Center, the St Vincent de Paul Pharmacy and GED Center, and the Daughters of Charity Mobile Healthcare Unit. We went home and some of us sent emails inviting friends to contribute. Some did walks and runs. Others asked family and neighbors. Others reached deep down in their pockets. As we conclude Phase I of the challenge of “Solidarity in Action” on the Feast of St. Vincent de Paul, September 27^th, the result of our great Family effort is $135,000. CONGRATULATIONS Sisters and Brothers!!!! Now we will ask organizations and foundations to match this effort. We need more for our friends in New Orleans. Please contact me if you have thoughts on potential matching gifts.

Since the last letter, the Daughters of Charity, Province of the West sent $10,000. Ladies of Charity all over the country have sent thousands in gifts from Austin, Kansas City, Greensburg, Pa., Dallas, St Louis to name a few. The Daughters of Charity of Fairlane Residence in Austin sent $1,000, as did the Congregation of the Mission of Earth City, Mo. Father John Freund, CM of FAMVIN made a generous gift. Forgive me for not mentioning all who participated. We did it together!

Before closing, I must share Nina’s story. She went home after the gathering determined to cook a spaghetti dinner in our home for 100 people at $10 each. When she invited the local SVDP Conference Members to attend, they all wanted to help and in no time the event became an Italian Luncheon for 160 people at $25 per person at a local banquet hall with music, raffles and great fun. All the expenses were donated. The result was $7,150, which also included donations from people who could not attend.

Finally, I want to acknowledge two Daughters of Charity. Sister Elaine Wheeler, DC wrote when she sent a gift how pleased she was to contribute and what a joy it was for her to work with the St Vincent de Paul Society for 40 years. She told us to “keep up the good work”.

And, Sister Jean Marie Wheeler, DC sent a fantastic letter with advice about operating a GED Program and praised the Family for this good work. She concluded with these words, “Oh how I wish I could go down there and help! But somehow I think a 94-year-old Daughter of Charity would be more in the way than of much assistance. But I do promise to keep you all in my prayers.” How Vincentian is this?

May God continue to bless this good work to which we were called. You may recall the response to the reading at one of our liturgies:

“Like the Mississippi river, muddy, meandering, mighty- may we keep rolling along, helping to get the job done?

Like the Brown Pelican, who feeds her young from her bleeding breast- may we bleed when necessary for the good of God’s hurting people?

Like the Live Oak Tree, solid and strong, shady and silent- may we remain steady as we slowly but surely rebuild.

Like a good Gumbo, with shrimp and oysters, file and okra- may we honor and respect the ingredients each person has to offer.

And, like the Fleur De Lis that St. Joan of Arc, Maid of Orleans, carried into battle-may we fight the good fight with grace and peace. Amen.”

Peace and blessings to each of you. Your brother in St Vincent de Paul,
Sincerely,

Eugene B. Smith

Vincentian
EBS/pj