Saint Vincent DePaul

This week after trying a new coffee place, Coutume Café, located in the 7^th arrondissement I stumbled upon a garden on Rue de Babylone. Since it was later in the evening this garden was not very crowded, in fact there were probably less than 15 people in it. This garden, Jardin Catherine-Labouré, while small in comparison to the more frequented Jardin du Luxembourg or Jardin des Tuileries was a relaxing place to spend some time it. After reading the description of the garden near the entrance I found out that this garden is located in the spot of an old convent where Saint Catherine-Labouré spent some time in the mid 1800s. She was part of a community called the Daughters of Charity which was founded by Saint Vincent DePaul and Saint Louise de Marillac in 1633. This organization served the poor and those who were sick in the community. They established soup kitchens, founded schools for underprivileged children, taught children how to read and did many other charitable things.

I think it’s interesting and profound to see the impact that Saint Vincent DePaul had on this city. Being a student at DePaul I of course learned about DePaul and his outreach in Paris and his works of generosity and compassion. However by being here in Paris it really strikes you how prevalent he was in this city through the constant reminders of him at monuments and the like. Just by wandering around in Paris, I have come across so many places that have a connection to DePaul such as this garden as well as many churches that pay homage to him with statues and plaques such as inside the Saint-Sulpice church. 

By learning about the Vincentian identity and values at DePaul as well as participating in service events I have gained a sense of community with others at DePaul and the surrounding area. I think it is because of the experience I have had at DePaul why these monuments have a greater sense of meaning to me since I can see how the community in Paris has been positively impacted by DePaul just like in Chicago. Through our connection to DePaul, these places are of great significance for me at least since we know the global impact he has had in the world through his mission.