“Extend your mercy toward others, so that there can be no one in need whom you meet without helping.”
-Saint Vincent de Paul
The quote above from Saint Vincent de Paul beautifully describes the heart of the Vincentian charism – to reach out to the poor, lonely, and abandoned, and evangelize the least of God’s people.
When the Vincentians first arrived in the United States in the year 1816, there were only 19 States, and Abraham Lincoln was just seven years old. Within a year of their arrival, the Vincentian pioneers made their way west to Bardstown, Kentucky, and by 1818, they established their permanent home right here in Perryville, Missouri.
Today, we Vincentians celebrate 200 years in America, and our apostolate, your very own Association of the Miraculous Medal, celebrates its first 100 years!
On the historic occasion of these two anniversaries, I invite you to join me in seeking Mary’s holy intercession in a very special way.
Beginning May 14, and continuing through May 24, members of our Lady’s Association will make a pilgrimage to France and Switzerland where they will visit the chapel of our Lady’s apparitions to Saint Catherine Labouré on rue du Bac in Paris in the year 1830. The pilgrims will also visit and celebrate Mass at the Chapel of the Vincentian Motherhouse where the remains of our founder, Saint Vincent de Paul, are enshrined.
We invite you to join us in spirit during this incredible journey by sending us your intentions to be remembered at each mass during the pilgrimage. You may also wish to burn a votive light.
As a way of spiritually supporting the pilgrims on their journey, I also invite you to pledge the recitation of a rosary on Wednesday, May 16, the same date that the pilgrims will be praying for you and your special intentions at the chapel where our Lady appeared to Saint Catherine Labouré. Just think how much this will please our Lady to hear us all praying together, for each other!
Thank you so very much for your ongoing prayers and for your support of our Lady’s Association as we celebrate together 100 years! Your contribution is helping to bring hearts to Jesus through his and our Blessed Mother. May Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal lead you and your loved ones into the mercy and grace of our Lord.
Sincerely yours in Jesus and Mary,
Fr.Kevin McCracken, C.M.
Spiritual Director
P.S. Request one or more of our pilgrimage souvenir gifts. All gifts requested will be taken on the pilgrimage and blessed at the Chapel of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal in Paris, France. As soon as we return from our journey, your gift(s) will be mailed to you.