LCUSA

St. Vincent de Paul loved the poor and he understood power. His methodology was to reconcile the needs of poor people by enlisting the help of poor themselves, others willing to be trained in their care (Confraternities, Ladies of Charity, the Congregation of the Mission and the Daughters of Charity) and the rich and powerful. He was a forceful and creative advocate. He spoke about the needs of poor people to all, he conceptualized creative solutions, and he was zealous in his willingness to take a case or an issue to the highest level of government, Church or society, if it would benefit his beloved poor.

Vincent de Paul said “Charity embraces Justice.” In other words, we can not give in charity what a person is rightfully entitled to in justice. Pope Benedict in his first encyclical identified Vincent de Paul and Louise de Marillac, among others, as saints who exercised charity in an exemplary way. He called them “lasting models of social charity for all people of good will” and “true bearers of light within history”, two of the “men and women of faith, hope and love”. Deus Caritas Est (40) Advocacy is linking our faith with justice.