There is no doubt that we would consider St.Vincent de Paul a man of great holiness, as evidenced by his life-long commitment to serving the poor. But that Christ-likeness was lived out in specific virtues which St Vincent possessed and taught his followers. To this day they are enumerated in the Rule and form a basis for the spirituality of all Vincentians. These essential virtues are: simplicity, humility, gentleness, mortification, and zeal. They are offered to us as ideals that we strive for, because they seem especially suitable for anyone wishing to serve the poor.
SIMPLICITY – this first virtue may be described by words such as integrity, transparency and genuineness. It entails speaking the truth in love without deception of any kind. In today’s culture it may be a quality that is especially needed.
HUMILITY – this virtue expresses itself in seeing all things in reference to God and being dependent on God. Approaching the poor with humility means reverencing each person as a son or daughter of God. Humility acknowledges one’s own gifts and limitations. It includes listening attentively to others, appreciating their perspective, and coming to consensus.
GENTLENESS – this virtue renders a Vincentian kind, approachable, and non-threatening.. It means appreciating the vulnerability of the poor and the struggles they have endured. Gentleness allows a Vincentian to be patient and bear with the frustration that can arise in dealing with those in need.
SELFLESSNESS – a disposition that places the needs of others before one’s own. It denies the ego what it craves in a “selfie” culture. Self- sacrifice or “mortification” as St. Vincent described it enables the Vincentian to be available for the difficult or demanding tasks, especially in a leadership role.
ZEAL – having a real passion for the work of the Society and a willingness to follow through on what needs to be done by the conference. Often this virtue is seen in overcoming obstacles, working for systemic change, and being a source of inspiration that may attract new members.
The stresses and difficulties imposed on conferences as a result of the pandemic only serve to underscore the importance of the five virtues described above. Selflessness and zeal seem to be of special value. The length of the pandemic and the limits placed on such basic elements as in-person meetings or in-person home visits may cause Vincentians to drift away from the conference or lose the motivation that once spurred them on. This is the time when persevering for the long-haul and renewing the original calling to serve the poor will insure the continuing presence of the conference in each parish and assure those in need that we are still with them.
