As the Sun Rises

As the first golden threads of the morning stretch out across the sky, our souls are awakened even when the body is still sleeping. We respond to the coming day, and might even say a prayer of thanksgiving without uttering a word. It’s a connection to nature and the One who created all.

Need more reason to celebrate this beautiful day? Ok – did you know that today is the Feast Day of Saint Vincent de Paul? It’s a name synonyms with charitable organizations dedicated to helping the poor. Yet Vincent de Paul did not found the society that bares his name.

Vincent de Paul was born to a peasant family in France in 1580. Although later Vincent would be associated with his tireless work with the poor, he spent his early life attempting to escape his humble roots; seeking instead fame and wealth. Like so many saints, God had other plans. Vincent became a priest at 19, but it would take more than priesthood to truly make him a man of God. Vincent had a charm about him, was intelligent and had a keen sense of humor. Early on in his priesthood he spent the majority of his time using the role of priest to mingle with members of the elite. All of this changed in 1605, when Vincent was returning to France by boat. He had inherited a piece of property from a wealthy patron (this was when Priests received inheritances directly rather than the Church – one of the reasons Martin Luther called for reform within the Church).

While traveling Vincent was captured by pirated and sold into slavery in Northern Africa. During his captivity, he prayed to God that his life would be spared and promised if set free, he would devote the rest of his life to serving the poor. After two years as a slave, Vincent was able to escape and return to France. There he met with his affluent friends and inspired them to organize into groups that would go from house to house requesting donations of furniture, food and clothing from those that had to give to those in need. They were so successful in their efforts that other parishes began to seek Vincent out to help them organize in the same way. It wasn’t long before churches all over France were using the same techniques. The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul; while based on these principles of neighbor helping neighbor, would not be founded until more than 150 years after his death. Vincent died on September 27, 1660 and was recognized as a saint in 1737.

What better way is there to celebrate the beauty of a perfect new day than with a breakfast that is both pleasing to the gaze at as it is to eat? None that I can think of. Give thanks and remember the greatest gift of all is simple to live and to love.

Berry Classic French Toast
8 thick slices Artisen Bread
4 large Eggs
2 Egg Yolks
3/4 cup Half and Half
1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
Cinnamon to taste
Nutmeg to taste
Pinch Salt
1 cup Strawberries
1 cup Blackberries
Sugar, optional
8 tablespoons Butter, divided
Powdered Sugar for dusting

Stack bread, cut in half diagonally. Spread bread slices out on a baking sheet and set aside to dry slightly.

Place 4 whole eggs in a blender. Separate 2 more eggs whites from yolks. Reserve whites for another purpose; add yolks to the blender. Pulse a few times to blend.

Add Half-and-Half, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg and a pinch of salt. Blend well, pour custard into a shallow bowl and set aside.

Clean berries. Hull strawberries, cut in half. Toss berries together in a bowl. If desired sprinkle with a little sugar. Set berries aside.

Heat a griddle or large skillet to medium heat. Melt about 2 tablespoons butter onto the surface. Dip each bread slice into the custard mixture, then place on the hot griddle pan. Fry until golden brown, about 2 minutes. Flip, butter each slice with still on the pan to allow butter to seep into the golden bread.

Remove from griddle to a serving platter or individual plate. Top with berries and a dusting of powdered sugar. The syrup is optional but oh so good. Serve and enjoy.

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Alleluia, alleluia.
Our Savior Jesus Christ destroyed death
and brought life to light through the Gospel.
Alleluia, alleluia.