Do-It-Yourself Systems Thinking Exercise
We talk a lot about systemic change. But what about being a systems thinker? Do we have the habits of systems thinking?
Darkness and Black Clouds that Are Menacing
Jesus is the great light that shines on those who dwell in darkness. John is “under pressure.” Although relatively young, he feels death is lurking in the darkness. The executioner can come any time to take the prisoner away. And the darkness of prison and impending...
The Things They Carry
At some point in your life, you have probably been asked the question, "If you were stranded on a desert island, what three things would you bring with you?" Now, imagine it is not a desert island and it is only one thing. And that one thing is what helps carry you...
Be Optimistic – Vincentian Spirituality
Be Optimistic - Vincentian Spirituality - I believe... - Advent First Week Vincentian Day of Prayer and Fast Be Optimistic The Christmas ideal is different. Yes, take care of your health. But understand how important it is and central to the Christmas message, to be...
Sisters of Charity Renew Their Vows This Week
December 8, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, is the traditional day on which Sisters of Charity reaffirm their vows.
A Time to Wait for God’s Coming
St. Luke, in his Gospel, before writing about the birth of Jesus, speaks about the coming of God in the life of Zechariah and Elizabeth (Lk1:5-24). Both of them were righteous before God, living blamelessly according to all the commandments of the Lord. But still...
Vincentians Confronting Racism
Racism rears its ugly head whenever Vincentians are silent. Vincentians of.... Wherever. In the United States -- In England, India, Ireland, Australia -- racism is still a problem. Allies of the poor must speak against racism and counter it in all its forms. In an oft...
Father Vincent Taught Us That! • “Contributions” #8
This is the eighth of a series of formation packages meant for individual or group study which was introduced in “The Contributions of the Vincentian Charism to the Mission of the Church: A Formation Journey.” In that article, we also suggested a “Lesson Plan” for use...
Thanksgiving Meal – Dividing? Transforming?
Judging from internet posts, many people experienced political indigestion as they celebrated the traditional American Thanksgiving meal. This stands in stark contrast to the experience of another meal of thanksgiving described in the Academy Award winning film. Pope...
Louise de Marillac: Listening and Respecting the Views of the Poor
One of the administrators of the hospital in Nantes, who has been in Paris, “spoke to me about the seasoning of your soup. I believe you should not hesitate to add some cloves to it since it is the custom of the region. Likewise, Sister, since the Fathers of the Poor...