St. Vincent began his ministry in Paris during the tumultuous years of the early 17^th century.  He worked directly with the poor, orphans, prisoners, and anyone who needed a hand up.  But he also had organizational skills that allowed him to involve others to expand his charitable works.

This came about first and foremost because of his love for the poor in whom he saw Jesus and his fervent desire to continue His ministry described in the gospels. And, because Vincent was well educated and connected, he worked with wealthy families and even became spiritual advisor to Queen Anne of France in 1643.  He learned how to diplomatically negotiate the world of politics and the nobility. His mastery of the spoken and written word produced stirring sermons and letters.   

Early in his ministry as a parish priest he pleaded for help for a poor family nearby.  That sermon led to a literal parade of people going to the family’s home with food and aid. He learned a few days later that food had spoiled and that the family continued to have needs that were no longer being met.  So he gathered a group of parish women together and developed a plan to provide continued help by dividing the workload and assigning them as point persons for specific duties.  It is said that this was the first instance or organized charity, and it was a pattern that St. Vincent used throughout his ministry. 

In my readings, I noticed some management ideas that made St. Vincent de Paul successful and that I could apply to my work with the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. Here are a few of them:

• He never urged or forced his opinion, he never contradicted, and he always asked for and took advice from people that he consulted. He did not say, “You should do this,” he said “It seems to me” and finished with an invitation to feel free to make adjustments according to a particular situation.
• He was a strong but humble communicator. He avoided encroaching on anyone’s authority be it the local government or other charities; instead, he created synergy by involving everyone to help with a project.
• He carefully weighed the pros and cons of a charitable work but once decided, he had a faith-based resolve that would not let him give up on it.
• When he was able to gain sympathy for a project, he was able to win the good will of people involved and was able to get the cooperation he needed. He said, “…proceed gently, pray much to God, and act in concert”.

St. Vincent de Paul offers all of us words of wisdom.

Resources:

The Charities of SVdP Cyprian Emanuel O.F.M.  Catholic University of America  1923.

Mr. Vincent J. Patrick Murphy C.M.  De Paul University 2015

1. Hanus 2021.