The purpose of this article is to analyse the Vincentian charism from a bioethical perspective. This perspective refers to the ethical approach to the analysis and resolution of dilemmas in the field of biology, medicine and health sciences. Although the term “bioethics” does not appear explicitly in the Vincentian corpus, nevertheless, a remarkable similarity can be glimpsed between the two realities: bioethics and the Vincentian charism. Both share an interest in offering clear and concrete answers to the challenges of today’s world.

In our opinion, a bioethical look at the Vincentian charism is relevant and topical, as it can help the heirs of the Vincentian legacy to: Make informed ethical decisions. Understand and respond to new ethical challenges. Promote a culture of respect for life and human dignity. Connect with others interested in ethical issues.

A bioethical perspective is fundamental for a correct understanding of the Vincentian charism, a gift given by God to St. Vincent de Paul to serve the poor and needy. This analysis aims to show how Vincentians should better understand and live the Vincentian charism today.

The Vincentian charism, as a “response to the call of the poor Christ among the impoverished”, is centred on the experience and teachings of St. Vincent de Paul, who stressed the importance of prayer, action and service to the poor as manifestations of God’s love.

All issues such as human dignity, social justice, peace, care for the sick, the imprisoned and the poor are core values of both the Vincentian charism and bioethics. Therefore, a bioethical approach could bring a new perspective to the Vincentian charism.

Indeed, one cannot speak of the origin of bioethics without considering Van Rensselaer Potter (1911-2001), researcher and professor in the field of oncology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in the United States. Dutch gynaecologist André Hellegers (1926-1979), a specialist in the physiology of the foetus and professor at Georgetown University in the United States, and Hans Jonas, a German philosopher. Their contributions were fundamental to the development of bioethics as we know it today.

Bioethics is no longer limited only to medical ethics as some claimed, but includes social, environmental and global issues in health and life sciences[1] . From this definition, it is concluded that bioethics is concerned with moral issues that arise in clinical practice, scientific research and health policy-making. It covers a variety of issues, such as: Fundamental ethical principles: autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence and justice; Informed consent; Justice in the distribution of resources; Ethical research; End-of-life issues and Emerging technologies.

In fact, the fundamental principles and various themes covered by bioethics have been applied in the Vincentian charism. In fact, they are present in the Vincentian charism. In his service, St. Vincent valued and respected each poor person in his dignity and autonomy (cf. VII, 90). He always sought their good, avoiding harm. He always promoted actions that would benefit the most needy. As chaplain-lamplain at the court of Queen Margot (1610-1611), he devoted himself to distributing the Queen’s alms to the poor. His vision of social justice was clear. For this reason, he distributed everything fairly (cf. II, 48). She defended the “Rights of Man” proclaimed by the French Revolution, taking in abandoned children (cf. VI, 285), offering soup to the poor, distributing food, visiting and helping financially the Charity Hospital (cf. X, 25-26), welcoming refugees, building homes for the elderly, hospices and creating schools.

Compassion and care are central themes of the Vincentian charism. Vincent was a man of compassion and sensitivity to the plight of the most vulnerable of his time. He had a special care for the sick. In his mind and in his life, the sick poor always retained priority and predilection (cf. X,578).

Considering the origin of the Vincentian charism, many Vincentians will agree with me that this charism was born in a bioethical context confronted by poverty and social indifference that in a certain sense worsened the quality of life of the poorest and most vulnerable. From a Vincentian perspective, bioethics becomes indispensable, as it reinforces Vincentian actions that liberate and restore the dignity of the human being. Bioethics can also help Vincentians to have a provocative and ethical look at the different problems of our time. We are called to read today’s reality in a Vincentian bioethical key.

Of course, we Vincentians are called to have a bioethical outlook. That is to say, we are concerned about the development of our bioethical formation. Our presence in hospitals, in social works, in the integral education of the person, in projects on suicide, gender violence, addictions, etc. demand a bioethical perspective.

This reflection invites us to unite the bioethical perspective and the pillars of the Vincentian charism. A well-understood bioethics can make a convincing contribution to the Vincentian face today. Therefore, the integration of bioethics in the Vincentian way of life must be a priority. Every member of the Vincentian family should take on bioethical formation as a personal and professional commitment

In short: the Vincentian charism and bioethics can complement and enrich each other, promoting a more just and compassionate society. They can also complement each other and contribute to a more humane and just vision of health and social care. It is an opportunity to reflect on how Vincentian values can influence medical ethics and how bioethics can bring a moral perspective to the Vincentian mission

By Jean Rolex, CM

[1] REICH, W.T. (1995): Encyclopedia of Bioethics. MacMillan, New York.