Systemic change

Learning From a Vincentian Nobel Prize Nominee

by John Freund, CM | February 17, 2021 | Formation, Reflections, Systemic change | 1 Comment

A Vincentian priest has made it his life’s work to “go out to the margins” of society and try to restore dignity to the “living scraps” of a “throwaway culture”. Pedro Opeka CM, has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize… again.

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.

It’s All Pope Francis’ Fault!

by John Freund, CM | February 3, 2021 | Formation, Reflections, Systemic change | 0 Comments

Since last October Jesus’ “story” has found a home in my heart to a degree I never expected. And it is all Pope Francis’ fault! I can no longer tame the shock of the story. What a challenge to change my way of thinking.

Aren’t We All “Flat-earthers”?

by John Freund, CM | January 27, 2021 | Formation, Reflections, Systemic change | 1 Comment

There is no doubt in my mind that the earth is a globe revolving in space! So how could I be a “flat-earther”?

Unrecognized Experts

by John Freund, CM | May 19, 2021 | Formation, Reflections, Systemic change, Vincentian Family

People experiencing poverty have an expertise that can not be taught in a classroom. They know their situation from the inside. They understand many dimensions of poverty that may not occur to us.

A Daring Prudence – Systemic Change

by John Freund, CM | May 12, 2021 | Formation, Reflections, Systemic change

“… create a Family that looks to the past for inspiration, but is also eager to create a vibrant innovative collaborative future in the service of the most abandoned.” Fr. Robert Maloney

Wide-angle View of the Vincentian Family

by John Freund, CM | May 5, 2021 | Formation, Reflections, Systemic change

We are people with a mission…to do what Jesus did. Pople who use the skills of their profession in frontline “field hospitals” or mobilize those who are committed to “seeking long-term solutions.”

Why Did Pope Francis Make 10 Startling Statements?

by John Freund, CM | Nov 8, 2019 | Formation, Justice and Peace, Reflections, Systemic change

Pope Francis has a knack for making startling statements that catch people’s attention.

Let’s Talk Openly About the Challenge of St. John Paul II

by John Freund, CM | Nov 6, 2019 | Formation, Reflections, Systemic change

“Search out more than ever, with boldness, humility, and skill, the causes of poverty and encourage short and long term solutions. adaptable and effective concrete solutions.” St. John Paul II

The Synod as an Emmaus Journey!

by John Freund, CM | Oct 30, 2019 | Formation, Reflections, Systemic change

Seeing beyond each personal experience! Isn’t that what the Synod is about? We hear the Spirit and recognize the inadequacies of our individual understandings regarding the the needs of peoople in other parts of the world.

What My Mother Taught Me About Systemic Change

by John Freund, CM | Oct 23, 2019 | Formation, Reflections, Systemic change

My mother did not realize she was teaching me about systemic change. But she did. She taught me how to appreciate the Incarnation is the greatest systemic change in our history.

Jesus vs. the UN on the Eradication of Poverty

by John Freund, CM | Oct 16, 2019 | Formation, Justice and Peace, Reflections, Systemic change

October 17th marks the UN’s World Day for the Eradication of Poverty calling us to work toward overcoming poverty.

What Can an Arcade Game Teach Us About Ministry?

by John Freund, CM | Oct 9, 2019 | Formation, Reflections, Systemic change

Whack-a-mole has become something of a metaphor for a recurring problem that one never seems to get ahead of. How do we address recurring problems?

What Can the Indigenous People of the Amazon Teach Us?

by John Freund, CM | Oct 2, 2019 | Formation, Reflections, Systemic change

The emergence of indigenous peoples in society and in the Church has been recognized by the Latin American Bishops as a new Pentecost, a Kairos, a sacred moment of encounter for all.