St. Gianna Beretta has been named Patron Saint of World Meeting of Families. She wanted to be a missionary in Brazil, but this member of the Society of Vincent de Paul found sanctity as a physician and “working Mom”.
John Freund, CM
Author
John Freund is a Vincentian priest with a passion for promoting collaboration among the many people inspired by Saints Vincent de Paul and Louise de Marillac and who welcomes your engagement. Share your ideas and experiences!
Praying with St. Vincent (Fr. Thomas McKenna)
“Let me begin this session on Prayer by asking you to place yourself on one of the chairs that is pulled up to the table at The Last Supper of Jesus. You are three seats over from Jesus and you notice that he’s getting still, as if preparing himself to stand up and say something.”
The Criminalization of Homelessness
Imagine living in a place where it is illegal to sleep, sit, lie down, or share food outdoors. Imagine that this is a place where you are often ignored or rejected by your fellow townspeople, police officers, and local elected officials. While this seems like a ridiculous concept, it is the daily reality for millions of homeless people throughout the United States who are suffering under laws that criminalize their basic life necessities.
Communication that leads to communion
Today, I am referring to communication that leads to communion, creating in us a deeper appreciation of both the message and the messenger. It allows us to reflect on what we have heard or seen, and to respond in a relational way. It best expresses who we are, and honors the sacred in the other.
Virtual Retreat – Reflecting on Volunteer Service
Have you spent time volunteering or on a service trip? Busted Halo offers a Virtual Retreat for Reflecting on Volunteer Service – A guide for building a culture of encounter
Digital Exhibit: Sisters of Charity American Rule of 1812
How it all began – Digital Exhibit: Sisters of Charity American Rule of 1812
Eucharist commits us to the poor
THE EUCHARIST COMMITS US TO THE POOR – This is the title of article 1397 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. The text is a quote from St. John Chrysostom,
archbishop of Constantinople, a Church Father from the fourth century.
The Challenge of Evangelizing Young Men and Women
Bishop José Ignacio Munilla Aguirre knows first-hand the challenge of evangelizing young men and women. He was not always a Bishop. He was once a 16 year who learned to confront his fear of relating to people he did not know and were different from him. As a member...
Vincentian Family Year of New Evangelization
“As we celebrate the feast of St. Vincent de Paul, on behalf of the Vincentian Family and the leaders of our various branches, I write to inform you that we have decided to dedicate this coming year to the “New Evangelization.”
More from a Daughter of Charity at the border
“They live in local houses of compassionate foster folks and come to the “foster house” for school and play. We visit them at the foster house. All were adorably obedient and loudly responded in unison to the teacher’s questions. It reminded me of my old Catholic School days in Sr Sheila’s math class.”
