Every Saturday morning, I join a few volunteers at the St. Vincent de Paul Association of the St. Etienne du Mont parish in Paris, France, to prepare breakfast for the homeless.

A few volunteers who work with the homeless have shared their stories with us.

Marianne

“We welcome the homeless, and I find them to be extremely kind—and even well-mannered. It’s true that they’re the ones being welcomed, but sometimes I find them welcoming too. They have extraordinary stories… when I don’t come… I tell myself I want to come back… I’m getting a little hooked. ”

Anne

“It means a lot to me. It’s a way for me to live out my faith; I’m sort of the link, I’m a little arm of Christ, and we bring them the light.”

Florian

“I chose to volunteer on Saturday mornings at the parish to be with others, especially those most in need. It means a lot to me, especially since I used to have a hard time reaching out to others. This weekly volunteer work allows me to connect and share with others, to reach out to them, and above all, to live out the words of the Gospel.”

Anonymous

“I love coming here to be close to people in need. When I see the joy on their faces, it makes me want to come and spend some quality time with them. Personally, it brings me joy to see them happy at breakfast. All of this helps me grow closer to God and live out my faith.”

As the Gospel says: “Truly I tell you, whenever you did this for one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you did it for me.” (Matthew 25:40)

Sr. Ruthina Francis, Daughters of Jesus

Paris, France