Editorial
 
Live the Gospel

"It was nearing 4 O'clock. The face was turning pale. All realised that death was approaching. The saint opened his mouth to say the sacred name of Jesus. At the moment he uttered that name, the pure soul of the saint winged its flight to the presence of God. On Monday, 27th September 1660, St. Vincent de Paul left this world. A particular radiance shone on his face after he passed away. A remarkable beauty and glory settled on his lips. The saint was 84 years old when he died." The above-mentioned lines are quoted from the account of St Vincent de Paul's death in the book, "Vincent de Paul" written by Fr Mathew Kachappilly VC.

On 27th September is the feast of St Vincent de Paul who blazed a trail in the field of evangelisation. He came forward to accept the mandate of Jesus who began preaching the good news, quoting the words of Isaiah, "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me. He has anointed me to preach to the poor" (Is 61:1-3). When St Vincent went to the poor in 17th century France to preach the word of God in a language intelligible to them, that was a new beginning - a re-presentation of the evangelisation that Jesus undertook.

The Vincentian Congregation established in the name of St Vincent in order to continue his work, is engaged in this field through the preaching of various kinds of retreats, specially the Popular Mission Retreats and through the publication of the magazine Vachanolsavam .

Jesus exhorts us, "Go into all the world and proclaim the good news to the whole creation"(Mk 16:15). His words, "I am with you always, to the end of the age" (Mt 28:20), remind us of the truth that he is with us who accept this exhortation.

The life of St Vincent who, united with Jesus, and strengthened with his power, proclaimed his gospel and witnessed to it, became highly pleasing to God. Thus he was raised to the honours of the altar. Let us also like him be united with Jesus, imbibe his power and become witnesses to the Gospel. Let this be the greatest honour and reverence we can accord to St Vincent on his feast day! May the good God bless all of us through his intercession! Greetings to all the readers and well-wishers of Vachanolsavam on the feast of St Vincent!
 

-Editor