Part of a Series on Vincentian Heritage Places

Toul

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In 1635 St. Vincent de Paul sent Vincentians to Toul to take charge of the Hospital of the Holy Spirit, more of a refuge than a medical facility. From these men and Lorrainers who had fled to Paris Vincent became aware of the plight of the province. He called his followers to identify with the suffering of the inhabitants by prayer and sacrifice.”This is a time to do penance since God is afflicting his people. Should we not be at the foot of the altar bewailing their sins? We are obliged to do so. But in addition, should we not retrench some of our usual food for their relief?” As a result for some three or four years Vincent and his community in Paris contented themselves with black bread at table.

Ever a man of action, the saint sought out Cardinal Richelieu whose orders had sent the troops into Lorraine and kept them there. Vincent implored him to make peace. The crafty statesman, who eyed the duchy for incorporation into France, demurred and replied, “Ah! Monsieur Vincent, I desire peace just as much as you. But peace does not depend on me alone.”

In the face of the crisis the saint began to organize a relief mission. He collected money which he sent to the Vincentians in Toul to distribute. Aware however that a single donation would not meet the ongoing needs of the people he called a meeting of the ever generous Ladies of Charity in Paris and described to them the tragedy which had gripped Lorraine.

Rules were drawn up for a group which met monthly. The ladies solicited funds from their friends which assured a regular flow of relief for as long as the crisis lasted. But the needs in Lorraine outstripped their personal resources. Vincent turned to Louis XIII and his consort, Queen Anne of Austria. They responded generously. Their royal largesse loosened the purse strings of others who imitated them.

St. Vincent entrusted to his Vincentian brethren in Lorraine the distribution of the funds. Read the full article here

Source: VincentWiki

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