Ecumenism is the search for unity, communion and harmony among Christians, despite their differences; this movement pursues the unity of faith in Jesus Christ, over and above the diversity of expressions and rites.
Formation
A Vincentian Reflection on Pope Leo XIV’s First Address
On May 8, 2025, the newly elected Pope Leo XIV delivered his first public address, greeting the world with humility, warmth, and spiritual depth. His brief but profound message centered on peace, unity, mission, and hope—resonating deeply with the Vincentian Family and offering a renewed call to serve with compassion, courage, and faith in today’s world.
Vincentian Dictionary: Culture
Culture is an essential asset that develops critical judgment and fosters connection between communities. In addition to enriching society, cultural diversity promotes mutual respect and understanding from a social and moral perspective. From a Christian perspective, faith and culture complement each other to build a more just and caring society.
Contemplation: He Who Chooses Us
Our vocation to serve the poor follows Christ’s example, who came to us before we ever sought Him. Like St. Vincent and Frédéric, we recognize God’s hand in every call to charity and strive to serve in humility and love.
Hear and Follow the Good Shepherd
Jesus is the Good News to the poor in person. Hence, he seeks them and they, in turn, do not fail to hear and follow him. Jesus says that he knows his sheep, and they hear and follow him. And he says this to the leaders of the Jews in matters of religion. It looks...
400 Years of the Congregation of the Mission – A Reflection
Francis had learned that, in the year before Vincent’s death, the great saint had given a series on conferences on the Common Rules of the Congregation
Places of Frederic Ozanam 17 – rue Garancière
Having become a professor at the Sorbonne, Frederic Ozanam would live with Amélie (his wife) and later Marie (their daughter) on rue de Grenelle, rue Garancière, and rue de Fleurus, all located in the same general neighborhood of Paris.
Vincentian Dictionary: Inclusion
Inclusion is a fundamental principle that promotes equality, social justice, and human dignity by ensuring that all individuals, regardless of background or ability, are valued, respected, and given equal opportunities to participate in society. Rooted in ethical, moral, and religious traditions, inclusion requires active efforts at individual, institutional, and governmental levels to dismantle barriers, foster belonging, and advocate for marginalized groups in areas such as education, the workplace, public policy, and global justice.
A Vincentian Minute: Vincentians Living Easter – Part 2
Father Rooney extends the Sunday Scriptures for Vincentians in an Easter Journey. This week: Being witnesses. Remember to tell others that Jesus is waiting for them in the world of the impoverished.
St. Louise de Marillac: Organizational Genius
St. Louise de Marillac was a pioneer social worker, educator, and advocate. Her projects were implemented according to surprisingly modern standards of care and were the basis for other developments in their respective fields.
The Brothers of Our Lady Mother of Mercy: A Journey of Compassion, Service, and Community
The Brothers of Our Lady Mother of Mercy (CMM) are a religious congregation founded in the 19th century, dedicated to living out God’s mercy through education, social care, and community service, inspired by the examples of Jesus, Mary, and St. Vincent de Paul.
Contemplation: The Sorrows We Cannot Avoid
Suffering often challenges our faith, yet as Vincentians, we are called to respond with compassion, doing all we can to relieve the neighbor’s pain while recognizing that our deeper mission is to grow in holiness by serving Christ in the poor. Even when material aid falls short, we bring true hope through acts of love, presence, and friendship that reveal God’s enduring light in the midst of darkness.
