Abstract
In a time when there is an increasing gap between appearances and reality, the Vincentian virtue of simplicity—having one’s inner values and motivations match one’s outer behavior—is ever more essential. Vincent de Paul exemplified simplicity. He said it was a virtue of God and Jesus and that it was impossible to serve poor persons effectively without it. Elizabeth Seton also sought and exhibited a genuine presence in her relationships, both in her personal life and with those she served. As both saints demonstrated, simplicity is necessary for leadership. Authority is derived from faith that a leader truly is the person he or she professes to be.
Recommended Citation
McKenna, Thomas C.M., S.T.D.
(2005)
"Vincentian Simplicity: A Core Leadership Trait,"
Vincentian Heritage Journal: Vol. 26:
Iss.
1, Article 6.
Available at:
https://via.library.depaul.edu/vhj/vol26/iss1/6
