Non-catholic Commits Self to Ideal of the SSVDP

A non-Catholic who, according to at least one Vincentian for whom he has worked, exemplifies all that the Society’s Mission Statement says, Harden is living a 34-year-old dream to travel across the country and plans to do so by working for various Society councils.From the Los Angeles SSVDP Newletter courtesy of Josie Cabiglio

Los Angeles, CA — When Garth Harden is not working in the Society of St. Vincent de Paulâs Los Angeles Thrift Store identifying valuable antiques, books and collectibles, he’s busy wandering through auctions, flea markets and the like listening and watching, to learn about things.

Harden, 47, a quasi-expert on antiques and collectibles, openly offers up the information that he is illiterate, yet his knowledge of books and his ability to identify rare volumes is invaluable to the Council’s Los Angeles Thrift Store.

A non-Catholic who, according to at least one Vincentian for whom he has worked, exemplifies all that the Societyâs Mission Statement says, Harden is living a 34-year-old dream to travel across the country and plans to do so by working for various Society councils.

Garth just wants to serve others and serve God,ä said Steve Zabilski, executive director of the Phoenix Diocesan Council, for which Harden spent several months working in the dining hall facilities. “Through his daily life, Garth lives our mission statement, and that’ s what inspires me,” the Phoenix Vincentian said.

Six years ago, Harden was working for the Sacramento Council, identifying valuable items when he learned that he has bone cancer. That’s when Harden gave in to the wanderlust he has felt since he was 13 years old and decided he would approach assorted Society councils to see if he could work for them, he said.

After several rounds of chemotherapy, his cancer currently is in remission, he said. Harden credits St. Vincent de Paul for how well he is doing. “I do think it (the cancer’s remission) has to do with the Vincentian spirit that is all around,” he said.

For the rest of this inspiring story visit http://www.svdpla.org/News/News-Current.htm#Books%20are%20his%20business