A monthly series in Vincentian Voices where we ask five random questions to an Eastern Province Priest or Brother. This month, we talk with Brother Alfred Smith, CM. In 1955, Brother Al entered the Congregation of the Mission: Vincentians of the Eastern Province and just celebrated his 65th Anniversary of his life in ministry exercising various roles at St. Vincent de Paul Parish in the Germantown community of Philadelphia. “I just celebrated my eighty-seventh birthday. I’ve had a wonderful life. I have had many reasons to celebrate God’s amazing grace. Read more about Brother Al by reading his answers below.
What are you thankful for today?
Today and everyday, I am thankful of being able to serve God and others especially the poor in our community.
What piece of advice would you share with your younger self?
I would take the same path I was able to take many years ago.
One fact about me that might surprise you is…
I worry a lot about making wrong decisions on helping others.
If you could have the power of teleportation right now, where would you go and why?
I have no desire to go any place but right here in the Germantown community and do God’s
What is an easy way to do something nice for someone?
My daily prayer is to do God’s will, serving others in some way each and everyday.