Vincent de Paul and Graduations

During this season of graduations some might find food for thought in Fr. Thomas McKenna’s reflections on Vincentian education A bishop approaches you – you’re one of Vincent’s followers – and he asks you to start a school. Why would you, a person of this “scarred-coin persuasion,” say yes? …

To sum up, the followers of Vincent de Paul would gravitate toward education because (1) it draws out that which is most precious in us – or in New Testament terms, it lets the face of God (given in Jesus) shine more clearly within the human. And (2), it could enhance the humanity of those who tend to be dehumanized, those who are poor – both by educating them, and also sensitizing everybody else on the scene to their dignity and worth.

http://www.vincenter.org/res/mckennat.html