This series of six articles will explore Advent through the lens of Vincentian spirituality, encouraging readers to prepare for the coming of Christ not just through prayer, but through action and service to the poor.
Formation
Teodorico Pedrini C.M.: The Chinese Emperor’s Musician
At the beginning of the 18th century, Fr. Teodorico Pedrini CM undertook an exhausting journey to China, facing storms, persecutions and imprisonment, until he finally reached the court of the Kangxi emperor, where he excelled as a musician and educator. His fidelity to the Pope in the conflict over the Chinese Rites led him to suffer severe reprisals, but his integrity and his work left a deep mark on the Catholic mission in China.
Our Shared Horizon: Climate Responsibility and Human Future
Reducing emissions and restoring ecosystems can slow global warming, protect health, create jobs, and preserve biodiversity. Climate action is also an ethical and spiritual responsibility, especially for Christians and the Vincentian Family, who see care for creation as inseparable from justice for the poor.
Have You Dreamt Any Dreams Recently? • “Contributions” #9
St. Vincent’s unwavering commitment to creative and responsive charity, his adaptability, attentiveness to Providence, and belief that “love is inventive to infinity” continue to inspire the Vincentian Family to evolve and respond boldly to emerging needs.
Places of Frederic Ozanam 34 – Antignano
Between July and August of 1853, Ozanam’s doctors recommended a move to Antignano.
Vincentian Dictionary: Violence (Part 9 and Last)
The Church today is called to integrate nonviolence into its formation, mission, and advocacy, shaping disciples who reject violence and embody the peace of the Gospel. This requires education, solidarity with the marginalized, prophetic action against injustice, and a commitment to structural transformation rooted in Christ’s nonviolent love.
A Vincentian Minute: Vincentians Living the Seasons 10
Father Rooney extends the Sunday Scriptures for Vincentians. This week: as you do your Vincentian work, let God do the inner transformation in yourself.
“You Shall Not Bear False Witness Against Your Neighbor”: A Vincentian Reflection on the Eighth Commandment
The Eighth Commandment calls us to live in truth, safeguarding justice and human dignity. For Vincentians, truth is a form of charity that demands integrity, courage, and humility. Falsehood—through lies, hypocrisy, or silence in the face of injustice—erodes our witness. True service requires honesty in words and actions, reflecting Christ’s love.
Sister Mary Jerome Ely: A Builder of Faith, A Mother of the Sisters of Charity of New York
Sister Mary Jerome Ely (1810–1885) was a pioneering leader of the Sisters of Charity of New York. Known for her deep faith, strategic vision, and practical leadership, she expanded Catholic education, founded numerous missions, and guided her community through times of growth and challenge, leaving a lasting legacy of service and devotion.
On September 2, We Celebrate the Feast of Blessed Louis Joseph François and Fellow Martyrs
During the French Revolution, dozens of members of the Congregation of the Mission were martyred for refusing to take the Civil Constitution of the Clergy oath. Among them was Blessed Louis-Joseph François, who died on September 3, 1792, for his loyalty to the Catholic Church.
Congregation of the Mission Martyrs of the French Revolution (September 2)
Blessed Louis-Joseph François, Blessed Jean-Henri Gruyer, Blessed Pierre-René Rogue, Blessed Jean-Charles Caron, and Blessed Nicolas Colin were martyred along with many others during the French Revolution on September 2 and 3, 1792 after they refused to take an oath that would have placed them under the authority of the state.
Faithful Until Death: The Life and Martyrdom of Father Janez Strašek, C.M.
The life of Father Janez Strašek, C.M., is a testimony to the Gospel lived with courage, simplicity, and fidelity to Christ and His Church. As a priest of the Congregation of the Mission, Fr. Strašek walked in the footsteps of St. Vincent de Paul, embracing the poor, serving in hardship, and ultimately giving his life in silent protest against a regime of oppression.
