What Does It Mean to Be Vincentian?

Born in 1581, St. Vincent de Paul grew up as a normal child. His family owned property as well as livestock, and he would attend weddings and go out just as any other boy would. At 20 years old, he was ordained but viewed priesthood as an economic opportunity to take care of his family. At the beginning of his career as a priest, he had a series of favoring appointments which helped him develop connections to some of the highest nobles in France. 

St. Vincent de Paul’s conversion was a slow, lifelong process. He felt that God spoke to him through certain people and events throughout his life. In the first sermon he ever gave as a priest, he spoke on the necessity of confession. He also established the five virtues that would define his mission. These virtues are simplicity, humility, gentleness, mortification, and zeal. 

The documentary “Vincent de Paul: Charity’s Saint” gives direct insight into what the Vincentian mission is all about. St. Vincent de Paul dedicated his life to helping those less fortunate, and anyone who can even give back once is living the Vincentian way. 

To me, the Vincentian way involves giving back to those less fortunate, but also extending a helping hand to everyone. As a Vincentian University, St. John’s lives out St. Vincent de Paul’s mission through the ASL program, as well as using his teachings in every aspect of our daily lives. By doing community service and giving back, we as students are truly living the Vincentian way.

Reference:

Mission and Ministry DePaul University. Vincent De Paul: Charity’s Saint. YouTube, YouTube, 17 Apr. 2014, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vqSpwwojTcs.