Reflections

Seton Shrine Debuts “Seeker to Saint” Video Series

by .famvin | June 19, 2021 | Formation, Reflections | 0 Comments

The Seeker to Saint series, produced by The National Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, is part of a year-long commemoration of the 200th anniversary of her passing into heave

A Perfect Storm

by John Freund, CM | June 18, 2021 | Formation, Reflections, Vincentian Family | 0 Comments

I have only recently become conscious of the “perfect storm” faced by the early Christian community at the time Mark collected the stories of Jesus and made use of them to ultimately give hope in a disastrous situation.

How Big is Your Tent?

by Jack Murphy, SVDPUSA | June 17, 2021 | Formation, Reflections | 2 Comments

“You Catholics have one big tent that contains everyone.” That thought has been very reassuring to me over the years. Particularly when entertaining Catholic views that are different than mine.

Public Transportation – Nuisance or Necessity

by Fr. Michael Carroll, CM | June 17, 2021 | Formation, Homelessness, Reflections | 0 Comments

People who are not homeless have a variety of experiences with public transportation. How do you think homeless people view public transportation?

Brimming Over (Lk 15: 1-32; 2 Corinthians 5:17-25)

by Tom McKenna, CM | Apr 6, 2022 | Formation, Reflections

In Luke’s 15th chapter, Jesus relates his perhaps most famous parable, aiming to open another window onto the Kingdom of God, especially its meaning for the present.

A Play In Three Acts – “Walking Together”

by John Freund, CM | Apr 6, 2022 | Formation, Reflections

I have never written anything like a play. I probably never will. But I thought of the outline of a play about “walking together” as Pope Francis refers to synodality.

Lenten Video Series, Day 30: Sweet Surrender

by The Miraculous Medal Shrine | Apr 5, 2022 | Formation, Reflections

Carolina Nemo describes her spiritual experience in Fatima, Portugal– and how seeing the joyful prayers to the Blessed Mother made her more fully understand the nature of giving all of yourself in sacrifice to God.

A Vincentian View: The Lord Hears

by Pat Griffin, CM | Nov 8, 2017 | Formation, Reflections

A Vincentian View: The Lord Hears A number of phrases in the Scriptures of the past weeks have stayed in the front of my mind. I have felt the truth of these words and the considerable summons which they offer. From one hearing, they bring consolation and...

Pope Francis Issues Radical Challenge – Love not with words but deeds!

by John Freund, CM | Nov 8, 2017 | Formation, Poverty: Analysis and Responses, Reflections, Systemic change

“It is my wish that, in the week preceding the World Day of the Poor… Christian communities will make every effort to create moments of encounter and friendship, solidarity and concrete assistance.”

Ready, Holding Lamps that Are Burning

by Ross Dizon | Nov 7, 2017 | Formation, Reflections

Jesus is the bridegroom whom we await. We will enter with him into the wedding feast, if with wisdom we stay awake and are ready, with our lamps burning. Jesus informs us that we really do not know the day or the hour of his coming. He can come any day, even at an...

Vincentian Virtues for Moms

by Katie Cassady, CVV 12 and former staff | Nov 5, 2017 | Formation, Reflections

Admittedly I have been tremendously influenced by Vincentians in my adult life. Prior to that, I had known of the ministry of the Vincentians (read: I had heard of the St. Vincent de Paul Society) since I was little. Unfortunately, that probably remains the...

Space: The Final Frontier! Or is Poverty?

by John Freund, CM | Nov 4, 2017 | Formation, Reflections

Jesus said it well. “The poor you will always have with you.” Could we not speak of welcoming and caring for our poorer brothers and sisters as an everlasting frontier?

The Pope Video • To Witness to the Gospel in Asia – November 2017

by Aidan R. Rooney, C.M. | Nov 4, 2017 | Church, Formation, Reflections

"The Pope Video" series continues! This month, the Pope asks us to pray for Asia -- an enormous continent where people of diverse religions coexist, and where Christians are a minority. Let us listen to their testimony and learn from their openness to others....

The Grace of the Stranger Welcoming Me

by Rosemary Carroll | Nov 3, 2017 | Formation, Reflections

Let me tell you about an encounter I had last weekend. I drove to Plymouth, Massachusetts Friday for a meeting Saturday of the Sisters of Charity Federation Associates from the Boston area. I was co-facilitating the meeting. Plymouth is where the Pilgrims aboard the...

The Character of God

by Tom McKenna, CM | Nov 1, 2017 | Formation, Reflections

I remember talking to a man who was leaving a good position in his company after over 30 years on the job. He didn’t want to, but he said it wasn’t the same company he had come to those three decades ago. He lamented that it had lost its lights and heart, particularly...