Rose Cable Honored with Rosalie Rendu Award

Rosalie Rendu was a Daughter of Charity who was instrumental in helping Frederic Ozanam and his friends reach the poor, while they were working on the formation of what we know today as the St. Vincent de Paul Society. The conference of St. Catherine of Siena Parish nominated Rose Cable for this award, which was presented to her at the St. Vincent de Paul Contra Costa District Council 55th Anniversary Celebration on Saturday, June 29, 2019. Her fellow conference members submitted the following nomination to the District Council.

Rose has been an active member of the St. Vincent de Paul Society for 20 years. Beginning her ministry alongside her husband Ken, Rose is to this day a committed Vincentian. Rose and her husband Ken, were invited to join the conference at St. Catherine of Siena by the Pastor, Fr. Leo Asuncion. Joining the group, the Cables soon became the go-to couple for many needs. Working together with other local groups, they started picking up bread at Safeway every week and joined the Vincentians in serving at Loaves and Fishes in Martinez on the 3rd Thursday of every month. Rose was known for her thriftful shopping ability, working to improve the quality and quantity of the grocery bags given to our neighbors each week. When the St. Catherine of Siena conference entered into a partnership with the Contra Costa/Solano Foodbank, Ken and Rose took on the responsibility weekly. They cooperated in all the training and workshops to be the best clients possible. Weekly, Rose and Ken would place an order with the Foodbank, and every Tuesday (rain or shine) they would go the distribution center and pack Ken’s car to the hilt, as they wanted the best for our neighbors. Though Ken passed away a few years ago, Rose continues to help other Vincentians now working with the Foodbank with direction and guidance when needed. When Rose learned that we could raise money for the Food Pantry through the nationally sponsored Friends of the Poor walk, she took up the pledge sheets and hit the ground running. Every year since 2014 Rose has walked for our Conference. Ken was there to support Rose the first two years and walked with her despite his cancer diagnosis, just a few weeks before he died. Rose garners the support of the parishioners in our Parish and brings along her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren to walk with her since Ken passed away. Every year Rose raises just a little bit more than the year before, ensuring at least $1,000 dollars for our Food Pantry. At the age of 86, Rose faithfully shows up to serve our neighbors every Saturday morning at 8:30 AM, volunteers every Thursday at Loaves and Fishes, coordinating our Vincentians to serve every third Thursday, and actively supports all charisms of the Society. Rose’s dedication to this ministry has endeared her to our neighbors that we serve. Last Christmas, the holiday distribution was on Rose’s birthday. Rose joyfully came and served our neighbors, many of them bringing her cards, and all joined in singing her Happy Birthday. Rose serves because she can’t help but feel love and mercy for each of our neighbors. Rose is a modern-day Rosalie Rendu and we hope to honor her for her service and ministry.

Once again, this year, Rose is planning to walk the Friends of the Poor Walk, on Saturday, September 28th at St. Agnes in Concord to raise money for our Food Pantry. All are welcome to share their moral or monetary support. You are also encouraged to come out to the walk and enjoy comradery and fellowship with many Vincentians. For more information call the St. Vincent de Paul contact, Karen Glen, at 925-788-7716