Formation

“Standing Outside the Fire”

by John Freund, CM | July 31, 2020 | Formation, Reflections | 2 Comments

“To set people’s hearts on fire,” this is how Vincent described our vocation. Paul wrote to Timothy… and to these seven men… “I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you.”

Schooling For Children Facing Eviction?

by Fr. Michael Carroll, CM | July 30, 2020 | Formation, Homelessness, Reflections | 0 Comments

What happens to students if their parents are evicted? They are expected to trade school buildings for spaces in their homes, a change predicated on students having homes in the first place. What happens when that space isn’t there, or when students are suddenly displaced?

Lessons Learned During the Pandemic, #5: If One Should Die During a Pandemic, it is a Lonely Death!

by A member of the Congregation of the Mission | July 29, 2020 | Formation, Reflections | 0 Comments

Today, more than ever, we need people who, following the example of Sister Marguerite Naseau, the first Daughter of Charity, are willing to serve the poor and the sick with the boldness and courage of this simple, country woman.

Receiving Communion (Mt 10:40, Lk 10:16; Jn 13:20)

by Tom McKenna, CM | July 29, 2020 | Formation, Reflections | 1 Comment

After impressing on the disciples who he is and what he stands for, he declares, “whoever receives you receives me.”

Vincentian Embodiment of the Jesus Movement

by John Freund, CM | Aug 18, 2021 | Reflections, Systemic change

Thinking about the Vincentian Movement as being rooted in an awareness of God’s love which radiates out in widening circles.

Rise or Fall, Live or Die, Yes or No

by Ross Dizon | Aug 17, 2021 | Formation, Reflections

Jesus comes down from heaven and dwells among us. He takes up our flesh of death to give us spirit and life. He...

Vincentian Prayer Images: What Moved Saint Vincent? VII

by John Freund, CM | Aug 17, 2021 | Formation, Reflections

As Vincent engages with the downtrodden, he senses being a part of that current of God’s out-flowing love to these men and women.

Blind to the needy, blind to God

by Ross Dizon | Mar 25, 2014 | Formation, Reflections

Fourth Sunday of Lent (A), March 30, 2014 – 1 Sam 16, 1b. 6-7. 10-13a; Eph 5, 8-14; Jn 9, 1-41 Light produces every kind of goodness and righteousness and truth (Eph 5, 9) Jesus opens the eyes of the blind. We are not blind if we believe in Jesus and go about doing...

Ambiguity – Being credible and the common good

by John Freund, CM | Mar 25, 2014 | Formation

Digital artist Sr. Ellen LaCapria, D.C. offers a visual aid to enter into contemplation about ambiguity. This image arose from her reflection on #65 in Pope Francis’ Gospel of Joy and is the fourth installment of her weekly artistic variations on her community seal....

“Thanks to CLM, I know how to fight.”

by John Freund, CM | Mar 22, 2014 | Poverty: Analysis and Responses, Spirituality and Spiritual Practice, Systemic change

CLM is part of a systemic change project in the Vincentian Family. Former Superior General Robert Maloney describes a Haitian Initiative “Pathway to a Better Life” in an earlier famvin post. The following piece from Fonkose describes the reaction of a graduate....

Saturday Study Hall – Vincent embodies the Good Samaritan

by John Freund, CM | Mar 21, 2014 | Formation

Can you picture Vincent walking along the road to Paris? It was a relatively well traveled road with priests and officials. In your minds eye watch Vincent as he sees a victim of robbers lying by the wayside. Watch him as he approaches and sees, becomes moved by...

“Are you listening?”

by John Freund, CM | Mar 19, 2014 | Daughters of Charity, Formation

As part of her ongoing series devoted to visual prayer digital artist Sr. Ellen LaCapria, D.C. offers another visual aid to enter into contemplation about the art of listening. This image arose from her reflection on Pope Francis’ Gospel of Joy and is the third...

The first thing he did was ask

by Ross Dizon | Mar 17, 2014 | Formation, Reflections

Third Sunday of Lent (A), March 23, 2014 – Ex 17, 3-7; Rom 5, 1-2. 5-8; Jn 4, 5-42 While we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Rom 5, 8) Jesus lives the true religion. Those who follow his example adore the Father in Spirit and truth. The worship the Father...

Saturday Study Hall – Journey with Vincent

by John Freund, CM | Mar 14, 2014 | Formation

We are all on a spiritual journey. Abraham risked all to follow God's invitation even in advanced age. The disciples journeyed with Christ and found themselves in surprising places. So too Vincent. His journey took him seeking a life of security to following Christ...

“The Excluded Are Still Waiting”

by John Freund, CM | Mar 12, 2014 | Formation

Digital artist Sr. Ellen LaCapria, D.C. offers a visual aid to enter into contemplation about those excluded and trapped in cycles of poverty. This image arose from her reflection on Pope Francis' Gospel of Joy. This is the second installment of her weekly artistic...

Healthy and liberating insecurity

by Ross Dizon | Mar 10, 2014 | Formation, Reflections

Second Sunday of Lent (A), March 16, 2014 – Gen 12, 1-4; 2 Tim 1, 8b-10; Mt 17, 1-9 Bear your share of hardship for the gospel (2 Tim 1, 8) Jesus came from the Father and has come into the world to save us. We will be saved if we imitate him, leaving the familiar and...