Seeds of Future Systemic Changes?
Seeds of future systemic changes….Father Gregory Gay, during his twelve years as Superior General, consistently invited us to think beyond what we were accustomed to, especially in terms of collaboration for systemic change. Here are the questions that he presented in...
Humble before God because Truth Demands It
Jesus is the definitive divine word that teaches us to be humble. He is also the perfect response of humility to the divine word. Jesus goes to dine at the home of one of the leading Pharisees. Since the Pharisees love places of honor at banquets, one can suppose...
A Special Date and Place for All Followers of Vincent de Paul: August 23, Chatillon
Years before Vincent de Paul founded the Congregation of the Mission or the Daughters of Charity, the Vincentian charism of service began to take its first steps in a small town in eastern France, called Châtillon-les-Dombes (today Châtillon-sur-Chalaronne). Today,...
Your Sins are Forgiven
"Your Sins are forgiven" – The Largest Room! – St. Anthony's Bread – Christian Ways Vincentian Day of Prayer and Fast, Repost from June 2013 “Your Sins are forgiven.” (Luke 36:49) These words of Jesus are so beautiful in our lives. We are forgiven no matter what we...
August 23, 1617: The Journey of the AIC Begins
It was in Châtillon-les-Dombes, a small French village, that St. Vincent created on August 23, 1617 the first of the “Confraternities,” later called “Charities.” This was the nucleus from which stemmed the AIC (known in the United States as Ladies of Charity). Watch...
Rehabilitation with Love
“In this life, we cannot always do great things, but we can do small things with great love.” - Mother Theresa VLM’s moto is to “do one thing, do something.” Ethiopia has previously been stereotyped as a country that has had many problems. Although there may be some...
Vincent Could Tell a Good Story
J. Patrick Murphy, CM writes of Mr. Vincent that he had a feisty temper, was a good mimic, could tell a good story, and was charming to women. He proposes the following Lesson "Know your gifts, strengths and limits - then leverage them." On March 28, 1659, a year and...
August 23: Foundation of the First Confraternity of Charity
The Confraternity of Charity was the first institutional expression of the Vincentian charism– lay leadership for social action. This came about when St. Vincent proposed that the women of the parish in Chatillon-les-Dombes join together for organized charity.
Firm in the Faith
We live the faith in community, sure that the Spirit is with us. This song is in Spanish, but the words follow below. It's well worth a listen. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IxpM9l2IJsY The lyrics of this...
Meanness, Jealousy, Racism: A Bad Mix @GabrielleDoug
The Olympics should be a joyful event. But when jealousy, racism, bullying and meanness get together, it's a bad mix. Her hair, her patriotism -- all objects of criticism. Instead of celebrating with this wonderful young woman, parts of the world -- especially the...
