#MondayMorningMercy — On Monday mornings we typically highlight a positive story from the St. Vincent de Paul community to start your week on a high note. Today we provide a twist on that promise with a story about a moving moment our Chief Development Officer—Shannon Clancy—saw out her window.
"It’s not often that I’m struck speechless. But it happened recently as I looked out my office window while on a phone call. In an ordinary moment, what played out in front of me was extraordinary in its humble simplicity.
A man, one of our guests, was leaving our Ministries to the Homeless with his backpack slung over his shoulder. He likely had just received a shower and new clothes, maybe even had a chance to speak to one of our volunteers during his visit. He passed the statue of Frederic Ozanam, the founder of St. Vincent de Paul who stands with an outstretched hand in front of our building to welcome our guests, and started to walk across the parking lot. Stopping suddenly, he turned around, went back to the statue and reached out his own hand to cover Frederic’s hand. He paused a moment with his head bowed as if in prayer. Then, he resumed his journey across the parking lot and back into the community.
There is a quote I heard many years ago that entered my mind in the moments after he left: “I give thanks for the glimpses of God that I have been privileged to catch.”
These moments are many at St. Vincent de Paul and so very special. Yet we know that they are only possible because of the generosity of our supporters who allow us to continue Frederic’s mission of love with outstretched hands and a warm embrace to our neighbors in need.
This week, at St. Vincent de Paul, we wish you ordinary moments of quiet and peace that allow you to reflect on the blessings in your own life and the people who make them possible.
Thank you for partnering with us in this special mission."
—Shannon Clancy, Chief Development Officer
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Stories like this don’t happen without the support of people like you. You really do have the power to Feed. Clothe. House. Heal. our neighbors in need. Contribute to the cause by donating, volunteering, or learning more.
