Reflections
In Praise of Complaining! (Job 7:17; Mk 1: 29-31)
by Tom McKenna, CM | February 10, 2021 | Formation, Reflections | 0 Comments
Job has the well-deserved reputation as a complainer. Throwing up his hands, he whines to God, “How long is this misery going to lasts, this drudgery, these troubled nights.” (Job 7:1-7)
Connecting Lent, Valentine’s Day and Systemic Change
by John Freund, CM | February 10, 2021 | Formation, Reflections, Systemic change, Vincentian Family | 1 Comment
At first glance, it may seem like quite a stretch to connect Ash Wednesday, Valentine’s Day and Systemic Change. But hear me out. Actually, it is not that hard.
Lenten Letter 2021 From Fr. Tomaž Mavrič, CM, to the Vincentian Family
by Tomaž Mavrič, CM | February 10, 2021 | Formation, Reflections | 0 Comments
After the dramatic events of last year as the suffering caused by wars, natural disasters, and famine was compounded by the pandemic of COVID-19, our faith calls us to live this new year 2021 in hope, even in situations that are, humanly speaking, hopeless.
Hands Outstretched to the Quarantined
by Ross Dizon | February 9, 2021 | Formation, Reflections | 0 Comments
Vincentian Prayer Images: One of the Great Saints of History XII
by John Freund, CM | Dec 21, 2021 | Formation, Reflections
The poor and rich, the weak and the powerful are one and the same flesh of humanity…
What I Dreaded Became a Source of Life
by John Freund, CM | Dec 17, 2021 | Formation, Reflections
It was a moment I think most of us dreaded. In the later stages of formation some 60 years ago I remember hearing the words “Mr. Freund please.”
A Canadian View: Inter-Generational Trauma, Poverty & Racism, Part Three
by Jim Paddon | Dec 16, 2021 | Formation, Reflections
I would like to examine the relationship between trauma, poverty and (systemic) racism over my next three articles. Part Three discusses (systemic) racism.
Halloween, and What Christians Celebrate
by Javier F. Chento | Oct 30, 2016 | Formation, Reflections
A few years ago, my sister-in-law told me about the changes in the classroom of my nephews, their activities and all those little things that helps children learn to socialize. Thus, among other stories, she told me this of my little niece, 5 years old then, facing...
The Link that Binds Two Hearts • Tales of the Miraculous Virgin
by Javier F. Chento | Oct 29, 2016 | Association of the Miraculous Medal, Formation, Reflections
In a month, the Vincentian Family will greet the Virgin with special affection in its invocation of "Miraculous." Surely this month many reflections will be published online, on her history, present, etc. But today we invite you to do...
Louise de Marillac: We are all Born with a Vocation
by Benito Martínez, C.M. | Oct 28, 2016 | Formation, Reflections
“I believe, Monsieur, that the return [of this young lady] will have greatly dampened the enthusiasm of any candidates wishing to join us. Great courage and steadfastness are essential in order to persevere here because we are bound only by obedience and are often...
#famvin400 Unseen Changes, Unseen Pain
by Aidan R. Rooney, C.M. | Oct 27, 2016 | Formation, Reflections, Social Media
Alienation makes for a different type of stranger. There are unseen wounds. https://youtu.be/fr1NumLiv54 Reflection and challenge: There are people all around us that hide their suffering: from poverty, from...
Unchain The Word Through Memory
by Tom McKenna, CM | Oct 26, 2016 | Formation, Reflections
Unchaining The Word Through Memory One short sentence in Paul’s letter to Timothy (2 Tim 2: 10) caught my attention right off, “The word of God is not chained.” Paul himself is in chains, and it’s the contrast here that’s striking him. The Word of God is the opposite...
Going Beyond Rigged Cycles
by John Freund, CM | Oct 26, 2016 | Formation, Reflections, Systemic change
VinFormation offers this 67 second video insight into the concept of systemic change as breaking the cycles of poverty.
Guest Asking for Justice and Love
by Ross Dizon | Oct 25, 2016 | Formation, Reflections
The Son of the most holy God becomes flesh and stays at our house as a guest who saves. He wants us to repent. Jesus teaches that it will be difficult for the wealthy to enter the kingdom of God. The Pharisees, for their part, consider tax collectors sinners that...
Vincentians Look up to God – Vincentians Serve with Faith and Mercy
by Lynn L'Heureux | Oct 24, 2016 | Formation, Reflections, Society of St. Vincent de Paul
Vincentians Look up to God - Vincentians Serve with Faith and Mercy - What We Do, Affects Our Future - Vincentians are Called to Be Disciples Vincentian Day of Prayer and Fast Vincentians Look up to God When we go on home visits, we bow down before God before we go...
St. Vincent on How to Conclude Well the Jubilee Year
by Fr. Binoy Puthusery, C.M. | Oct 23, 2016 | Formation, Reflections
On October 15, 1641, St. Vincent gave a conference to the sisters on the significance of jubilee year and the means of gaining treasures of God’s mercy in the jubilee year (The Conferences of St. Vincent, By Joseph Leonard C.M, Vol. I. 7). As we are about to conclude...