As part of Vincentian Lent, we welcome you to join us each week as Fr Mark Noonan CM brings us on a journey through Vincentian Spirituality over the next 4 weeks.
Formation
St. Vincent de Paul and the Advancement of Women
St. Vincent de Paul did not advocate for women’s rights with speeches, but he contributed significantly to their social relevance, encouraging both noblewomen to use their resources to help the poor and peasant women to become qualified for service. Her pedagogy and patience enabled many women to acquire professional, literary and doctrinal training, culminating in the creation of the Company of the Daughters of Charity.
The Daughters of Charity at Carville, 1896-1981
This text recounts the dedication of the Daughters of Charity, who provided care to patients with Hansen’s disease at the Carville leprosarium in Louisiana. It details their struggles, resilience, and contributions to improving living conditions, medical treatments, and societal acceptance for patients, ultimately transforming Carville into a symbol of compassion and progress for Hansen’s disease care in the United States.
The Sisters of Gijzegem: A History of Devotion and Service
Founded in 1818 by Baroness Elisabeth de Robiano, the Congregation of the Sisters of Saint Vincent de Paul, “Servants of the Poor” of Gijzegem, embodies over two centuries of dedication to spirituality, education, and healthcare, with a special focus on the poorest of the poor.
Contemplation: Is It Okay?
A homeless man sleeping outside a parish hall raises both a practical and moral question about what should be done. While his presence is not forbidden, the deeper issue is the injustice of homelessness, calling for both compassion and action guided by faith and social responsibility.
Save Us Human Beings from Our Sins
The son of Mary has received the name Jesus.  For he has come not to judge us, but to save us from our sins. We do not know why folks brought Jesus the news about Pilate’ cruel and sacrilegious deed against Galileans.  But no matter their reasons, today’s gospel...
Lenten Reflection: Ecological Spirituality
Compassion is faith in action. The ecological crisis that we are facing is a direct result of humanity’s collective lack of compassion for the Earth. The disconnect between people and the planet can be mended by recognizing that we are all part of Creation, and therefore, are created in the image of the divine.
Places of Frederic Ozanam 10 Рrue des Gr̬s
While a student at the Sorbonne, Frédéric found a guardian in André-Marie Ampère, a mathematical expert, and French physician who himself was Lyonnais.
A Vincentian Minute: Vincentians Living Lent and Easter 02
Father Rooney extends the Sunday Scriptures for Vincentians in a “Lent and Easter Journey.” This week: Humility.
Embracing Eternity in the Present: Elizabeth’s Incarnational Spirituality
Elizabeth Seton’s spirituality centered on embracing every moment with faith, trust, and a deep love that transformed her and those around her. Her life’s trials and joys revealed God’s presence and eternal grace, inspiring others to find meaning and strength in their own experiences.
Lent Reflection: 2 – The Vincentian Fast: Beyond Personal Sacrifice
From a Vincentian perspective, fasting takes on a deeper, more transformative meaning. St. Vincent de Paul and St. Louise de Marillac teach us that true fasting is not merely about personal sacrifice but about redirecting our energy, time, and resources toward the needs of the poor. It is a call to move beyond superficial renunciations and embrace a fast that changes not just ourselves but also the world around us.
St. Vincent de Paul and Scientific Thinking
Although Vincent de Paul did not explicitly address science, he showed an open attitude toward the discoveries of his time, as demonstrated by his rational response to the superstitious fear of eclipses. Additionally, in the face of dominant beliefs about demonic possession, he applied a more rational and psychological approach, evidencing his transition from magical thinking to one based on observation and experience.
