Formation

Vincent de Paul: One of the great saints of history (Part 1)

Fr. José María Román, C.M. speaks to us about the religious experience of Saint Vincent de Paul.

Poverty Eradication an Elusive Goal, a Human Tragedy

Global extreme poverty (<$1.90 USD per day) rose in 2020 adding an additional 119 million.  By 2021 that number is expected to rise to 143 million.

“Come Apart For A While …” (Mk. 6:30)

There’s a scene in chapter 6 of Mark’s gospel which has special appeal to anyone who has ever been caught up in an over-busy, fast paced life.

Sisters Challenging Me To Think More!

No matter what era or even whether we went to a Catholic school, I suspect the teachers we remember most favorably were the ones who taught us to think.

Paintings As Parables

Paintings As Parables

Today we highlight the German priest painter Sieger Köder, who depicted Frédéric Ozanam, founder of the St. Vincent de Paul Society, and his commitment to the poor in his famous mural in Graz, Austria. Please visit VinFormation for a reflection by Fr. Wolfgang Pucher,...

Bullfights and Systemic Change

Bullfights and Systemic Change

It caught my eye immediately. A statue on his desk—a bullfight scene. But not what you would expect. This one was strikingly different—here the bull was sitting on the matador holding him down! Talk about the unexpected. A paradigm shift? No, a complete reversal! We...

Newness that Is Amazing and Shocking

Newness that Is Amazing and Shocking

Jesus embodies newness.  This newness amazes and shocks. The newness that is Jesus shows up undoubtedly as he feeds about five thousand.  Like sheep, they rest in green pastures. Due to the newness of the sign Jesus does, those who have eaten try to make him king. ...