Fr. Daniel Evbotokhai
Introduction
One of the iconic persons in Catholic history is St. Vincent de Paul, he is well known for his costly compassion, deep empathy, and selfless service to the underprivileged, impoverished and the marginalized. During his time as a slave, Vincent had a spiritual experience that led him to dedicate his life to lessening the suffering of the underprivileged. His experiences with human suffering sparked a strong sense of empathy in him and drove him to act. Vincent, who was born in Pouy, France, in 1581, became the leading authority on social reform and Christian philanthropy. Beyond the confines of time and culture, millions of people throughout the world are still inspired by his life and work. This paper does not seek to explore St. Vincent’s history; rather it focuses on spiritual bond as a veritable tool for realizing the Vincentian’s goals.
To proceed therefore, we shall be exploring the meaning of “spiritual bond”, the Vincentians goals, and how this bond helps in realizing the set goals of the Vincentians.
Spiritual Bond
While physical presence is necessary for the building of spiritual bond, however, it is not reduced to physical presence alone since spiritual bond can exist regardless of physical distance. All Catholics are united based on shared belief and practices not just geography. Spiritual bond is a relationship between people that is based on faith, shared beliefs, and a shared commitment to God. Within the Christian understanding, this link is frequently expressed in terms of love, fellowship, unity, and mutual support. The New Testament—especially the writings of the apostle Paul—contains a noteworthy illustration of spiritual bond. Paul regularly highlights the value of harmony and mutual support among Christians, referring to them as members of a single body in 1 Corinthians 12:12–27 and stressing the significance of showing one another love and compassion in 1 Corinthians 13.
Furthermore, the idea of the church as a spiritual family—a community of believers bound together by their shared faith in Christ and steadfast adherence to His teachings—is frequently linked to the concept of spiritual bonding. Christians from various origins are brought together into a single community of faith by a spiritual tie that surpasses social, cultural, and ethnic divides (Galatians 3:28). Despite their differences in biology, Christians are nonetheless brothers and sisters because of this link. We refer to this as relationship by submission to the will of God. The gospel of John states it this way:
“children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God” (John 1:13 NIV).
“who were born not from blood or human desire or human will, but from God.” (John 1:13NCB).
“who were born, not of blood [natural conception], nor of the will of the flesh [physical impulse], nor of the will of man [that of a natural father], but of God [that is, a divine and supernatural birth—they are born of God—spiritually transformed, renewed, sanctified].” ((John 1:13AMV).
These various translations are necessary for us to have more insight into the nature on bond we share. So, by virtue of one baptism (Definition of Baptism) we are God’s children and so we are brothers and sisters. This goes to emphasize the importance of community, fellowship, and mutual support among believers as they journey together in faith. It is a bond that is rooted in love, guided by the Holy Spirit, and strengthened by a shared commitment to God and His Word.
The Vincentian Goals.
The Vincentians, formally known as the Congregation of the Mission, are a Roman Catholic religious community founded by St. Vincent de Paul in 1625. Their goals are ideals and objectives based on the life and teachings of St. Vincent de Paul, a 17th-century French Catholic priest. These goals or principles were motivated by Vincent’s desire for Evangelization. The word “Evangelization” is traced to the Hebrew word basar which means “to announce the good news or joyful tidings.” This is linked to the tradition in Old Testament of “bringing the good news of salvation” (Isaiah 52:7; 61:1). In the New Testament the word euangelion is a translation of the Hebrew word basar. It is in this sense that Jesus used it in the Synagogue saying:
“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind,to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” (Luke 4:18-19)
Evangelization won’t take place if men are not sent, hence, through the missionary activities of the Church this manifesto of Christ is been expressed in varied ways. The Vincentians for example carry out this manifesto through personal sanctification of members, parish administration, chaplaincies, foreign missions, pastoral ministries, social outreach, and academic and seminary education. With the passage of time; these goals were further developed into visitations; families, children and youth, older people, the homeless, Refugees and Immigrants, the sick and our environment. While specific interpretations may vary, the general Vincentian goals include:
- Serving the Underprivileged: Modeled after Jesus Christ and St. Vincent de Paul, the Vincentians offer advocacy, support, and aid to individuals and families facing homelessness, poverty, hunger, disease, or other types of adversity. Hence, the Vincentians in accordance with the social teaching of the church, expreses preferential option for the poor.
- Holistic Service: Vincentian organizations strive to offer complete help that covers not only material needs but also emotional, spiritual, and social well-being. Martin Luther King Jr. commenting on Luke 10:29–37 noted that the Good Samaritan would not only had to care for the wounded but must ensure that the road leading from Jerusalem to Jericho is freed from bandits and robbers. Danger zone must be fixed. Hence, the holistic service of the Vincentians.
