John Freund, CM
Author
![Some Things We Can All Agree On!](https://b704496.smushcdn.com/704496/en/files/2018/10/let-your-voice-be-heard-VOTE.jpg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1)
Some Things We Can All Agree On!
We pray in thanksgiving for the privilege and responsibility of being able to organize as individuals politically. We pray that each of us, as citizens, feel compelled to exercise our right and responsibility to vote…
![Stark Message to Synod from Vincentian Cardinal](https://b704496.smushcdn.com/704496/en/files/2018/10/cardinal-S-FI.jpg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1)
Stark Message to Synod from Vincentian Cardinal
A stark message from a Vincentian Cardinal at the Youth Synod “The question … in Africa for the youth is not what we talk [about] much here in the synod… In [the] African context, it is survival: what you have to eat, to dress, and whether you get shelter.” “The...
![Surprised Into Prayer By the Vincentian Film Festival](https://b704496.smushcdn.com/704496/en/files/2018/10/young-artists-finding-vince-featured.jpg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1)
Surprised Into Prayer By the Vincentian Film Festival
I must admit “Finding Charity in Art: The Challenge of the Vincentian Festival” surprised me into prayer! “
![Life Lessons From the Lottery](https://b704496.smushcdn.com/704496/en/files/2018/10/us-dollars-84594_1280-e1540345328731.jpg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1)
Life Lessons From the Lottery
What would you spend a billion on? Go ahead… let yourself dream a bit.
![This is the Layperson’s Hour – Pope Francis and Thomas Judge, C.M.](https://b704496.smushcdn.com/704496/en/files/2018/10/thomas-judge.png?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1)
This is the Layperson’s Hour – Pope Francis and Thomas Judge, C.M.
Although he was somewhat controversial in his day, today the Eastern Province of the Congregation of the Mission is proud of its son, Fr. Thomas Judge.
![My Mission in Life Through the Eyes of Pope Francis](https://b704496.smushcdn.com/704496/en/files/2018/10/jesus-luke-temple-4-18.jpg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1)
My Mission in Life Through the Eyes of Pope Francis
Pope Francis suggests 9 dimensions of looking at our mission in life.
![Knowing Nods and Beating Dead Horses](https://b704496.smushcdn.com/704496/en/files/2018/10/dead-horse-theory-featured.jpg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1)
Knowing Nods and Beating Dead Horses
Sometimes laughter can help us gain perspective on our efforts!
![Is there a Vincentian Influence on the Youth Synod?](https://b704496.smushcdn.com/704496/en/files/2018/10/vincentian-see-judge-act-youth-synod2.jpg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1)
Is there a Vincentian Influence on the Youth Synod?
Is there a Vincentian Influence on the Youth Synod? The answer is...No.. and, very definitely, Yes! If by influence you mean is there a member of the Vincentian Family at the Synod in Rome, the answer is I do not know of any. But there are many ways of influencing. In...
![Developing a Culture of Mission](https://b704496.smushcdn.com/704496/en/files/2018/10/nu-culture-of-mission-featured.jpg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1)
Developing a Culture of Mission
This post connects a couple of dots. The first dot is that systemic change flourishes when there is a careful understanding of the situation. The other dot is that that a culture of vocations is really a culture of mission.
![The Synod as an Emmaus Journey!](https://b704496.smushcdn.com/704496/en/files/2018/11/emmaus-fi.png?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1)
The Synod as an Emmaus Journey!
My hope is that all the participants of the Youth Synod will experience their own version of the Emmaus journey – looking at things they thought they knew… but seeing them in a new light. Now that would be the beginning of a profound systemic change!