“St. Vincent De Paul,” a Poem, 1862

ST. VINCENT DE PAUL

A hymn to St. Vincent De Paul,

The Apostle of brotherly love!

He cared for the great and the small,

As sons of one Father above.

He taught men in luxury’s dome,

The wisdom that feareth the Lord;

He taught men in poverty’s dome,

That patience trusts in his word.

From parents by want driven wild,

From bye-ways for crime set apart,

He gathered the shivering child,

And placed it next his warm heart.

From snares but too artfully laid,

By bold men and bad men of earth,

He rescued the innocent maid,

And led her to honor and worth.

The floors of the dungeon he trod,

Mid cries of anguish and spite,

The smile of the servant of God

O’er hearts that were hopeless shed light.

He from the dark river hard by,

Drew back the poor victim of shame;

He bade her look up to the sky,

And hope in the all saving Name.

The Daughters of Vincent De Paul

Went forth on their mission of love,

They are Sisters to each one and all

Who are dear to Our Father above.

Whenever a crime or an ill

Dims the image and likeness Divine,

They are guided by Charity still,

To watch where the wretched decline.

What suffering of fallen mankind

Has Vincent passed by or forgot?

Where failed he with heart and wth mind

To better humanity’s lot?

Then love him, and pray God to send,

Your life may resemble his own;

See in each man a brother, a friend;

Love sinners, and hate sin alone.

Rev. Dr. Cummings, Songs for Catholic Schools and the Catechism in Rhyme (New York: D. & J. Sadlier, 1862), 62-64.