Javier F. Chento
Author
The Small Pleasures of Life • A Weekly Reflection with Ozanam
I do not like and do not share in any way the rigorist doctrines of some Christians, who, without even realizing it, have clothed themselves in arrogance and false modesty; they are far from the true spirit of faith. The innocent joys of life were never forbidden....
The Beginnings of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, 191 Years ago
April 23, 2024 marks the 211th anniversary of the birth of Frederic Ozanam and the 191st anniversary of the creation of the first charity conference. A seemingly insignificant event, a controversy over the then scarce charitable action of the Church in France,...
Experience, the Mother of Knowledge • A Weekly Reflection with Ozanam
We are convinced that the science of charitable reforms is not learned in the books or in the tribunes of the public assemblies, but by going up to the hovel of the poor, sitting at their bedside, suffering the cold they suffer. Then, in friendly conversation, we have...
Open Position as Director of Marillac Retreat and Spirituality Center in Leavenworth
The Director of the Marillac Retreat and Spirituality Center is responsible for leading the center, drawing on our mission and charism to serve the critical spiritual needs of God’s people today by providing an environment of prayer, peace, hope, and transformation.
Learning from Our Children and Our Parents • A Weekly Reflection with Ozanam
What an incredible moment when I heard the last cries of my beloved wife and the first cries of my daughter! What an incredible moment to behold that child, small but immortal; that child that God placed in my hands; that child that has brought me much love and many...
Weaving God’s Plan • A Weekly Reflection with Ozanam
We, all of us, are like the weavers of the Gobelins, who, following out the pattern of an unknown artist, endeavor to match the threads of diverse colors on the wrong side of the loom, and do not see the result of their labor. It is only when the work is complete that...
Anecdotes of the Vincentian Family: Frederic Ozanam and Spain
Frederic wanted to do the Camino de Santiago. One day, feeling in good health, he embarked with his wife and younger brother to Fuenterrabía, Irún and San Sebastián (Spain). It was October 22, 1852. Though the trip to Spain made him very tired, his desire to see Spain...
Anecdotes of the Vincentian Family: Finding a place for the Eternal Rest of Frederic
Before leaving for Italy in July 1852, Frédéric and Amélie visited the Church of the Carmelites in Paris. They sat near the chapel then called of the "Guardian Angels." Amélie already knew that her husband was ill: he was diagnosed, along with his lung problem, with a...
Beware of Artificial Intelligence …
In the fast-paced world of technology, the year 2023 has marked a crucial milestone in the development of artificial intelligence (AI) programs.
Anecdotes of the Vincentian Family: The Travels of Frederic
The first time Frederic Ozanam ever traveled on his own, from Lyon to Paris, was November 2, 1831; he was about to start his studies at the Faculty of Law. He departed in a horse-drawn stagecoach to cover the 292 miles. It took three days and three nights to arrive in...