A newly wed couple asked a guru: “What shall we do to make our love endure ” He replied, “Let the love which you share overflow into loving everyone, together.” Today, despite dazzling developments in technology which make immense outreach possible, many prefer to function within closed circles. But people like Saint Vincent de Paul — whose feast falls on September 27 — inspire us to embrace the world with love. Born in 1581 to poor peasants in Gascony, France, Vincent’s father had to sell his oxen to pay for his studies. Aware of the sacrifices his parents made to educate him, Vincent excelled in studies. Equipped with a double degree in the humanities and theology, he decided to serve the poor and became a priest in 1600, at the age of 19. Tragedy struck Vincent in 1605 when Barbary pirates abducted him on one of his voyages. He was sold as a slave in Tunis. With faith in God, he capitalised on his captivity and began uniting slaves, quite literally, with “bonds of love”. His faith, cheerfulness and optimism won him many friends, among the slaves and the slave-owners, one of whom set him free. Three Cs — compassion, commitment and collaboration — inspired Vincent. He felt that the rich were often more miserable than the poor since they lacked commitment towards humanitarian causes. Vincent inspired the rich to be compassionate and committed. In 1617, he founded the Dames de la Charité (Ladies of Charity) — an organisation of wealthy women who began tutoring poor children, building hospices, visiting the sick and feeding the hungry. By combining works of love with calls for justice, Vincent sought to liberate both, the rich and the poor. From 17th century France, Vincent de Paul’s little labours of love snowballed into vibrant movements of “Vincentian” or “Vincent de Paul societies”, worldwide, creating awareness among people, catalysing them to respond to problems like illiteracy, poverty, malnutrition, disease, exploitation of labourers, women and children and so on. Vincent de Paul teaches us that our sincere efforts — seemingly small and insignificant — can go a long way in inspiring others to chip to create a better tomorrow. I’ve learnt a lot from friends who network for civil liberties, democratic rights, ecological concerns, justice and peace. “Give, and it will be given to you,” said Jesus, “A good measure, overflowing, will be poured into your lap — for, the measure you give will be the measure you receive.” Vincent de Paul was exemplary in emulating Jesus. Whoever be your guru, you could achieve much by collaborating with others through compassion and commitment. Isn’t that guru’s advice to the newly-weds truly apt Undoubtedly, only love that overflows truly endures.
Francis Gonsalves is a professor of theology. He can be contacted at fragons@gmail.com
