Message From the Director
Dear Friends of Our Lady of Angels,
On September 27th, we celebrate the Feast of St. Vincent de Paul. I want to share some thoughts on this Saint whose Congregation, the Vincentian Fathers, I am a member.
First, St. Vincent was a living testament to compassion, humility and service. From his humble beginnings in rural France to his tireless work among the poor, the enslaved and forgotten, reminds us that true greatness lies in how we uplift others. His founding of the Congregation of the Mission, the Vincentian Fathers, and the Daughters of Charity, continues to inspire countless acts of charity across the globe.
Let us honor his memory with prayers and actions. St. Vincent reminds us that even if our service can only be a presence to others, that mere presence will touch hearts.
May this Feast rekindle our commitment to charity and remind us that even the smallest act of kindness can ripple outward in ways that we may never fully see.
In St. Vincent de Paul,
Fr. Michael J. Carroll, C.M.
Executive Director
A Vincentian View: A Simple Visit
I have been blessed with the privilege of visiting the Marian shrines at Lourdes and Knock several times. I have spent some hours in those special places of prayer. Opportunity has not led me to any of the other frequently mentioned sites such as Guadalupe or Fatima or Medjugorje. Each of these holy places has significant size and reputation.
However, because I lived in Paris for some years, I have visited our own Chapel of the Miraculous Medal hundreds of times. Less than two weeks ago, I was there for some conferences to the Daughters of Charity. Spending time in the comparatively small chapel and watching the variety of people who come and go is an enlightening and uplifting experience.
I think that word “simple” captures my appreciation of the Blessed Mother’s presence in this place and in our Vincentian spirit.
In Paris, if one walks up the rue du Bac from the rue de Sèvres, the Bon Marché, an enormous Parisian department store, dominates both sides of the street. On the left-hand side, just after one passes the end of the store is a large (forgive me) “garage” door much like many others in the area. This entrance leads to the Miraculous Medal Chapel! During the day, it remains wide open and welcomes all comers. On both sides of the door, plaques on the wall acknowledge the presence of the Chapel, but there is really nothing extraordinary—unless one looks upward some distance and sees the modest statue of the Blessed Mother holding the child Jesus which rests in an alcove of the wall. Perhaps the most noticeable attraction at the entrance are the men and women who stand on both sides of the door seeking alms all day long.
And so, a simple entrance leading to a simple Chapel. And, I mean “simple” in the best sense of the word. One that Vincent would celebrate for its reliance on truth. Once one enters the church proper, there is no noise. Tours are not permitted, and people do not wander around with cameras taking pictures ceaselessly. In the area outside the building, numerous Daughters of Charity who speak multiple languages explain the significance of the Chapel and its symbols. Within the Chapel, people enter and look and sit or kneel and absorb the atmosphere of a holy place. Their private reflection and prayer show a proper deference.
One might say a lot of things about this Chapel, but one may be of particular interest. At the end of mass, when people might be expected to turn and head for the exits, in the Chapel one notices how many people make their way forward to the altar rail. On July 18, 1830, when the Blessed Mother first appeared to Sister Catherine Labouré in this place, she told her:
“Come to the foot of this altar. Here, graces will be given to all who ask for them with confidence and fervor.”
In a later apparition on November 27, 1830, Catherine saw rays of light streaming from the Blessed Mother’s open hands, and was taught:
“These rays are a symbol of the graces that I pour out on those who ask them of me.”
In the Chapel of the Miraculous Medal, believers take Mary at her word and seek those graces.
One need not go to Paris to claim the promises of the Blessed Mother or to celebrate the gift of the Miraculous Medal. But, there is something special about this simple Chapel. In this place, Mary really was present and made promises for our growth and holiness. We continue to seek her blessing upon our Vincentian family and our world.
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