- Systemic Change: In addition to providing direct assistance, Vincentian groups strive to address the underlying causes of injustice and poverty through community organizing, advocacy, and education initiatives that support systemic change and give oppressed populations more power.
- Cooperation and Solidarity: Vincentian organizations place a high importance on cooperation and partnerships with other people, groups, and communities. They understand that these partnerships promote solidarity in the quest of justice and service and also boost efficacy.
- Spiritual Growth: They emphasize spiritual growth among their members and those they serve through prayer and reflection, spiritual direction, community life, Studying Vincentian Spirituality, formation programs, service and mission, Retreats and Spiritual Exercises. In fact, retreats offer them time away from the bustle of everyday life for solitude, meditation, and introspection.
- Education and Formation: Offering chances for learning, developing one’s skills, and growing personally so that people and communities can become self-sufficient and end the cycle of poverty. Again, in addition to initial times of formation for new members and continuous chances for continued spiritual formation and education, Vincentians offer their members ongoing formation programs.
Now that this knowledge has been developed, elucidating the definition of spiritual bond and the objectives of the Vincentians, the question that arises is how the spiritual bond can support these objectives in the modern era?
- Help and Inspiration: A close spiritual bond with one another creates a community that helps and inspires, encourage and support Vincentian objectives. Individual are motivated to build resilience and continue practicing the Vincentian spirituality by the help and inspiration rendered.
- Accountability of Members: Accountability is the process by which members hold one another accountable for their deeds, attitudes, and advancement toward Vincentian ideals. It is important to say that individual can stay on course if their deeds are moderated or if there is the support of accountability measure. Without such accountability Vincentians goals and by extension organizational goals will collapse. Where nobody is held accountable; institutes collapse.
- Prayer and Guidance: Praying together and seeking guidance from God is a common practice among those who have a spiritual affinity. Vincentians can acquire the insight, wisdom, and clarity needed to overcome obstacles and make choices that support their spirituality or objectives by engaging in communal prayer and guidance. Any spiritual organization that lacks prayer and guidance will definitely defeat in achieving their objectives.
- Shared Resources and Skills: Members can combine their talents, resources, and abilities to help one another or the organization to accomplish her objectives. This kind of cooperation makes it possible to solve problems and use resources more efficiently. It equally implies sacrifice and selflessness. Those who share same bond shouldn’t find it herculean to share with their skills and gifts.
- Spiritual Development and Discipleship: The spiritual ties that unite members offer chances for mentorship and discipleship, wherein more experienced members can assist and advise others as they travel toward achieving their common objectives. Conferences and regular meetings can serve this development, for a fuller realization of set goals. More so, spiritual bonds provide opportunities for Vincentians to engage in prayer, reflection, and retreat together. Of what relevance is their spiritual bond if they cannot pray together? In fact, praying together revives their bond and creates more rooms to further tackle their common goals.
- Solidarity: Among Vincentians, a spiritual bond creates a sense of belonging that motivates support and solidarity for one another. If there is no solidarity amongst members their determination to help the underprivileged and strive toward shared objectives, will fail.
- Mission and Vision Shared: Inspired by the teachings of St. Vincent de Paul, Vincentians are united by a common spiritual link and a shared mission and vision. This link or bond should inspire them to work together more efficiently, plan their strategies, with more fervor and focus.
In conclusion, the development of a spiritual bond among Vincentians is critical to the realization of their objectives because it promotes encouragement and resilience, mutual accountability and support. These are necessary for living out the teachings of St. Vincent de Paul and providing compassionate, committed service to the underprivileged.
DELIVERED ON THE OCCASION OF THE BENIN PROVINCIAL PROGRAM OF ST. VINCENT DE PAUL HELD AT THE PASTORAL CENTRE IYAKPI, AUCHI ON THE 16TH OF MARCH 2024.
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Bedford, Henry, The Life of St. Vincent de Paul (Classic Reprint) 2015
Catechism of the Catholic Church, Kenya, Pauline Publication 2000
Flannery, Austin(Ed.) Vatican II Council: The Conciliar and Post-Conciliar Documents, New Delhi: Rekha Printers 1975, reprinted 2007.
Forbes, F. A. Life of St. Vincent de Paul 2022
John Paul II, A Light for the World 2003.
Sheen, Fulton Those Mysterious Priest, Mumbai: St. Pauls, 2013.
Trese, Leo J. The Faith Explained, Pauline Publication 2000
