Voice of the Poor

"I was hungry, and you formed a discussion group to discuss my hunger.
I was imprisoned, and you quietly crept off to your chapel and prayed for my release.
I was naked, and in your mind you debated the morality of my appearance.
I was sick, and you knelt and thanked God for your health.
I was homeless, and you preached to me of the spiritual shelter of the love of God.
I was lonely, and you left me alone to pray for me.
You seem so holy, so close to God.
But I am still very hungry – very lonely – and cold."

(Written by a homeless woman who turned to the church for help and received none)
- Ladies of Charity, Sevicette, Jan-Feb 1996

In the spirit of Christian love and justice, the Voice of the Poor Committee upholds Catholic values by researching, validating, documenting, advocating, and promulgating issues related to the condition of the poor and disenfranchised for the purpose of helping Vincentians to live their faith by acting knowledgeably and credibly as a unified body speaking with one voice for the purpose of building up the Kingdom of God.

If we love Christ, we must love and serve His poor. Jesus asks that our love for Him extend beyond merely being affected by seeing people in wretched conditions. We are asked to act by taking steps to create positive and effective change. St. Vincent emphasized this when he said that love for the poor must be both “affective and effective.”

In Jesus’ prayer, “Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven,” we are called to action to bring God’s Kingdom to earth. For Vincent and Frederic, action on behalf of justice, and participation in the transformation of the world, were integral elements in living the gospel message because the good news proclaimed by Jesus is only effective if the works of justice, love, and peace are included.

For the reality of poverty that exists within the United States, click here.

Sometimes we think of Charity and Justice as two distinct “virtues”. However, an examination of the treatment of justice and charity found in Sacred Scripture, the great theologians of the Church, Papal documents and Councils reveals a vital link between the demands of Justice and the boundaries of Charity.

Justice and charity are core values of the
Society of St. Vincent de Paul:
St. Vincent teaches
“That charity is not charity if unaccompanied by justice.”

Blessed Frederic says
“The whole order of society is based on justice and charity. The Society is concerned not only with the alleviation of poverty but with the eradication of its causes.”

As Vincentians we must speak for those who cannot do so themselves, shaping public policy so the very weakest in our society may be protected. Please familiarize yourself with the critical issues below and contact your political representatives immediately. May the words of the poor and underprivileged find voice on your lips.

Critical Updates
Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act [MS Word]

Legislative Contacts
Texas Congressional Delegation [MS Word]

Become the Council’s VOP Committee Coordinator
The Archdiocesan Council is looking for a volunteer to head our VOP efforts for the Galveston-Houston area. We are seeking an individual, experienced in political settings and passionate about public policy, to keep local Vincentians updated and active in local and national politics.

For an overview of possible VOP Coordinator activities and responsibilities, click here.

If you are interested in volunteering for the Voice of the Poor, please contact Wendy Garaghty 713-741-8234

Success of the Archdiocesan VOP
Click here to read about the Archdiocese’s faithful mission to lobby on behalf of disaster survivors and to ensure that these individuals are not left forgotten or ignored as time fades the memories of destruction.

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul
2403 Holcombe Blvd.
Houston, TX 77021

(713)741-8234
Fax (713)741-3639