John Freund, CM
Author
![This Is NOT an Appeal for Funds – Just Prayer](https://b704496.smushcdn.com/704496/en/files/2018/09/homeless-vincent-rosalie.jpg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1)
This Is NOT an Appeal for Funds – Just Prayer
This is not an appeal for funds – just prayer! Seriously!
![The Heart of University Life is a Project of Discovery](https://b704496.smushcdn.com/704496/en/files/2018/09/mavric-addresses-assembly-FI.jpg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1)
The Heart of University Life is a Project of Discovery
In his September 25 visit to Niagara University, Superior General Tomaž Mavrič, C.M., spoke powerfully of the heart of university life as a project of discovery. Discovery of one’s calling in life begins when we have the courage to encounter ourselves and our...
![Thank You Vincent – You Changed Your World… and Our World](https://b704496.smushcdn.com/704496/en/files/2018/09/doing-something-new-featured.jpg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1)
Thank You Vincent – You Changed Your World… and Our World
After reading this post I suspect you too will say… Thank you, Vincent, for being such an amazing change agent in your time and even our times.
![Adding Your Chapter To the Bibliographies of Our Founders](https://b704496.smushcdn.com/704496/en/files/2018/09/santos-2-FB.jpg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1)
Adding Your Chapter To the Bibliographies of Our Founders
Do we appreciate how each one of us is a version of the original story of Vincent and Louise following Christ the Evangelizer of the Poor?
![Vincentian Role Models for a Systemic Change Approach](https://b704496.smushcdn.com/704496/en/files/2017/07/201707updated-vincentian-family-branches-facebook.jpg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1)
Vincentian Role Models for a Systemic Change Approach
We have been asked to devote some energy and study to knowing more about our heritage and role models. As I reflected on this it occurred to me that this might be an occasion to informally reflect on our heritage as agents of systemic change.
![Signs Vincent’s Charism Is Alive and Well Today?](https://b704496.smushcdn.com/704496/en/files/2016/04/iamvincent-blurb-graphic-fb.png?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1)
Signs Vincent’s Charism Is Alive and Well Today?
“The health of the charism is seen in its vitality wherever it is received, nurtured and made operative. For many religious institutes today, this is happening more and more among the laity who are associates.”
![Someone’s Drowning! What Would You Do?](https://b704496.smushcdn.com/704496/en/files/2018/09/drowning-featured.jpg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1)
Someone’s Drowning! What Would You Do?
If you see someone drowning in a river, what would you do? Would you try to save the person by jumping in? Would you call 911? Many of us would be wiser to call 911 rather than jumping in ourselves. This could lead to forcing emergency personnel to cope with two...
![A Professor Introduces Two Future Saints To Each Other](https://b704496.smushcdn.com/704496/en/files/2018/09/bailly-ozanam-rendu.jpg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1)
A Professor Introduces Two Future Saints To Each Other
In 1833 Monsieur Emmanuel Bailly was a professor of philosophy at the world-renowned Sorbonne, in Paris. Sister Rosalie Rendu was already the equivalent of the Mother Teresa of the day. The professor recommended two impetuous students, Monsieur Ozanam and Monsieur le Taillandier, to Sister Rosalie.
![What’s With This “New Thing” Called Systemic Change?](https://b704496.smushcdn.com/704496/en/files/2018/09/original-and-today-systemic-change.jpg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1)
What’s With This “New Thing” Called Systemic Change?
Let’s be clear! Systemic Change goes back to Vincent’s earliest days at Chatillon when he organized the relief efforts for the sick family. What is new is our rediscovery of our Vincentian heritage.
![Beyond Unions – Up Close and Personal](https://b704496.smushcdn.com/704496/en/files/2018/06/vincent-life-lessons-featured.jpg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1)
Beyond Unions – Up Close and Personal
This Labor Day I found myself thinking more up close and personal. I am thinking about our co-workers in ministry and those we live with.