On Friday, October 25, 2024, at the Pro-Cathedral, His Beatitude Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, presided over the yearly Mass in honor of the accomplishments and dedication of the Charitable Society of St. Vincent in their service to the local community. Concelebrating was Fr. Amjad Sabbara, the parish priest of Jerusalem, along with several other priests. The Mass was attended by representatives from the Italian and Belgian consulates, as well as members of the Society of St. Vincent in Jerusalem
In his homily, His Beatitude Cardinal Pizzaballa reflected on the life and legacy of Saint Vincent, highlighting his remarkable qualities of love and determination. He noted the profound changes St. Vincent brought to the Church and society at the time, particularly regarding caring for the poor and creating new opportunities for lay women to dedicate themselves in service of God and the other through daily life; as back then their roles were largely confined to contemplative life.
He underscored St. Vincent’s vital message: the importance of loving and serving the needy as an essential part of our faith. As he stated, “St. Vincent viewed the plight of the poor not merely as a humanitarian issue, but as a matter of faith.” He poignantly illustrated this with the words: “If you are sitting with Jesus in prayer and the poor knock at your door, leave Jesus and serve the poor to encounter Him in them.”
Concluding his remarks, His Beatitude addressed the current challenges: “All our organizations have faced significant trials recently, and we feel we lack the strength and capacity to meet every need. We gather today to express our gratitude to God for what we have accomplished, rather than lamenting what remains undone, and we must remember not to treat the needy as mere statistics, but to extend genuine love and solidarity toward them.” He also extended heartfelt thanks to all benefactors and supporters, emphasizing the necessity of unity in caring for all those in need in our community.
About the Society of St. Vincent de Paul
Founded in France in 1833, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul rapidly gained international recognition. It was established in Jerusalem in 1851 as a Christian organization composed of laypeople who embraced Vincentian spirituality by aiding the poor and needy. Over the years, the Society expanded its reach in Jerusalem, opening a hospital and extending its services to Bethlehem, Jaffa, Haifa, and Ramallah. It played a crucial role during World War I and the Nakba, providing vital support to refugees and the underprivileged, in addition to managing hospitals, orphanages, and vocational schools. The organization focuses on three primary groups: youth who have not completed high school, elderly individuals without income, and marginalized Christians.
Life of the Saint
St. Vincent de Paul, known as the “Father of the Poor,” was born on April 24, 1581, in France to a humble family of farmers. He devoted his life to serving the needy, inspired by deep compassion for those in his community. After his ordination as a priest, he founded numerous charitable and educational institutions. Canonized in 1737, St. Vincent left behind a powerful legacy emphasizing the importance of humanitarian aid and compassion, serving as a model for charitable organizations worldwide.