In greeting a group from the St. Vincent de Paul Society, Pope Leo noted Augustine's teaching that God will not be outdone in generosity to those who serve the poor.
Pope Leo XIV on August 28 addressed a delegation from one of the most active charities in the United States, present also around the world, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. He drew from both the saint whose name guides the charity, and St. Augustine, especially as it was the latter's feast day.
While St. Vincent de Paul himself is known as the Apostle of Charity, it is actually another holy man who started the society.
In 1833, Blessed Frédéric Ozanam, founded the Society of St. Vincent de Paul after witnessing the appalling condition of the poor in Paris at the time. The Society he founded was composed of lay people, and quickly spread throughout the world.
The Pope's address to members from the US noted how their service to the Society is service "to your brothers and sisters across the United States of America."
"Indeed, by freely offering your God-given gifts and talents, you give eloquent witness to your faith in service to the building up of the Kingdom of God."
The Holy Father commented then on the relationship of prayer and service:
... I encourage you to deepen your relationship with our Lord so that his grace may continue to guide and strengthen your service. Saint Vincent de Paul demonstrated that prayer and social justice are not merely complementary but are in fact inseparable. It is therefore my hope that you will continually turn to your heavenly patron in order to follow his example and seek his intercession.
Moreover, as I recalled in Dilexi Te, Saint Augustine taught the Christocentric nature of care for the poor and held that God will not be outdone in generosity to those who serve them. We therefore believe that caring for others, when motivated by love, not only helps those in need, but also opens the heart of the giver to God’s grace (cf. no. 46). Dear friends, I urge you, then, always to give of yourselves. In this way, the Lord’s grace will steadily purify your hearts and minds, and you will more readily recognize Christ in your neighbour, both in those you serve and in those with whom you work.
Finally, when you return to your homes, please know that you do so accompanied by my prayers. In a particular way, I ask you to bring my warm greetings to your colleagues and to the people for whom you care. With these thoughts, I entrust each of you to the intercession of Mary, Mother of the Church. And perhaps, today, in a special way, also to Saint Augustine on his feast day. Thank you.
