What is this thing called the Vincentian Charism?
Charism is a word relatively new to many. It was not part of my vocabulary when I entered the seminary over 65 years ago or even when I was ordained in 1965.
Is it an organization, a mindset, a federation of religious organizations? The list goes on and on.
For the purposes of the discussion on this website let me suggest that it is a way of looking at things shared by a number of people.
- It’s a way of looking at things as Jesus did…he was on a mission to bring good news to all, but especially to those on the margins and forgotten.
- It’s a way of looking at things adopted by Saints Vincent and Louise. They saw themselves following Christ the “Evangelizer of the Poor.”
- It’s a way of looking at things that has penetrated the hearts of more than two million people who bring good news to the forgotten in over 150 countries in the world today.
- It‘s a way of looking at things most often embodied in religious institutes… but by no means exclusively.
It’s all of the above and more.
We are people with a mission…to do what Jesus did. It is a way of taking seriously Jesus’ question at the Last Supper. Do you understand what I have done? If I have washed your feet you will be recognized as my disciples if you wash the feet of the poor and forgotten today,
It might be better say the Vincentian charism is movement.
It is all of the above for those who commit themselves wherever they are in life.
It is each and everyone who recognizes the almost unbelievable generosity of God to themselves. It is each and everyone who realizes that they can never pay God back… unless it is paying it forward in foot-washing imitation of Christ.
What are the signs by which you can recognize a Vincentian?
It is washing the feet of others in a way characterized by Vincent’s five virtues or values...
Honest (Simplicity)
Approachable (Meekness)
Self-disciplined (Mortification)
Realistic (Humility)
Hard working (Zeal for souls)
The genius of St. Vincent and St. Louise was that the invited and inspired people from all walks of life to carry on the mission of Christ the Evangelizer of the poor. Their genius was that they realized sometimes it helps to organize and do things together as a family.
If this way of looking at things attracts you please share your insights and questions here.
Thank You for alerting me to take another LOOK at how to live out the Vincentian charism. As a religious woman, in this 21st century, I need to be aware of other avenues where I can WASH the feet of those in need.
We have done a marvelous job in establishing good health care facilities, schools. Where to now?