Fr. Dick’s Spiritual Reflection–9/9/2026
“I could have done more”
I’m in Miami for the Ladies of Charity National Assembly which has as its theme, “Charity and Solidarity. The assembly begins with a day of reflection at the Shrine of Our Lady of Charity. I will focus on why St. Vincent founded this great organization.
Vincent de Paul changed the thinking of a country. He did everything to help the poor and the clergy in France…
He founded the Vincentian Fathers and Brothers in 1625, the Daughters of Charity in 1633 and the Ladies of Charity in 1617.
The Ladies were first. He trusted they would take care of the poor. It is interesting that all three Foundations were 8 years apart. Six and seven are important numbers in scripture but 8? I Tell people if you turn 8 on its side you have the symbol of eternity. Perhaps this was Vincent’s hope.
The Ladies of Charity will have another very successful and rewarding assembly. And we will remember Vincent’s dying words, “I COULD HAVE DONE MORE.”