John Freund, CM
Author
![Rachel Maddow, Sr. Mary Peter Diaz, DC and the Koch brothers](https://b704496.smushcdn.com/704496/en/files/2015/08/alaskan-ministry-diaz-facebook.png?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1)
Rachel Maddow, Sr. Mary Peter Diaz, DC and the Koch brothers
To hear Rachel Maddow tell it, Daughter of Charity Sr. Mary Peter Diaz single-handedly took on the billionaire Koch brothers and publicly defeated the conservative activists who spend millions of dollars supporting their candidates and causes. Diaz, not surprisingly,...
Pope calls for World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation
The Vatican on Aug. 10 announced a World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, the latest move by Pope Francis to push environmental issues up the global agenda. The World Day will be celebrated annually on Sept. 1, in line with the Orthodox Church’s day for the...
![Passing of a Prominent Vincentian leader – Fr. Oscar Lukefahr, CM](https://b704496.smushcdn.com/704496/en/files/2015/08/Lukefahr.png?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1)
Passing of a Prominent Vincentian leader – Fr. Oscar Lukefahr, CM
Father Oscar Lukefahr, leader of the Association of the Miraculous Medal based in Perryville, MO, died at the end of a very brief illness. He was diagnosed with cancer in mid-July.) The website states... For several years as our Spiritual Director, Father Luke has...
![Completing Discernment](https://b704496.smushcdn.com/704496/en/files/2015/08/e-voc-August-2015.png?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1)
Completing Discernment
S. Janet Gildea write of Completing Discernment in the latest issue of E-Voc, the electronic newsletter from the Vocation Team of the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati for single women wondering what new thing God is calling forth in their lives. On June 27 two women...
![“Blame” Fr. Patrick Griffin](https://b704496.smushcdn.com/704496/en/files/2015/08/blame-griffin-facebook.png?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1)
“Blame” Fr. Patrick Griffin
“Blame” - Fr. Patrick Griffin continues his series "Considering Consecrated Life" Certain stories in our Bible contain lines which seem unexpected and unusual. When I recognize one of these stories being read, I pay more attention to hear that particular line. A...
![What Do the Poor Need? Try Asking Them](https://b704496.smushcdn.com/704496/en/files/2015/08/nytimes-famvin-facebook.png?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1)
What Do the Poor Need? Try Asking Them
Under the title "What Do the Poor Need? Try Asking Them" David L. Kirp writes in the Sunday Review of a principle that is bedrock for the Vincentian Family approach to systemic change. Invite everyone to the table, especially those most affected! He writes, FOR...
![There’s Authority and There’s Authority – Fr. Tom McKenna](https://b704496.smushcdn.com/704496/en/files/2015/05/McKenna-copped.png?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1)
There’s Authority and There’s Authority – Fr. Tom McKenna
In Matthew’s 10th chapter, Jesus calls the disciples together and, as it says, “gives them authority” over the unclean spirits and diseases and illnesses. And by authority, Matthew means the power Jesus himself has been exercising, Jesus’ own power given Him by the...
![Writing and speaking about poverty](https://b704496.smushcdn.com/704496/en/files/2014/09/Voice-poor-square.jpg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1)
Writing and speaking about poverty
Two posts concerning writing and speaking about poverty caught my eye. So much depends upon where you stand. The first piece by well-known author Barbara Ehrenreich laments the fact that only the moderately well-to-do can afford to write about poverty. The second...
![Six DC California hospitals transferred to secular control](https://b704496.smushcdn.com/704496/en/files/2015/08/621px-California_county_map_labeled.svg_.png?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1)
Six DC California hospitals transferred to secular control
The Daughters of Charity Health System (DCHS) Board of Directors has selected BlueMountain Capital Management (BlueMountain), a private investment firm to recapitalize its operations. BlueMountain is contributing over $250 million of capital and is sponsoring...
![Collaborating on Mobile](https://b704496.smushcdn.com/704496/en/files/2015/08/ssvp-brasil-app-1-facebook.png?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1)
Collaborating on Mobile
SSVP in Brazil launches a Vincentian mobile app This is the age of apps! At .famvin we've been encouraging you to think of using apps for your news of the Vincentian Family. We've even created a mobile app for you. Now, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul in Brazil has...