John Freund, CM
Author
![I Actually Attended a Session of Vatican II](https://b704496.smushcdn.com/704496/en/files/2023/08/Vatican-FI.jpg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1)
I Actually Attended a Session of Vatican II
Yes! I figuratively rubbed shoulders with some 2000 bishops inside St. Peter’s! There are not many left who can say that.
![Memories Keep Relationships Alive](https://b704496.smushcdn.com/704496/en/files/2020/11/last-supper.jpg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1)
Memories Keep Relationships Alive
In this Vincentian Mindwalk I invite you to explore some of the ways our memories help us understand Jesus asking us to “do this in memory of me.”
![Fire – blessing or curse?](https://b704496.smushcdn.com/704496/en/files/2023/08/Flames-FI.jpg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1)
Fire – blessing or curse?
Fires are burning faster and hotter than ever before, and complex socio-economic factors are resulting in more people being affected by the effects of smoke, debris flows and other wildfire effects.
![Mary Finally Knows](https://b704496.smushcdn.com/704496/en/files/2022/07/mary-annunciation3-featured.png?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1)
Mary Finally Knows
The question, “Mary did you know” dates from 1984. Mark Lowry wrote the the lyrics for “Mary, Did You Know?” I find the lyrics raise questions I did not know I wanted to ask Mary.
![Zooming our way into a digital world?](https://b704496.smushcdn.com/704496/en/files/2023/08/Zooming-FI.jpg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1)
Zooming our way into a digital world?
In the American literary classic, Rip Van Winkle fell asleep in the Catskill Mountains and woke up 20 years later, having missed the American Revolution.
![Praying the Our Father With New Ears](https://b704496.smushcdn.com/704496/en/files/2022/06/father-son-FI.png?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1)
Praying the Our Father With New Ears
Many years ago, I had the privilege of visiting the Vatican Museum of Modern Art with an accomplished artist. I thought I knew it well.
![When Did Christians Become Soldiers?](https://b704496.smushcdn.com/704496/en/files/2023/08/Im-listening-FI.jpg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1)
When Did Christians Become Soldiers?
I must admit. During most of my 80-plus years I took it for granted that Christians served in the military. I was awed by the supreme sacrifice made. I still am!
![How Have You Changed?](https://b704496.smushcdn.com/704496/en/files/2022/01/challenges-of-change-series-featured.jpg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1)
How Have You Changed?
The question “How have you changed” is more complicated than you might realize! Before you answer, listen to this story.
![Lessons From Those Flying Geese](https://b704496.smushcdn.com/704496/en/files/2021/07/flying-jets-geese-featured2.jpg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1)
Lessons From Those Flying Geese
Just about everyone has seen a flock of geese flying in their trademark V-formation. They are a thing of beauty to behold…. if you can get beyond their negative effects at lower altitudes.
![Has Pope Francis “Made a Mess?”](https://b704496.smushcdn.com/704496/en/files/2023/08/Mes-FI.jpg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1)
Has Pope Francis “Made a Mess?”
Almost ten years ago to the day, Pope Francis told young people his hopes for World Youth Day. The sound bite people remember… “make a mess.”