"We seek to deepen our commitment
to our heartfelt welcome to all people.”

Noble Saint Vincent de Paul,
beloved servant of the poor,
may we follow your example and do good works
among those whom society has abandoned,
enslaved, or forgotten.
Inspire us to feed the hungry,
to love a child,
to provide comfort and medicine to the sick,
to clothe those whose garments are threadbare,
and to offer hope and our Lord's words
to all who need respite.
Pray for us to our beloved God
that we may commit ourselves selflessly
to doing the same charitable acts
that you did all your life,
and intercede with him
that we may have the favor of his guidance
and strength and love upon this important and meaningful work.

Amen.

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Reflection:
 
Blessed are the open hands that embrace the poor and help them:
they are the hands that bring help.
Blessed are the hands that reach beyond every barrier of culture, religion and nationality and pour the balms of consolation over the wound of  humanity.
Blessed are the open hands that ask nothing in exchange, with no “ifs” or maybes:
they are hands that call down God’s blessing upon their brothers and sisters.
(Pope Paul VI 2^nd Vatican Council)