Reflections
Advent from a Vincentian Perspective, Part 6: The Birth of Christ: The Joy of Advent and the Vincentian Vocation
For those living the Vincentian vocation, the joy of Christmas is intimately connected with the joy of serving the poor and needy— echoing the biblical teaching, “God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7).
A Vincentian View: Roses in December
The eyes of many members of Sunday communities open a little wider on the Third Sunday of Advent as they see the celebrant of the assembly arrive in rose-colored vestments.
How do you handle conflict?
A simple fact of life. We don’t always agree… especially on things that are important to us.
Contemplation: Stop Talking, Start Doing
Pope Francis, in Fratelli Tutti, and Emmanuel Bailly warn against excessive discussion and bureaucracy, emphasizing that true charity lies in action, humility, and avoiding the temptation of seeking praise or publicity for good works. Frédéric Ozanam likewise highlights that holiness and growth are achieved through acts of charity, not elaborate plans or self-congratulatory discussions.
Small Things that Make for the Big Things
Jesus is the one who makes God known. And this God chooses the small things and folks, so that all glory may just be his. He chooses Bethlehem-Ephrathah and Galilee, Nazareth, in concrete. And we read that Bethlehem is too small to be a clan of Judah. Galilee, for...
Firewood for the Soul: Journey to Holiness
A weekly reflection for all the Vincentian Family, from Australia.
Assisting the Poor is Way More than Giving them Bread • A Weekly Reflection with Ozanam
Help is humiliating when it appeals to men from below, taking heed of their material wants only, paying no attention but to those of the flesh, to the cry of hunger and cold, to what excites pity, to what one succors even in the beasts. [...] It humiliates when there...
Advent from a Vincentian Perspective, Part 5: Advent: A Time for Conversion and Solidarity with the Poor
For Vincentians, this time is particularly significant, as it invites personal conversion and a renewed commitment to justice and solidarity with the poor.
Contemplation: A Fine Soul
Blessed Frédéric and his wife Amélie Soulacroix exemplified a deep, shared holiness that enriched their lives and inspired their service to the poor through the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. Their marriage, built on faith, mutual encouragement, and love, not only strengthened Frédéric in his vocation but also fostered Amélie’s Vincentian spirit, as they worked together to bring comfort and relief to those in need.
How Long Until Christmas?
I suspect many of our parents remember how often we asked the question. “How how long until Christmas”? I remember I could hardly wait for the gifts!
Advent from a Vincentian Perspective, Part 4: Mary: Model of Service and Surrender in Advent
At the heart of this season, we find the figure of Mary, whose journey of faith and surrender to God’s plan serves as a powerful model for our own spiritual lives.
Mutual Correctives (Psalm 85)
A helpful distinction I once heard — that between contradictions and correlations.