Family of an unusual love
God wants us, who belong to his family now, to love to the end. Interestingly, bêt’āb in Hebrew, literally “the father’s house,” is translated too as “family,” which indicates the patriarchal character of the Hebrew family. But, of course, there is in God no male...
Living in Community || Ministering in Groups
In all the Vincentian Family, we either minister in groups, in communities, or families. On this Feast of the Holy Family, I though I would share some ideas on how this can function more fruitfully. St. Vincent de Paul had something to say, and contemporary thinkers...
What Can I Give?
https://youtu.be/kjRXIiZ8bs0 This is to give the greatest gift: to go out from ones self and to enter the world of the “other,” is to understand the meaning of Christmas. For this journey, there are five virtues, seen by Vincent as those characteristic of Jesus,...
Can I go to them?
Can I go to them? This is the question Pope Francis asked when he learned that three people were killed in a neighborhood of Bangui, capital of the war-torn Central African Republic. It wasn’t in the schedule so the Pope immediately asked the Nuncio: ‘can I go, can I...
Savior and Messiah and Lord of all
The Savior comes with a great light to save us in an unexpected way. Now appears the grace of God. Though he may dictate to the whole world, Caesar Augustus does not save, nor does governor Quirinius, an opportunist among many, not even king David, who gives renown to...
LCUSA Christmas Prayer Service
This year’s beautiful Christmas prayer service was prepared for us by Sr. Carol Schumer, D.C. Abundant blessings for the remainder of Advent and throughout the Christmas season! See also their store for possible gifts to be delivered after the Christmas rush.
Mary and Darkness – Fr. Tom Mckenna reflects
Father Tom McKenna offers this final Advent reflection - Mary and Darkness There’s a verse somewhere in the Advent readings which sets a tone for much of the season. “Over you shall come a great darkness.” If you heard that line standing by itself and out of the...
Connect and Learn: Sisters of the Eucharist
Founded in 1889 in Greece at Thessalonica (now Salonika) by Reverend Joseph Alloatti, C.M., (1857-1933), and Sister Marianna Pucci, D.C., (1848-1918) with the purpose of promoting Eucharistic devotion in Macedonia and Bulgaria, especially by religious education of...
A Cry in the Silence
A Cry in the Silence - Another reflection in Fr. Pat Griffin's series Considering Consecrated Life Of all the songs associated with the Christmas season, is any one more widely known or sung than “Silent Night”? I think that every Christmas pageant or show which I...
Vincentians of Wherever: Leaders
One of my Vincentian friends sent me a link to an organizational development slideshare presentation about leaders and leadership that reminded me of work being done by Vincentians at DePaul University as part of Vincent on Leadership: the Hay Project. (You can view...
