Do you have any idea of the incredible gift of being loved by God? “Mystics: a mystery of grace and freedom – gift to be shared” represents the second installment of a mini-retreat based on reflections written by Vinícius Augusto Teixeira, CM of Province of Rio de...
Five Maxims – From Systemic Change Commission
The Vincentian Family Systemic Change Commission offers 5 maxims crucial to systems thinking.
Mini-Retreat•Podcast to Begin the Anniversary Year #IamVincent #famvin400
Want to start the year as a mystic? Are you looking for a mini-retreat with which to begin the new year? You might consider using the reflections of Vinícius Augusto Teixeira, C.M. of the Province of Rio de Janeiro (Brazil). You can read and/or listen. Listen,...
Pope Francis and Vincent Speak of Peace in their Worlds
Pope Francis and Vincent speak of peace in their worlds
Systemic Change Requires Critical Thinking
If we are to take seriously St. John Paul II’s challenge to Vincentians about finding long-term solutions we need to develop critical thinking skills.
A Spiritual Spiral • “Contributions” #10 #famvin400
This is the tenth of a series of formation packages meant for individual or group study which was introduced in “The Contributions of the Vincentian Charism to the Mission of the Church: A Formation Journey.” In that article, we also suggested a “Lesson Plan” for use...
The Difference is Often the Resources
The difference between “getting by” resources and “getting ahead” resources
Have You Dreamt Any Dreams Recently? • “Contributions” #9 #famvin400
This is the ninth of a series of formation packages meant for individual or group study which was introduced in “The Contributions of the Vincentian Charism to the Mission of the Church: A Formation Journey.” In that article, we also suggested a “Lesson Plan” for use...
A Vincentian “Field Hospital”
An article the National Catholic Reporter describes St. Vincent’s Parish in Germantown, Philadelphia as “the social justice parish”.
The Immaculate Conception: Vincentian Perspectives
VinFormation presents a prayerful video reflection on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception followed by a summary of Marian Spirituality and the Vincentian Charism by Corpus Delgado, C.M. Watch the video now... http://youtu.be/C_XkQ2ffNxI Read this excerpt from the...
Do-It-Yourself Systems Thinking Exercise
We talk a lot about systemic change. But what about being a systems thinker? Do we have the habits of systems thinking?
Father Vincent Taught Us That! • “Contributions” #8
This is the eighth of a series of formation packages meant for individual or group study which was introduced in “The Contributions of the Vincentian Charism to the Mission of the Church: A Formation Journey.” In that article, we also suggested a “Lesson Plan” for use...
Thanksgiving Meal – Dividing? Transforming?
Judging from internet posts, many people experienced political indigestion as they celebrated the traditional American Thanksgiving meal. This stands in stark contrast to the experience of another meal of thanksgiving described in the Academy Award winning film. Pope...
Am I Asking Challenging Questions?
Why? and Why not? Two short questions. But they are challenging questions. Questions that lead to systemic change. It is said that Steve Jobs favorite questions were Why? and Why not? These questions help us understand Vincent… and Louise and Frederic, and so many...
The School of the Poor • “Contributions” #7
This is the seventh of a series of formation packages meant for individual or group study which was introduced in “The Contributions of the Vincentian Charism to the Mission of the Church: A Formation Journey.” In that article, we also suggested a “Lesson Plan” for...
2016 Internal Seminary in Krakow
Tomasz X. Baluka, C.M., 2016 Internal Seminary Director, writes The inter-provincial Internal Seminary started on Tuesday, September 20 in Krakow, Poland. Eight young men from three Provinces: Poland (5), Slovakia (1) and Sts. Cyril and Methodius (Ukraine, 2)...
Personal Experience of Need for Systemic Change
Frequent visitors of this site are deeply committed to helping those who suffer poverty and are committed to a systemic change approach that goes beyond handouts. At the same time it might be that despite good will, not all have personal experience of what it is like...
Solitaries Need Not Apply • “Contributions” #6
This is the sixth of a series of formation packages meant for individual or group study which was introduced in “The Contributions of the Vincentian Charism to the Mission of the Church: A Formation Journey.” In that article, we also suggested a “Lesson Plan” for use...
Sister Blandina Segale on Road to Beatification
From the website of the Sisters of Charity Federation... USCCB Approves Canonical Step for Sister Blandina Segale On Tuesday, November 15, 2016 the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) was consulted on the Cause of Beatification and Canonization of...
Elizabeth Seton Pediatric Center – An Example of Systems Thinking
In "Elizabeth Seton Pediatric Center - example-of-systems-thinking" Carol De Angelo, Sister of Charity of NY, reflects on the systemic collaboration that led to a playground where medically fragile children can experience play and fun. She also invites us to recognize...
Seeing Those Who Are Poor • “Contributions” #5
This is the fifth of a series of formation packages meant for individual or group study which was introduced in “The Contributions of the Vincentian Charism to the Mission of the Church: A Formation Journey.” In that article, we also suggested a “Lesson Plan” for use...
What Does It Mean To Be Truly Connected In This Day and Age?
We were made to be in relationship with one another. … Framing our connection in such a way draws us not only into the hearts of one another, but ultimately it leads us into the heart of God.
Eucharist and The Need for Change
Eucharist challenges us to recognize and confront the structures of sin. It prepares us for a mission to transform the world.
Refocusing Ecclesiology • “Contributions” #4
This is the fourth of a series of formation packages meant for individual or group study which was introduced in “The Contributions of the Vincentian Charism to the Mission of the Church: A Formation Journey.” In that article, we also suggested a “Lesson Plan” for use...
A Jesuit Pope – Franciscan? … Vincentian?
John Allen pens an article entitled, A reminder that this Jesuit pope is also highly Franciscan. As always, I find his reflections thoughtful. Yes, Pope Francis is a Jesuit to his core, from his spirituality to his leadership style, and that's especially clear now as...
Students – Changing Their Worlds
have we forgotten perhaps about the valuable resource sitting in our classrooms today?
A More Secular and Lay Character • “Contributions” #3
This is the third of a series of formation packages meant for individual or group study which was introduced in “The Contributions of the Vincentian Charism to the Mission of the Church: A Formation Journey.” In that article, we also suggested a “Lesson Plan” for use...
Transmitting Values in a Digital Age
Is the digital revolution creating monsters? How are values being transmitted in a digital age?
Going Beyond Rigged Cycles
VinFormation offers this 67 second video insight into the concept of systemic change as breaking the cycles of poverty.
To Abandon an Individualistic Vision • “Contributions” #2
This is the second of a series of formation packages meant for individual or group study which was previously introduced in “The Contributions of the Vincentian Charism to the Mission of the Church: A Formation Journey.” In that article, we also suggested a “Lesson...
