Stories are so many things. Stories are the way we connect with each other. Sharing stories is how we make sense of life.

Vincentians often gather to reflect on the lessons, sorrows, and miracles that occur in the course of their experiences with people living in poverty.

As Fr. Dennis Holtschneider, CM describes it so well, “Vincentian formation doesn’t begin with a classroom, or a book, or a lecture. The philosophy of Vincentian formation is a “GO-THEN” philosophy.

Go serve them, then come back and talk about it.

Go serve them, then begin to ask what works and what doesn’t work.

Go serve them, then begin to figure out why they (and others like them) are poor in such a wealthy society.

Go serve them, then begin to ask others who serve them how they keep serving over the years.

The best learning happens when it’s grounded in real life and real questions.” By sharing those humorous stories, characters we’ve met, things we’ve done along the way– that’s when we realize that we may have experienced a “Vincentian moment”.

These moments are abundant, and are the primary way that we teach one another and support one another.

In this spirit this week’s installment of Formation Friday draws attention to our sharing of Vincentian stories and resources found on the VinFormation website.

We form each other. Please consider sharing your story.

Holtschneider