“So, our vocation is to go, not just to one parish, not just to one diocese, but all over the world; and to do what? To set people’s hearts on fire, to do what the Son of God did. He came to set the world on fire in order to inflame it with His love.”
–St. Vincent de Paul, to the priests & brothers of the Congregation of the Mission (Vincentians), May 30, 1659 (See Saint Vincent de Paul: Conferences to the Congregation of the Mission, Vol. XII, pg 215)

I’ve often told people, when sharing my faith journey, that what kept me Catholic was the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. Most especially, its members. In other words, you, my fellow Vincentians. I’ve been lucky enough to encounter so many of you over my years as a Vincentian, been honored to witness your joy and love and compassion and passion, for our Creator, for Jesus, for Jesus as encountered in our friends in need.

I’ve been humbled in your presence, especially after learning of your own story, your own struggles. Yet there you were, finding time to sit in solidarity, in quiet companionship, with neighbors who came knocking on the parish door, seeking help. Whether it was the Vincentian who struggled to pay their own rent month to month, yet still found the strength to share her strength with others who also struggled (“We’re the poor helping the poor,” she said to me.), or the Vincentian who still made home visits despite battling cancer, a scarf covering where her hair used to be, or the Vincentian who, despite growing in his faith, despite walking with his neighbors in need for months and years at a time – because that was what was needed – still humbly questioned his own worthiness…

I am overcome with gratitude for being a small part of their lives, walking briefly with them on this journey, on this pilgrimage.

And they did it – you do it – with joy.

We celebrated the Feast Day of Pentecost last Sunday. We marked the birth of our Church, the Holy Spirit coming down on all of us. And the Holy Spirit, that Haggia Sophia, that Holy Wisdom (as some of our Eastern Orthodox brothers and sister would say), brings her fire to us, that eternal flame of God’s everlasting love.

In the Evening Prayer of the Liturgy of the Hours for Pentecost, we pray “Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of all believers and set them on fire with your love.” How often, I wonder, have each of you brought God’s love to His people, here on Earth? How often have you done so, unknowingly? More often than you know, I suspect.

The disciples were huddled behind locked doors, fearful after witnessing the crucifixion. Jesus came to them, stood in their midst, saying to them “Peace be with you.” (See John20:19). He brought them peace. Peace, and hope, and love, are what you, as Vincentians, strive to bring to your friends in need. You strive to find that peace of Christ within yourselves and share that with others who are also struggling, each in their own way.

In the vigil for Pentecost, we hear Christ invite “…anyone who thirsts come to me and drink” for “Rivers of living water will flow from within him who believes in me.” He said this, the Gospel writer adds, in reference to the Spirit which would descend on those who come to believe in him (see John 7:37-39). In other words, you. You often are that drink of fresh, running water, bringing relief to others, be it a family or close friend, or a neighbor-in-need, or a fellow Vincentian.

How, then, might we strive to be open to the blessings, gifts, and guidance of the Holy Spirit as we work to manage our own lives, and also walk in humble companionship with others?

You may, if you feel the Holy Spirit calls you to do so, look more deeply on how Pentecost speaks to us, as Vincentians, by utilizing any of the reflections offered by the Vincentian Family webpage!

Manuel A. Sánchez