By McLean Casey
Throughout my short time at DePaul University, I have learned the importance of not only service to the school community itself but also service to the greater Chicago community and the country as a whole. DePaul University prides itself on its commitment to service. This is because of the dedication to service that our school’s namesake and role model lived throughout his life and left with every order of Vincentian men and women around the world.
St. Vincent de Paul famously said “Love is inventive, even to infinity.” His wisdom reminds us that we must–because it really is possible to–show each other love, respect, and dignity in every aspect of our daily lives, and especially toward those who are less fortunate than ourselves. If we follow through on our mission to live this teaching of showing love to our less fortunate brothers and sisters through service, we are truly living as the Vincentian disciples Jesus is calling us to be.
St. Vincent de Paul’s favorite scripture passage is Luke 4:18: “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom from the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free”. This passage inspires me to want to live out the legacy of St. Vincent de Paul, to live in the heart of Jesus Christ, without whom the Vincentian Mission would not exist.
