A Vincentian View: “Writing Letters” When I worked for the Congregation and the Company in Europe, I resolved at the very beginning of my tenure to write home once-a-week. I carried out that commitment faithfully. Little danger exists that my letters will be collected...

A Vincentian View: “For the Greater Glory of God” A week or so ago, I had the opportunity to preach on the memorial of St. Ignatius of Loyola.  As might be expected, I began to think about the Jesuits and then I toyed with the idea of how many Jesuits I could list. ...

A Vincentian View: "Speaking the Same Language" For the past few weeks, I have had the pleasure of preaching retreats in Ireland and England. I also had the opportunity to give some conferences in Paris. All these talks were for our Sisters, the Daughters of Charity....

Elizabeth and Zechariah are willing to think “outside the box”, and give a new name to this extraordinary gift which comes into their midst.

Elizabeth and Zechariah are willing to think “outside the box”, and give a new name to this extraordinary gift which comes into their midst.

In the past two weeks, I have been to two important family events. One, a wedding in Milwaukee, enabled me to be surrounded by my brothers and sisters and their spouses for a few days.  It was wonderful to be together and talk about our parents and their children. I...

This past weekend, I once again had the opportunity to celebrate the sacrament of matrimony with a young couple.  The experience remains foremost in my thinking in these days.  I have found that my wedding homilies flow in a certain manner depending on the...

Vincentian View: In-Between Times We sometimes refer to that period which is sandwiched between two events as an “in-between” time. The occurrences which flank this interval often provide its character and purpose.  The unifying force of the interlude draws the two...

Vincentian View: “The Smell” All of us have heard the by-now famous statement of Pope Francis at a Chrism Mass where he told the gathered priests “Be shepherds with the smell of the sheep.”  To render “smell” as “scent” compromises the intent.  The earthy...

Vincentian View: “Promises” I have been thinking about promises. On Easter Sunday, I joined with a Christian community in renewing my baptismal promises.  I am sure that many of you did as well.  I rejected Satan and his empty promises, and I confessed my belief in...