I wish I’d said that. We can learn from other people and imitate their virtues. That’s why we tell stories of Vincentians of Wherever. This little excerpt from Jack Melito’s, “Saint Vincent de Paul: Windows on his Vision” tells us why we should tell contemporary Vincentian stories.

There are enduring ingredients in his story that give it a universal appeal that takes it beyond eras, beyond nationalities, beyond cultures. People see in his life the validation of the gospel- not only to believe, but to live its values, especially in its mandate of practical charity.

That familiar refrain, an expression of regret that you were not first with the remark or the insight, reminds us that there is frequently someone who is quicker on the draw. It is not necessarily a begrudging sentiment. In fact it is often spoken in a tone of admiration. Nor is the refrain always limited to words. Given the convention of seeing a person’s life as a statement, one might also use the refrain as an expression of benign envy at the rich meaning of that person’s life. This thought came to mind recently in witnessing the impact that the death of Joseph Cardinal Bernardin had on so many people, who admired him in both his life and his death. It is as if there’ was a communal, wistful desire on the part or his admirers that their lives might be as edifying as his. “I wish I’d said that!” they seem to exclaim.

This we might suppose, is the basis for the cult of the saints. It is a kind of “holy envy” we experience when we see a person whose life, at least in its final stages, was the embodiment of the gospel ideal and becomes worthy of imitation. This certainly holds true for the life and the achievement of Saint Vincent de Paul. There are enduring ingredients in his story that give it a universal appeal that takes it beyond eras, beyond nationalities, beyond cultures. People see in his life the validation of the gospel- not only to believe, but to live its values, especially in its mandate of practical charity. “I wish I’d said that” his followers exclaim.

[Melito,, Jack C.M., “Saint Vincent de Paul: Windows on His Vision” (1999). Vincentian Digital Books. Book 8. p. 57]

This and other reflections can be found at DePaul University Library and are a worthwhile read. There are other stories that we need to tell. Why not tell yours, or a friend’s?

I wish I’d said that.