On November 6, the Catholic Church in Spain remembers the martyrs who gave their lives during the religious persecution of the 20th century, among them dozens of members of the Vincentian Family.
Formation
The Prophetic Dimension of the Vincentian Charism • Part 8 • Vincent and Louise – A Lived and Living Vision
St. Vincent and St. Louise lived an integral evangelization approach well before the phrase became part of the body of doctrine known as the social doctrine of the Church.
Contemplation: The First and Final Principle
The Vincentian vocation reveals an irony: by serving others, we grow in holiness ourselves. Frédéric Ozanam taught that charity unites love of God, neighbor, and self—not as selfishness, but as gratitude for God’s gift of life. True love of neighbor flows from divine love within us, making every act of service an act of love for God.
Keep the Fire Burning to Be Pilgrims of Hope: Reflection #2
This month we reflect on the origins and growth of the Vincentian Family. Since 1995, when Fr. Maloney invited the four historical branches to meet annually, a new chapter began. Today, 180 branches serve in 167 countries, united by the charism of St. Vincent de Paul. We celebrate our achievements, collaboration, and ongoing formation, while renewing our call to serve with hope and commitment.
Barbe Angiboust, a Quiet Daughter of Charity
Sister Barbe Angiboust, a seventeenth-century French peasant woman, devoted her life as a Daughter of Charity to serving the poor, the sick, and the marginalized with steadiness, humility, and self-giving. Her work in hospitals, schools, and prisons made her one of the pillars of the Company.
In Service and Spirit: The Journey of the Sisters of St. Martha of Antigonish
Founded in 1900, the Sisters of St. Martha of Antigonish grew from a domestic service congregation into a vital force in health care, education, and social outreach. Rooted in the spirit of St. Martha, their legacy is one of quiet service and faithful dedication.
The Prophetic Dimension of the Vincentian Charism • Part 7 • “Human Promotion” and “Integral Development”
A hand up literally means helping someone stand up on their own. It does not mean carrying them if they can walk.
Places of Elizabeth Ann Seton 6 – Craigdon, New York City
In addition to his residence in the city, Elizabeth’s husband William Seton acquired, in 1784, a property which at that time was a country place several miles from the heart of New York. He called it Craigdon.
When More Is Less
As requests for aid increase, Vincentians face the challenge of expanding services without losing their spiritual essence. True charity, rooted in love, humility, and personal encounter, risks becoming transactional when efficiency outweighs compassion. Growth must honor Vincentian values—keeping service Christ-centered, personal, and transformative, never just operational or bureaucratic.
Vincentian Dictionary: Law (Part 1)
Law is both a system of rules enforced by institutions and a moral framework rooted in justice, dignity, and the common good, shaping and reflecting the values of society. To be legitimate, law must align with ethical principles, empower the marginalized, and evolve through conscience, civic participation, and a relentless pursuit of justice for all.
A Vincentian Minute: Vincentians Living the Seasons 17
Father Rooney extends the Sunday Scriptures for Vincentians. This week: preparing ourselves spiritually to be in contact with the poor.
Compassion Without Borders (part 3)
History tells us what happens when doors stay shut and what hope looks like when they open. From the tragedies of the past to moments of courageous welcome, lessons remain clear: compassion must be sustained, not fleeting. Guided by Catholic Social Teaching and global frameworks, solidarity grows into communion that transforms both guest and host.
