I believe God has a special place in His heart and in His kingdom for those Vincentians who heed His call to servant leadership in our Society. Such service is a consummate example of following in the footsteps of St. Vincent, Blessed Frederic and Jesus Christ Himself. The spiritual rewards of doing so are many and meaningful.
Our mission says we lead men and women to join together to grow spiritually. Serving in a leadership role is a wonderful way to become closer to Jesus, the ultimate servant leader. And we can be sure He will bless our efforts.
God wants us to utilize the unique talents He has given us to assist those in need. If we have been gifted with the ability to lead as well, He expects that we will do so as part of our commitment to our Vincentian vocation.
Serving as the president of a Council or Conference provides an ideal platform from which to enhance one’s own spiritual life. And a great privilege of leadership is the priceless opportunity to nurture the spirituality of fellow Vincentians while inspiring them to be ambassadors of the mission of St. Vincent de Paul in our communities…to bring the love and mercy of Christ to His suffering children.
Council and Conference presidents have told me that their years as a servant leader have been the richest part of their lives in terms of personal spirituality and appreciation of the eternally valuable gifts God had bestowed on them. Their uplifting experiences changed them in many ways that strengthened their relationship to God and acquainted them intimately with the innate goodness and generosity of the human spirit.
Each of us has been chosen for a purpose. That is evident in the day-to-day reality of our beautiful vocation. Our Lord will happily help us discern that purpose…the special way He wants us to support the magnificent mission of St. Vincent de Paul.
Since our founding, Vincentians have been bolstered by an unwavering trust in the providence of God who has demonstrated during the past 189 years that He attaches a high priority to the success of our Society. As we continue our grace-filled journeys to our heavenly homecoming, I am sure He is smiling down on us, cheering us on and clearing our path. We have, after all, said “yes” to His call – and He wants us to succeed, whatever role we play in His plan for our personal ministry of love and compassion.
May God continue to bless you abundantly in your exceptional service to His beloved poor.
