Pope Francis often uses the word, “encounter,” 32 times in “The Joy of the Gospel” and as an antidote to our “throwaway culture,” in which people who are seen as useless are cast aside.
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!
Who Is a “Real” Christian?
I hear a lot of arguments about who is a “real” Christian or Catholic. Sometimes they sound suspiciously like the platforms of one or the other political party. They often remind me of Paul’s words. “Whenever someone says, “I belong to Paul,” and another, “I belong...
Sometimes We Forget the Obvious
If we are asked we would all recognize the importance of prayer in everything we do… especially in our efforts toward systemic change.
Vincentian Faith in Times of Government Suppression
A Vincentian considers the women and men in the Vincentian family who died in upholding our faith during the time of the French Revolution.
Praying With Pictures Worth a Thousand Words
Is all prayer something that we have to set aside specific times for? Not really! How about praying in short bursts as an image comes to our minds?
Our Declaration of Independence – An Examination of Conscience
Reading our “declaration of independence” can serve as an examination of conscience on the struggles in living out this declaration over the two and a half centuries since then.
When Life Gets In the Way of Prayer
Contemplation can be cultivated in many ways that don’t require a monastic, solitary, silent approach. St. Vincent shows us to pray in a different and more concrete way.
St. John’s Students 13th Annual Lourdes Service Pilgrimage
From May 24 through June 3, four St. John’s University students had the opportunity to take a pilgrimage to Lourdes, France.
A Parable – Paying attention to details
We can learn from Pope Francis how little things can be so significant in a “culture of encounter.”
Navigating the Realities of the Business World
Many ministries face a challenge navigating the realities of the business world, often described as “the real world.” Vincent knew those challenges well… and was a genius in facing these challenges.
