The morning star and Catholic messenger. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1868-1881, 1874-03-29

| immodest, in amusements that are criminal,
they are practicing deeds of modification, and
! leading lives of purity and peace.
While we are forgetful of our duties to God,
| our neghbor, and our own immortal souls,
they are toiling for the sick, the wounded, the
orphan the insane, and offering their youth,
| and health and strength fer tho glory Of the
Eternal Father and the service of his poor.
The browning glory Of st. Vincent's labors,
however, twas the establishment of his Con-
gregation, in 1926, specially devoted to the in
struction of the people, and to training
for the holy ministry those to whom these
same people must one day be confded. The
first house occupied by the Saint and the few
priests who followed him on his missions, was
that of the Bons Enfans but in 1852, he was
induced to accept the larger establishment OF
St. Lazarus-and from this house is derived
the name sometimes applied to the members Of
this order-Lazarists; but Congregation of
the Missions" is the title given by st. Vincent,
and most expressive Of their duties and their
zeal. We who know several members of this
holy order, can we'll perceive how closely they
follow in the footsteps of their illustrious
fonuder, and how carefully they copy the ex-
ample of those first priests who were trained
by his own hand. In regard to the plan OF his
noviciate, nothing extraordinary is prescribed,
"Neither cilice, hair-cloths, iron cinctures nor
disciplines; but in lieu thereof 10 exacted
that which actually costs much more dearly
great detachment from the world, q worry iu-
terror life, q great deal Of humility, mortifica-
ton, watchfulness over self, fidelity to every
duty, and if possible, an inexhaustible fund Of
hot holr rvh tha Ia If
the Lord light and easy.
When rejecting upon the character Of st.
Vincent we are lost in admiration while
feeling of shame thrills all our being, at our
own poor, selfish helplessness.
How he 1abored! There was no work of
charity to which he did not put his hand.
Orphans, old men, galley slaves, sck poor, all
were objects of his loving solicitude. His
principal care was the effecting reform in the
clergy, knowing well that only pure and en-
lightened priesthood can form pure and holy
people.
All France, Great Britain, Italy and Poland
were moved to acts of charity and virtue by
the exertions of a single man and we may
add that the whole world experiences to-day
the benefits of his sublime charity. In lands
most remote, his priests of the mission and his
daughters of charity are laboring for both the
soul and body of their fellow men. Bossuet
styled him "The Saint of his age" He is the
Saint of every age; for as long as flesh
is heir to its many ills, and the soul is burdeued
with it's weight of sin, so long will st. Vim
cents teachings be the joy of earth and the
glory of heaven.
There is one consideration in connection
with the life of this Saint which should
be very consolng to all pious, jealous
women. In all his plans for the relief either
of the soul or of the body, of the suffering
poor, it was womans hand and heart that
helped him in his work. Did he gather up the
poor outcast, the helpless orphan, the destitute
sick; the virtuous Madame lie Gras opened
wide her arms to receive them all, and devoted
her time and talents to their welfare.
Did he found home for all the beggars of
Paris the ladies of that city, the Queen her
self, Ann of Austria, came to his assistance and
placed the glorious enterprise upon a sure and
footing.
Did he need funds to support his missions, |
to erect seminares, to prepare retreats for as
pirants to holy Orders Madame De Gondi be
queathed the sum of sixteen thousand francs |
for the missions, and thus built up new order
of laborers in Gods great vineyard. Did he
call for workers in the general hospital where
nearly every year, thousands of every age, sex,
country and religion are wanting help both
spiritual and temporal, Madame Goussault
placed herself at the head of a band of noble
ladies, and took her post by the bed side of the
sick and dying.
Let woman then look to st. Vincent for In
struction and guidance when her inclination
leads her from the narrow circle Of qniet home
duties and in the places which he will assign |
her, she will find her hOliest sphere and her best
and truess sights. ]