Quiet Wonder: Mary, the Mother of God
The Christmas Season is a hectic time. It is also a time of quiet wonder. Amanda Kern writes, Want a four-minute retreat today? Press "play," close your eyes if you like, and imagine what life would be like if we truly listened to and believed in what Mary and Joseph...
Pope Francis and Vincent Speak of Peace in their Worlds
Pope Francis and Vincent speak of peace in their worlds
God is Born Among Debris: A Christmas Reflection
Among the many messages that we share in these Christmas festivities, full of good wishes and hope, there is an image that captivated my heart: a manger set in an environment of debris and destruction. The nativity can be visited in the basilica of Santa Maria Sopra...
Louise de Marillac: The Poor are also in the Cities
“I must tell you, my dear Sisters, what a consolation it is for me to see you living in your cloister on this journey as you did in the streets of Paris. [...] Above all, since those people are not familiar with your poor way of life and your humble dwelling, do not...
Examination of Conscience for Vincentians
The following SlideShare presentation was adapted from a Prayerbook of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Council of Scotland. As we approach the end of the calendar year let us reflect on how we are doing as Vincentians. The reflection was intended for the SSVP but...
How to Build a Wall: A Nativity Story
Love in action is a harsh and dreadful thing compared to love in dreams. Fyodor Dostoevsky, The Brothers Karamazov Three days after Donald Trump won the election, there was an outpouring of love encircling him. It came from a surprising source: a women’s prison. Yes...
A Litany for the World
Although the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord actually brings the Christmas season to an end, people quickly forget its meaning. Here’s a litany called “Now the Work of Christmas Begins” composed by Howard Thurman, an African-American theologian, educator, and civil...
An Annual Examen #IamVincent
The other day, Philip Kosloski invited those in the Jesuit tradition to an annual examen (recalling of God's activity and our response). Vincentians need it, too. Here is how an examen might look for Vincentians: After placing yourself in God’s presence, first give...
A Vincentian View – A Christmas Homily: “Celebrating the Small”
A Vincentian View A Christmas Homily: “Celebrating the Small” Each year before Christmastime in Advent, one of my brothers sends me four tickets to “The Messiah” at Lincoln Center. This gives me an opportunity to see this seasonal show with some of my confreres and...
Sharing on Social: #famvin400 as a Resource
Many people are sharing news of our Family happenings and hopes. But social media can be a quick way of sharing important resources. Yesterday, I discovered a document just sitting around waiting to be downloaded. It's a document for people concerned about welcoming...
