Brother René Stockman, Superior General of the Brothers of Charity, guide us through a meaningful novena of reflections on the life and spirituality of Saint Vincent de Paul.

Venerable Peter Joseph Triest, known as the “Belgian Vincent de Paul,” founded the Brothers and Sisters of Charity, inspired by Vincentian spirituality. Shaped by years of hidden prayer during the French Revolution, he united contemplation with action, love with professional service, and emphasized bringing God’s love and the joy of the Resurrection to the poor.

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Day 5:

Day 5, summary:

This reflection introduces Venerable Peter Joseph Triest, often called the “Belgian Vincent de Paul” because of the many parallels between his life and that of Saint Vincent. Triest, founder of the Brothers of Charity, lived during the turbulent years of the French Revolution. Born in Brussels in 1760, he became a priest but was forbidden to openly exercise his ministry for five years due to political unrest. During this hidden life, he deepened his spirituality and was profoundly inspired by the example of Vincent de Paul.

When he could finally serve publicly, Triest defined his mission in three words: example, teaching, and service. He believed that a priest must first live as an example, then teach, and always carry out his work in a spirit of service to others. This outlook clearly aligned with Vincentian spirituality, which places charity at the heart of Christian life.

Triest founded four congregations, beginning with the Sisters of Charity and the Brothers of Charity, both explicitly modeled after Vincent de Paul. Initially, the Brothers were even called the “Hospital Brothers of Vincent de Paul.” His vision of charity, like Vincent’s, united love of God with concrete love of neighbor. He emphasized that authentic charity requires being deeply rooted in God’s love, a conviction born from his hidden years of prayer and contemplation.

Key aspects of Triest’s spirituality included devotion to Scripture, the Eucharist, Mary, and the Sacred Heart of Jesus—each seen as expressions of God’s love. He also drew inspiration from St. Bernard of Clairvaux, insisting that one must first be contemplative before being truly apostolic. This balance of prayer and action would later also resonate in the spirituality of Mother Teresa.

For Triest, charity was not only about compassion but also about professionalism in service. He believed that the poor deserved competent and organized care as an expression of authentic love. At the same time, he insisted that charity should always bring hope and joy, particularly the joy of the Resurrection, to those being served.

In summary, Peter Joseph Triest lived a spirituality entirely in line with Vincent de Paul, combining contemplation and action, prayer and service, compassion and professionalism. His congregations carry forward this Vincentian legacy, reminding us that authentic charity flows from God’s love and must always respect the dignity and spiritual needs of every person.