A Saint who died on Christmas Day in a homeless shelter

There are many homeless on our streets these days.  Some for the making of their own choice, some for reasons they cannot avoid, and some out of addictions that have enslaved them.

I’ve always thought as I encountered over the years homeless individuals, what the reasons are for being homeless; wondering whose son or daughter they might be, mother, father, uncle, aunt, grandmother, or grandfather, and whether they missed.  I’ve made it a point to help whenever I can in certain ways, while sometimes, avoiding them, sad but true.  Although the latter is far and few in between, I know that they are human beings, whatever their reason may be for being homeless.  Having had a time of my own when being homeless was too close for comfort, I see things differently.

In 1916, on December 25, Christmas Day, a man who established a shelter felt a call by God to serve the unfortunate in his local community.  This man, who was declared a saint by St. John Paul II on November 12, 1998, was St. Albert Chmielowski who served the poor and the homeless, also living with them where he died.  What struck me most deeply about the history of this man was that he referred to those poor whom he served as his brothers, not strangers, but brothers.  St. Albert stated that poverty can be overcome by seeing God’s image in the individual. 

I took that and I now encounter the homeless in different ways. Yes, some choose to be where they are, but I have no way of knowing their history, their hearts, or their background.  What I do know is that if I can help in some way to provide a meal, some clothing, a friendly smile, or a few pennies, I will. St. Albert was born into a new life while in a poor homeless shelter spending his last moments with his brothers, the poor.

In the recent project “Unsheltered” by BizCatalyst 360°, I couldn’t help but once again come face to face with the homeless, those who have escaped it, and learn more about the need to provide without judgment.