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...

Vincentian View: “Peace be with you” If you have gotten messages from me, you will see that I most often finish my notes with “Peace” or “Peace in the Risen Lord” or some such variation on “peace.”  Many people may feel that it is a left over from my hippie-days and...

Vincentian View: “Your Paul” At different times, many of us have probably considered the difference between: (a) reading a story and then seeing the movie; and (b) seeing the movie and then reading the story.  I am sure that I saw the Sherlock Holmes movies before I...

Vincentian View: “The Power of Gentleness” Do you remember Aesop’s fable about the contest between the sun and the wind?  They were arguing about who was stronger.  They saw a man walking along the road and agreed that whoever could get the coat off his back was...

Vincentian View: "Founder's Week" In my day job, I am the Executive Director of the Vincentian Center for Church and Society (VCCS) at St. John’s University. That sounds pretty impressive and it does fill up a business card. In my office, I have a terrific Executive...

Vincentian View: "Give me your tired, your poor" When I was in grade school, I memorized lots of material for different subjects.  This included much of the Baltimore Catechism.  One recalled poem has been making an appearance in my mind more frequently in these...

Vincentian View: A Vincentian Family Sometimes it is hard not to take pride in being a member of the Vincentian Family. In my role as Director of the Vincentian Center for Church and Society at St. John’s University, I have been in Kenya for the past week.  I came...