Today is the feast of St. Vincent de Paul, the patron saint of our church. Born in 1581 in France, he was ordained a priest at 19 (even though the minimum age was 24) and died in 1660. He dedicated his life to helping the poor, the sick and to reform of the clergy, which was in desperate need of reform at the time. He spent most of his life helping the poor. In 1833 the Society of St. Vincent de Paul was founded to continue his work in looking out for those who are in need.
I am very happy that we have the food pantry at the church. It is a constant reminder to me of the many people who are in need. I walk past it every day to my nice car. It reminds me how blessed I have been and not to forget that there are so many around me in need of help.
Happy feast day.
Fr. Murchadh