St. Louise took an interest in all the troubles and needs of the poor, and was able to say with Paul, “Who is weak and sick, and I am not weak and sick with him?” (2 Cor 11:29).
Full Screen Download PPT Download PDFOur founders and the early Vincentians offer many lessons:
VINCENTIAN CARE OF THE SICK
Proper attitude
- Thank God for your own good health and use it to serve the sick
- Keep well for love of God and the poor
- If you must suffer, make good use of it
- A plague proved their charity
- The strength to bear the fear of danger
- Remain humble, keep going
Faith/Mission
- Going out to find the Son of God in the sick
- Charity+Mission (assist the sick both corporally and spiritually)
- Sharing Faith and Hope with those who are sick
- Bringing the Good News of Jesus to the dying
- Accompanying those who have recovered
Taking Action
- Our Lord wants to use you
- Practice charity all the days of your life
- Pay attention to others who are suffering and address their needs
Organization and Leadership
- Women came forward to meet a need
- Sts. Vincent and Louise were brilliant organizers
- St. Louise assembled and trained those willing to join her
- A company of women, backed by women (Daughters of Charity financed by Ladies of Charity)
- Vincentian collaboration (CM, DC, LOC)
- Sharing best practices with the confraternities in different locations
- Always evaluating and improving the work