Reflections
Understanding the Question
Mom, Where Did I Come From? Most mothers expect the question. But sometimes the words do not mean what she thinks they mean
Lenten Video Series, Day 20: New Beginnings
Sometimes starting over means dealing with the loss of a loved one.
Images from Ukraine
The images that are presented to us through the press and social networks from Ukraine are heartbreaking.
What Kind of God?
What Kind of God? (Wisdom 12:13-16; Psalm 135) I ask you to think of a particular boss in one of the jobs you’ve had over the years and also to recall the different ways in which you felt that boss regarded you. Did you feel he or she was indifferent to you, was...
Vincentian leaders empower others
Vincent was adept at helping his followers realize their potential. He empowered them by sharing his knowledge and resources, inspiring them through mission, and giving them opportunities to lead organizations he helped to create.
Strongly Following the Ways of God
Christ himself is the fulfillment of God’s strongly expressed intent to do something new. Those who are one with Christ are the new creation. Jesus shows that he must suffer greatly, die and then rise. Peter strongly disagrees and rebukes him. But who could blame...
Meditation on A Theme: Welcome the Stranger
The theme of the Jubilee Year of the Vincentian Charism accompanies us through this year. On this subject I am immediately confronted with this presentation of Saint Vincent, which is found in Paris in the church Saint-Nicolas-des-Champs. Vincent receives and leads a...
The Pile of Rocks: A Camino Reflection
I picked up a rock from the shore of Lake Superior to leave on a mountain in the north of Spain. That’s normal, right? This wasn’t just any rock. It was the most-perfect skipping rock, and though Lake Superior produces many skipping rocks, this one fit my hand just...
Millennials, Vincent and His 5 Values
A church characterized by the five virtues of Vincent de Paul might appeal to millennials and “nones”.
A Shocking Message in the Tribute to the Victims of the Terrorist Attack in Barcelona
As we all know, ISIS terrorists attacked again, this time in Barcelona, only a few days ago, leaving behind 15 dead and dozens injured in a new cowardly and vile massacre. The people's response was immediate, and a great wave of solidarity and affection flooded the...
All our Work Consists in Action
St. Vincent was fond of the classic adage, "Totum opus nostrum in operatione consistit." "All of our work consists in action." Or, again, "All our works end up in action." or, more loosely, "Action is our entire task." This applies to everyone, especially leaders....
A Vincentian View: Beauty and the Beast
A Vincentian View: Beauty and the Beast As a child, like most of you, I heard and read the story of “Beauty and the Beast” many times. As an adult, I saw the animated Disney Movie (with Angela Lansbury beautifully singing the title song) and a Broadway version. Now,...