From its inception, visitation of the poor and needy in their homes has been the prototypical Vincentian activity, the very hallmark of the Society. When Frederic Ozanam and his compatriots determined to counter the sophistry and seductive claims of St. Simonism (a variation of secular humanism), they sought out Sr. Rosalie Rendu. She was a member of the Daughters of Charity, renowned for her holiness, charity and wisdom in helping the poor. It was she who instructed the initial Conference of Charity in the profundity of visiting the poor in their homes. She certainly had a profound effect on the conference and launched them on a world-wide activity that would last until today. Indeed, by the time of Ozanam’s death, the Society of Saint. Vincent de Paul, as it was now known, was visiting over one third of the poor in Paris. In the Circular- letter of 1841, Emmanuel Bailly, the first President-General of the Society, writes “I cannot conclude this letter without this most earnest request: never neglect visiting the poor in their homes. The visiting of the poor in their dismal homes is the distinctive character of the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul.”

A great deal has changed since that letter was written; improvements in social welfare and government assistance have done much to alleviate the grinding poverty seen by Ozanam. However, Jesus warned us that poverty would always exist and, as the saying goes, the more things change the more they stay the same. The past two decades have seen increasing disparity in economic levels in our society with the rich getting richer and the poor getting food banks, alienation and indifference. Thus visitation remains an important Vincentian activity, and is the normal point of contact between the poor and Vincentians.

During visitations we carry a heavy burden, because we represent the Society and our faith. Just as we are there to gather information and assess need, we too are being assessed and judged for the sincerity of our intention and the authenticity of our faith. Our aim is to bring the healing presence and power of Christ. The following dispositions will help us carry out this sacred task.

Compassion and Understanding: An essential part of this is a willingness to listen to those we visit. Resist the urge to judge or react in any way that wounds their dignity as human beings, or as brothers and sisters in Christ. Our attitude to those we visit will largely determine their attitude towards us. A smile and positive disposition will help them relax, lessen their embarrassment and assist them to be receptive to our guidance.

Acceptance: We must accept people as they really are, and have a sincere interest in people as individuals. We will not seek to change individuals, but seek to change the environments in which individuals find themselves. Acceptance means trying to understand the problem from the person’s point of view. Remember! God does not make junk.

Encouragement: Although we may come across situations that, from human terms, seem hopeless, we know all things are possible with God. We should share this optimism in our visits and encourage them in their efforts to help themselves. We should not become discouraged or allow others to do so. Discouragement is recognized as a sign of spiritual pride. A Vincentian with a sad face or irritable disposition is a countersign to our faith and will not be helpful.

Availability: We should be available to those in need. We cannot always control when someone needs help; therefore an essential part of a Vincentian attitude is the willingness to be disturbed. If a poor call is a genuine emergency, then an unnecessary delay will involve additional suffering. While there may be times that we simply cannot respond, we should never put our convenience ahead of the needs of the poor. Availability also means that we go out to our visits to the poor in pairs. This has been the accepted wisdom in the Society since its founding, and for reasons of safety, security and propriety it makes more sense than ever today. As much as possible, the visitation team should consist of a man and a woman.

In 1848, Ozanam wrote, “Above all, do not put down the poor. It is not appropriate to ask workers if they go out drinking, but whether their children go to school. Let us talk to them about their own interests, then their affections, and then their duties. Let us find in our own experience a good piece of advice in order to improve their poor accommodation. Let us be patient and wait for their questions and openings that will come if they find we are good and will listen to them.”

These words resonate with as much relevance today as they did then!

Joseph Taylor, April 12, 2002
Executive Director of Toronto Central Council