Open reflections in the Year of Vincentian Collaboration (6)
6. The pastoral relationship with the laity in the Vincentian family. It’s time for the laity to set their clocks to the correct time. The idea may seem new, but it is part of our Vincentian cultural heritage and also of the Church in general, at least since Vatican...
Discovering God in Silence
Discovering God in Silence - God Gives Hope – Roll up Your Sleeves – Vincentian Leader a Servant Vincentian Day of Prayer and Fast – Tuesday, June 7, 2016 Discovering God in Silence - I know I write about this often. I just believe it is the best place to be for...
St. Louise received the Light of Pentecost (her “Lumière” Experience)
On the feast of Pentecost, June 4, 1623, Louise, while at prayer, had a vision in which she saw herself serving the poor and living the evangelical counsels in community. She wrote this “lumière”, or Pentecost experience, on parchment and carried it with her as a reminder that despite her difficulties, God was guiding her life.
Mater Dolorosa: Keeping Company with Mary near the Cross
Many English-speaking Catholics of a certain age, will recall the Stabat Mater hymn (“At the cross her station keeping”) that was so much a part of the praying of the “Stations of the Cross” during the Lenten season: At the Cross her station keeping, stood the...
The Charity of Christ #famvin400
The charity of Christ urges me. A while ago, I wrote an editorial on women and the celebration of the 400th anniversary of the charism. After reading this article on .famvin about the role of women in the enfleshment of the charism of Charity some 400 years ago, two...
How St. Vincent went from retail to wholesale
The story of the impact of one of Vincent early sermons is well known in Vincentian circles, especially among the Ladies of Charity. Indeed, it is their “foundation story.” Four hundred years later that story is still being told. But it is a story with even wider...
Association of the Miraculous Medal
In order to spread devotion to Mary as Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal, an Association was formed shortly after the first medals were distributed in 1832. Gradually, other associations were established elsewhere in the world. It was not until 1905 that Pope Saint Pius X officially recognized the associations.
At the Door of Mercy #IamVincent
Church of Saint Laurent (Paris), May 7, 2016. A poor man sleeps at the gates of St. Lawrence church, in Paris. It's 9 am, several hours have passed since the city has already begun its busy day. In the photo, a dirty and tatty temple with rehabilitation underway. At...
Partnership: Electric Ireland and SVP Ireland
Electric Ireland's partnership with the SVP Ireland has produced a treasure called "What Do You See - Introducing Young SVP's '17 Under 17'." It warrants reproducing in its entirety. Following the release of #WhatDoYouSee, a cutting edge short film, we’ve identified...
Mary in our Midst
In college, I had one course in Art Appreciation. Since my own background for understanding art left much to be desired, this course proved valuable. One remark remains with me: Once an artist finishes a work, he has lost control over it; now it belongs to the...
