July 19, 1813: First Vows of the Sisters of Charity of St. Joseph’s in Emmitsburg, Maryland, USA

On July 19, 1813, vows were pronounced for the first time by Elizabeth Ann Seton and 17 other Sisters of Charity of St. Joseph’s who adapted the vow formula of the French Daughters of Charity.

If Moccasins Could Speak!

Have you ever walked a mile in another’s moccasins? … in the moccasins of their sufferings?

Everyone Deserves a Home #famvin2024

In only 6 years, from 2018 to 2023, the FAMVIN Homeless Alliance (FHA) has provided over 10,000 formerly homeless people with secure housing and access to other support services.

A Vincentian View: Francis de Sales

Vincent de Paul and Louise de Marillac both held Saint Francis de Sales in high esteem. 

The Church of Corinth – is the Past Prologue?

In “The Tempest,” Shakespeare wrote, “What’s past is prologue!” Antonio is rationalizing the past as setting the stage for their next act, as a prologue does in a play.

Saturday Study Hall – “Wake up the World”

Saturday Study Hall – “Wake up the World”

he challenge from Pope Francis is clear.  "WAKE UP THE WORLD" “The church must be attractive. Wake up the world! Be witnesses of a different way of doing things, acting, living! (Show) it’s possible to live differently in this world.” "A charism needs to be “lived...

With blood on our hands?

With blood on our hands?

The somber realization that the crucifixion of innocent humans happens on a daily basis is sobering.  We are approaching a week that encompasses our salvation history, including the hope of the eucharistic banquet, the healing of the crucifixion (by his wounds we are...

Dying for life

Palm Sunday of Lent (A), April 13, 2014 – Mt 21, 1-11; Is 50, 4-7; Phil 2, 6-11; Mt 26, 14—27, 66 He took the form of a slave (Phil 2, 7) Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of the living God.  But he is not here to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom...

Life-giving death

Fifth Sunday of Lent (A), April 6, 2014 – Ez 37, 12-14; Rom 8, 8-11; Jn 11, 1-45 The one who raised Jesus from the dead will give life to your mortal bodies (Rom 8, 11) Jesus guarantees life to believers.  His love to the end vivifies.  Loving as he does, we live...

Saturday Study Hall – Our favorite phrases

Saturday Study Hall – Our favorite phrases

Phrase we have used in the Vincentian Family... do we know where they came from and what is their context? Leave God for God Turn the medal The poor are our Lords and masters Affective and effective love The poor evangelize us The poor are our judges The following...

Blind to the needy, blind to God

Fourth Sunday of Lent (A), March 30, 2014 – 1 Sam 16, 1b. 6-7. 10-13a; Eph 5, 8-14; Jn 9, 1-41 Light produces every kind of goodness and righteousness and truth (Eph 5, 9) Jesus opens the eyes of the blind.  We are not blind if we believe in Jesus and go about doing...

Ambiguity – Being credible and the common good

Ambiguity – Being credible and the common good

Digital artist Sr. Ellen LaCapria, D.C. offers a visual aid to enter into contemplation about ambiguity. This image arose from her reflection on #65 in  Pope Francis’ Gospel of Joy and is the fourth installment of her weekly artistic variations on her community seal....