Spiritual Advisor
Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Holy Family Conference
A note from our spiritual advisor
Dear fellow Vincentians and Friends,
For 35 years now, I’ve had the privilege of being a Vincentian volunteer. Currently, I am honored to hold the cherished role of Spiritual Advisor to our Conference. In this role, I remind my fellow volunteers that we are “bringing Jesus Christ back into the world” by our charitable words and actions. (a favorite quote of Father Dave).
Our Catholic faith, our spirituality, is our strong bond with each other. It is a product of many things: our heritage; our early exposure to Catholic traditions and customs; our education, training, career choices; world events and life experiences.
Our faith needs to be nourished regularly. Certainly, we do this by our attendance and participation in daily/weekly Mass and receiving Communion. Another way is through praying daily. In his recent letters, Fr. Dave encouraged all of us to have a “conversation with God” as our daily routine. This works for me. Your “conversation” may be thanking Him for blessings received or a request for His intercession for a special intention. Whatever works for you, I would encourage this daily focus to converse with our Lord and Savior.
Blessings on you and your family and friends.
Rich Maley
Spiritual Advisor
Society of St. Vincent de Paul Serving Concord and Carlisle
An evening prayer
Dear Lord, as the day draws to a close, help to quiet my mind and to find peace. Let my troubles and concerns rest so that, when I awake, You and I can sort them out together. In the new day, guide me to use the resources I have and to gratefully accept help from others. Let me share my time and talents freely to bring light and peace to another neighbor in need. Amen.
T. D., St. Vincent de Paul Volunteer
A visit to the tomb of Frederic Ozanam
The Saint Vincent de Paul Society was founded in 1833 by Frederic Ozanam, a 20-year-old law student, who lived during the time of Les Miserables in Paris. His dual mission of providing financial support and growing in faith by the sharing of love, gifts and grace has evolved into a world-wide volunteer organization.
This video includes a discussion of the life and times of Frederic Ozanam along with a visit to his burial place in the crypt of the historic church of St. Joseph des Carmes in Paris.