The Vincentian Spirit Lives On
Ms. Angie Rosales-Cruz
Christmas is a time to share, a time to celebrate and a time to invite Jesus in the sanctuary of our hearts.
Years ago, fate brought me to the place where I presently reside, at the back of St. Vincent Seminary complex. Looking back now, I realize that this was no accident. I think it was all part of a plan, a grand design. Consider the following.
I graduated from Concordia College, an institution that counts St. Vincent de Paul as one of its patron saints. Also, I was introduced to the Miraculous Medal Apostolate by the Daughters of Charity, a religious group established by St. Vincent de Paul. As a young girl, I worked closely with the sisters, doing mundane activities like preparing and selling sandwiches within the school campus to finance some projects. I was also sent to a public school, the Punta Elementary School, to teach catechism. Prior to all these, I became a Marian devotee because of my parents who gathered the entire family to pray the holy rosary every night. I still remember the many novenas and processions in honor of our Lady which we my family and I happily joined.
Initially, St. Vincent was just someone I prayed to- just a saint up there. However, the calling to live the way he served the poor was heard. I started to research more on his life. I read Seasons in Spirituality by Fr. Robert P. Maloney, CM which described the missionary spirit of St. Vincent de Paul, who in spite of old age, continued to serve. It was edifying to note the physical pains he went through to be able to serve. A man for others indeed! Then, I was gifted with the book written by Fr. Joel Y. Bernardo, CM, Grace in Gehenna. This contained a deep insight into the life of the poor at Payatas, a place where “smoke never stops and maggots never die.”
When Fr. Bernardo states that “there is grace in that place,” I am simply amazed. I have visited the place and know how it is. Then I realized that Fr. Bernardo, like other priests who work there, is inspired by the Vincentian spirit.
Inspired by St. Vincent and the work of people in places like Payatas, I thought of giving a little of myself. So, I got involved in service: bringing some good to the lahar victims in Pampanga, visiting orphanages, making the old people at the Home for the Aged smile a little bit more, going to Mother Theresa’s orphanage in Tondo, being a part of Lingap-Kalusugan, that offers free medical and dental services to the poor, and, with some theologians and priests, initiating Marian Circles in the community. The home visits and the praying of the rosary in homes have been successfully done for many years.
Up to this day I continue to be inspired by the Vincentian Spirit. I look up to the community of St. Vincent de Paul as one that lives the faith in service and commitment.
The Santuario, in its majesty, stands tall us a constant reminder that St. Vincent de Paul is worth emulating. Like him, let us serve the poor in the best way we can.
As for me I thank St. Vincent Seminary for giving me the opportunity to give my little contribution. Now infirmed and with less mobility, I continue to serve in my own little way. The spirit of St. Vincent de Paul somehow still lives in the articles I humbly write, in my communication with people, and hopefully in my interaction with the people I teach.
