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...
Past and Present, Living Through One Another
Past and Present, Living Through One Another (I John 4:7-16) At a Eucharist honoring the deceased members of the Vincentian Family, I picked up on a verse from the first reading (1 John 4:9). It starts out with the question, “How was God’s love shown to us?” It...
Prayer and Action: A Systemic Change Reflection
Prayer and Action go together for Vincentians. There cannot be one without the other. “I have been driven many times upon my knees by the overwhelming conviction that I had nowhere else to go. My own wisdom and that of all about me seemed insufficient…” Abraham...
Salvation for Jews and for Gentiles of Every Language
Through the tender mercy of God, Jesus visits us to guide our feet into the way of salvation. Someone asks Jesus, “Will only a few be saved?” The question suggests that the one who asks is worried about salvation. It is possible, however, that he is self-righteous. ...
Mary, Faithful Follower of Jesus
The Gospel-writers present the Virgin with features that can enliven our devotion to Mary, Jesus’ Mother. This vision helps us to love her, meditate on her, imitate her, pray to her and trust in her with a new and evangelical spirit. Mary is the great believer. The...
