The Vincentian spirit is that of charity, service and sharing. We are called to serve with love, sharing our talents, treasures and time with those in need of God’s love and presence. The statement of Jesus Christ “you will always have the poor with you” (Matthew 26.11) rings true for us because we encounter everyday our brothers and sisters in need of help. Therefore, developing this is necessary and important given that serving, sharing and loving is more than what we are called to do. We are called to live this way. What a beautiful gift!

It is a great gift to live this way, because this is the life of God who loves us so much that He died for us (John 3.16) and He came into this world not to be served, but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many (Mark 10.45). What a blessing to have God’s spirit in us!

In the recent Apostolic exhortation Dilexi Te, Christians are reminded that we are a church of the poor and should always stand at the side of the least among us just as God does (DT, 35–81). It is the life of the Church to love, serve and share her gifts and graces with the poor, the wounded and needy who are the brothers and sisters of Jesus Christ (Matthew 25. 35-40). A Church that does not love as God does is as good as dead. As Christians and Vincentians, we have chosen the best path of life, for what could be more glorious than having the ability to live like God? May we live in appreciation for this beautiful gift we have received from God and grow in it. Think of these powerful words of Pope Leo XIV:

“Christian love breaks down every barrier, brings close those who were distant, unites strangers, and reconciles enemies. It spans chasms that are humanly impossible to bridge, and it penetrates to the most hidden crevices of society. By its very nature, Christian love is prophetic: it works miracles and knows no limits. It makes what was apparently impossible happen. Love is above all a way of looking at life and a way of living it. A Church that sets no limits to love, that knows no enemies to fight but only men and women to love, is the Church that the world needs today” (Dilexi te, 120).

This is the spirit we have! A spirit full of power and goodness that it changes lives through loving, serving and sharing. Let us be proud to live in and with this spirit.
Peace be with you.

Fr Kelvin, Spiritual Advisor, St Michael Conference