That which we call a rose by any other name would smell just as sweet.”
William Shakespeare

My name Vincent sounds good as it means Victorious . I am not writing under a ‘nom de plume’ .

The Roman name Vincentius is derived from the Latin word vincere which means ‘conquered’ .

This name was used in the Middle Ages and became popular later .

I like to think of two famous people bearing this name : St Vincent de Paul and Norman Vincent Peale

St Vincent always reached out to the poor and needy. His motto was

‘The poor, when viewed with eyes of faith, take the place of Christ and so give us the opportunity to love and serve Jesus. Charity is greater than any rule or pious exercise.’

Thus the Society of Vincent de Paul commenced . It reaches out to the poor in various ways .

Norman Vincent Peale was a Pastor who wrote several books , of which one was ‘The power of Positive Thinking’

He offers a step-by-step, scientifically sound system for turning self-doubt into self-esteem, obstacles into opportunities, and thought into action.

He quotes many verses from the Bible .

I have read a few books written by him and they have helped me a lot. These are self help books which are enlightening.

My name came from my grandfather’s name which was Joaquim Vincent Placidus Mascarenhas. . He was the Physician to the Maharaja of Porbandar . During the epidemic of Influenza at the time of World War II he visited Italy . Unfortunately he and the Maharajah both contracted the illness and passed away . He was buried in Florence .

I never saw him . May his soul rest in peace .