“Move us to create healthier societies and a more dignified world, a world without hunger, poverty, violence and war. May our hearts be open to all the peoples and nations of the earth.”
Systemic change
Learning From a Vincentian Nobel Prize Nominee
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
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.
If You See Something Good, Say Something Good!
It is all too easy to fall into the trap of sharing bad news. Rather… let’s SHARE GOOD NEWS! Affirm it, publicize it when we see it!
I Can’t Help Every Homeless Person!
Have you ever walked past a homeless person lying on his back on the sidewalk? Did it stir up any mixed feelings? Maria Shriver shares an incident in her life.
How are we followers of Vincent at doing dishes?
“Everybody wants a revolution, but nobody wants to do the dishes.”
The Vincentian Family as a Movement
Visitors to the Vincentian Family website are obviously familiar with the concept of the Vincentian Family. But how many of us think of the Vincentian Family as a Movement?
Quiet Change Agents Giants
Jean Vanier changed the attitude of the world to people we might arrogantly label as handicapped. St. Vincent changed the attitude of so many in France towards the poor.
Vincentian Cattle Herd Breeding Project, Costa Rica
A cattle breeding project sponsored by the Vincentian Solidarity Office, is an example of systemic change for the improvement of the pastoral care of parishioners at the various mission stations, and the betterment of the lives of the “campesinos,” peasants.
A Mother Knows So Much About Systemic Change
Think of it. Mothers everywhere are key agents of the transformation of helpless newborns into independent adults.
Reacting to New Ways of Thinking
I don’t think I ever really appreciated how much of a radical change in thinking observant Jews were asked to make regarding their deeply held identity and beliefs. The Acts of the Apostles reveal the struggles to understand and accept a new way of thinking and living. It did not happen all at once.
Emmaus – Beginning a Systemic Change Process
As we read the Acts of the Apostles in this Easter season we see how it took time for the good news of the resurrection to sink in. Each Easter season I am amazed at what I learn about myself and ministry in their struggles.
