On occasion, some college campuses run a program called “The Last Lecture.” We have done it a few times at St. John’s.
Reflections
How My Father taught me about “Our Father”
A seminarian opened my eyes! Some 50+ years ago, I was his supervisor in what was then called a field education program. He was sharing something that dawned on him after visiting a local prison.
Strong Resolve to Walk with Jesus
Jesus is strong in his resolve to go to Jerusalem to live his Paschal Mystery. To be his disciple means to walk with...
A Canadian View: Poverty and Vincentian Charism
I imagine everyone has their own vision of poverty. It is usually a picture of someone dressed poorly, if a man he likely has a beard or long unkempt hair. Women are pictured in old, dirty clothes with no makeup. Poverty can also mean you live in subsidized housing,...
Sensitivity of Faith in the Face of Death
Jesus wants to bring light to those who live in the shadow of death. If we just have faith and Jesus’ sensitivity, his wish for us will come true. Neighbors and relatives rejoiced with Elizabeth. But they did not really experience her sensitivity to the merciful God....
A Vincentian View: What’s in a Name?
Elizabeth and Zechariah are willing to think “outside the box”, and give a new name to this extraordinary gift which comes into their midst.
Lessons from Nature – Systemic Change
The gift of a closing prayer drawn from nature.
A Light in Darkness #NUVMI
If you have doubts, or friends who are in some “darkness,” act as if you have faith, ask St. Louise, and light will be given.
Vincent Was a Life-Long Learner
Vincent was a life-long learner. Vincent didn’t just happen. Vincent spent his lifetime waking up to the demands of the Gospel and the needs of those who were poor. I am reminded of the monk Bede Griffiths, a life-long learner, who said in the 81st year of his life...
Vincentian Centre – St Vincent de Paul Society
What does the Vincentian centre do? A short video to illustrate how Vinnies SA Australia provides over 17,000 safe nights sleep & meals.
Embrace What God is Doing
Embrace What God is Doing (Rom 5:1-2) To appreciate the revolutionary thrust of Paul’s message, I think of the story of a young man whose inner voice kept repeating, “You’re not good enough.” Responding to this, he felt he had to keep demonstrating that he had...
The Secret Sauce of Systemic Change
The best way to help the poor is to respect them, to stand before them as an equal, without any masks, privilege, without any authority other than love and respect. And love will help you persevere in spite of the disappointments and the failures and the lack of honesty that we have to deal with almost every day.
