Approximately 300 Vincentians gathered at St. Agnes Cathedral this past Sunday, November 7, for a Mass of Thanksgiving celebrated by Bishop John Barres. It was a first and proved to be a joyful and faith-filled event. After thanking all those present for their service to the poor, the bishop recalled how in his early years as a priest the Vincentians in his parish made a profound impression on him such that he remembered several of them by name. In his homily the bishop spoke glowingly of Blessed Frederick Ozanam and his accomplishments not only as the founder of the St. Vincent de Paul Society but also as a scholar, teacher, son, brother and husband. At the conclusion of the Mass most of those attending came together in the adjacent hall for a reception to continue the spirit of celebration.
After months of being separated from so many others in the Vincentian family due to the pandemic, those who attended seemed to relish the opportunity to come together and share not only their faith but what has transpired in their lives over the past 18 months. There was a palpable feeling of unity and friendship. The bishop enjoyed the opportunity to move about from table to table at the reception, posing for pictures and thanking so many individuals for their years of service to those in need. In his remarks in the parish hall he spoke about the value of mental prayer and the struggle he himself experienced at trying to be faithful to this form of prayer which leads to intimacy with the Lord. His reflection seemed to resonate so well with the priority Vincentians place on “growing in holiness” and living a life of prayer.
Photos from the Event
At a time when many of us are feeling weary of the on-going pandemic, the isolation that has come as a result, and the fractured atmosphere of political and even church life, it was uplifting to gather as “a network of friends” and be thanked for living gospel values in serving the poor even in difficult times. It is precisely at times like these that the Vincentian calling is put to the test and as a result we become more committed and more resilient.
Thanks are due to the staff of the Central Council for organizing this event and following through on all the details. The effects will stay with us for quite some time. It was truly an evening to remember.
