Whenever I have taught the Epistles of Paul or instructed lectors on these texts, I emphasize that one must read these letters as if they were addressed to oneself and to a Christian community gathered to hear them.
Vincentian Family
A Vincentian View: Journeying Together – To Bethlehem
In an earlier post, I noted how the Holy Father’s summons to “synodality” attracts me. His call to “journey together”...
A Vincentian View: Journeying Together – Joseph and Mary
Pope Francis has decided that an emphasis in our Catholic community for the next few years will focus our attention on the concept of “synodality.”
A Vincentian View: In-Between Times
Vincentian View: In-Between Times We sometimes refer to that period which is sandwiched between two events as an “in-between” time. The occurrences which flank this interval often provide its character and purpose. The unifying force of the interlude draws the two...
A Vincentian View: The Smell
Vincentian View: “The Smell” All of us have heard the by-now famous statement of Pope Francis at a Chrism Mass where he told the gathered priests “Be shepherds with the smell of the sheep.” To render “smell” as “scent” compromises the intent. The earthy...
A Vincentian View: Promises
Vincentian View: “Promises” I have been thinking about promises. On Easter Sunday, I joined with a Christian community in renewing my baptismal promises. I am sure that many of you did as well. I rejected Satan and his empty promises, and I confessed my belief in...
A Vincentian View: Peace Be With You
Vincentian View: “Peace be with you” If you have gotten messages from me, you will see that I most often finish my notes with “Peace” or “Peace in the Risen Lord” or some such variation on “peace.” Many people may feel that it is a left over from my hippie-days and...
A Vincentian View: “Your Paul”
Vincentian View: “Your Paul” At different times, many of us have probably considered the difference between: (a) reading a story and then seeing the movie; and (b) seeing the movie and then reading the story. I am sure that I saw the Sherlock Holmes movies before I...
A Vincentian View: The Power of Gentleness
Vincentian View: “The Power of Gentleness” Do you remember Aesop’s fable about the contest between the sun and the wind? They were arguing about who was stronger. They saw a man walking along the road and agreed that whoever could get the coat off his back was...
A Vincentian View: Founder’s Week
Vincentian View: "Founder's Week" In my day job, I am the Executive Director of the Vincentian Center for Church and Society (VCCS) at St. John’s University. That sounds pretty impressive and it does fill up a business card. In my office, I have a terrific Executive...
A Vincentian View: “Give me your tired, your poor”
Vincentian View: "Give me your tired, your poor" When I was in grade school, I memorized lots of material for different subjects. This included much of the Baltimore Catechism. One recalled poem has been making an appearance in my mind more frequently in these...
Letter from Fr. Tomaž Mavrič, C.M. to the Leaders of the Vincentian Family
On February 1, 2018, the Superior General of the Congregation of the Mission, Father Tomaž Mavrič, CM, 25th Successor of Saint Vincent de Paul, sent a letter to the Superiors and Leaders of the Vincentian branches, as well as to the national councils and regional...
