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.
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!
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?
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
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?
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
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.
The Miracle of Seeing
The miracle of seeing! What a miracle seeing is! So often it is taken for granted by those who can see. Lose your sight even just temporarily and your world changes. Technology is working miracles today, technology is helping the "blind" to see. But technology can...
The Day St. Vincent Shifted from Retail to Wholesale
Four hundred years later the story St. Vincent’s sermon at Chattilon is still being told. But it is a story with even wider implications. The story of that sermon at Chatillon is the foundation story for what we call today systemic change.
The Limits of Pope Francis’ Imagery
Pope Francis’ Imagery and the Vincentian “Both/And”
The Pressures of Financing Ministry!
Just about any ministry requires financing to some degree. What can St. Vincent and St. Paul teach us?
