Our Lady in the Soup Kitchen

Yesterday (sorry for the delayed post) we celebrated two feasts days...Our Lady Star of the Sea and St. Vincent de Paul.  My guess is these two work well together in love of the community is the main theme of the day.  Even the Mass readings (not connected as it was a Sunday liturgy) seemed to bring about the message of giving to neighbor (James 5:1-6).

I had the joy of painting these two pegs for the occasion.  I also made an extra Lady for the priest at our monthly pilgrimage into San Francisco.

So...some may ask...Why another feast day for Mary?  Here is the scoop...

Mary’s title “Star of the Sea” is thought to derive from the prophet Elijah's account in 1 Kings 18:41-45 which refers to a little cloud appearing above the sea as a sign of hope that rain would soon come to water the parched earth. The idea of Mary our Mother being a guiding star for People of the Sea has led to special devotion to Our Lady, Star of the Sea in many coastal and fishing communities.  Just as seafarers have traditionally depended on the stars for navigation, so they trust in the protection and guidance of Our Lady Star of the Sea.  I think we should be able to do the same in our own journey to Christ as it can be just as tumultuous as the sea.

Along with this feast, is the recognition of St. Vincent de Paul.  When our little guy was born, we named him after this saint as we thought it was his fest day.  It turned out to be another saintly Vincent who we have come to love but it is still nice to recognize Vincent de Paul as one of his patrons.


Feast day: September 27
Birth: 1580
Death: 1660
Patron saint of charitable societies
French
Born of poor parents in a village of France
Priest of the Capuchin Order in 1910

To assist in the cost of schooling and not be a burden to his parents, he tutored other students.  In 1596, he went to the University of Toulouse for theological studies, and there he was ordained priest in 1600.

In 1605, on a voyage by sea, he fell into the hands of African pirates and was carried as a slave to Tunis. His captivity lasted about two years, until he was able to escape. After a brief visit to Rome he returned to France, where he became a chaplain for a noble family.

He then began preaching in missionary style throughout the area, specifically in poverty-stricken regions.  He helped all in spite of age, race, or creed.  His only desire was to help the poor with their basic needs.  He formed an order for men (Congregation of the Mission, or the "Vincentians") and later for women (Daughters of Charity) to assist in this mission.

He died at the age of 80 in 1660.  He was canonized in 1737.  He was renowned for his compassion, humility, and generosity and is known as the "Great Apostle of Charity".  His mission continues today in most Catholic parishes under a group given his name...the St. Vincent de Paul Society.