Israel’s prophets talked, but their audiences didn’t listen. Little has changed in 3,000 years. Like the prophets of the Bible, anyone who tries this nowadays is likely to be ignored or derided at best, if not silenced in a variety of ways.

by .famvin | February 1, 2025 | Formation, Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Systemic change | 0 Comments
The Rule of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul emphasizes a commitment to systemic change by addressing both immediate needs and the root causes of poverty through charity and justice. Guided by their values of human dignity, solidarity, and the preferential option for the poor, Vincentians strive to transform lives, foster self-sufficiency, and advocate for a more equitable and compassionate society.
by John Freund, CM | March 16, 2022 | Formation, Reflections, Systemic change | 0 Comments
It occurs to me that there are two approaches to problem-solving. – “Whack-a-mole” or “Big Picture.”
by John Freund, CM | March 11, 2022 | Formation, Reflections, Systemic change | 0 Comments
I often heard two seemingly contradictory thoughts about parents in “real families.”
by John Freund, CM | March 9, 2022 | Formation, Reflections, Systemic change | 0 Comments
I often heard two seemingly contradictory thoughts about parents in “real families.”
by John Freund, CM | Dec 16, 2020 | Formation, Reflections, Systemic change
Israel’s prophets talked, but their audiences didn’t listen. Little has changed in 3,000 years. Like the prophets of the Bible, anyone who tries this nowadays is likely to be ignored or derided at best, if not silenced in a variety of ways.
by John Freund, CM | Dec 9, 2020 | Formation, Reflections, Systemic change
An image each Vincentian should consider! It is a simple image of people imperiled by a river flooding out of control. Read on to learn how a Franciscan uses that image to explore various approaches to saving people.
by John Freund, CM | Dec 4, 2020 | Formation, Justice and Peace, Reflections, Vincentian Family
Forty years ago, four women gave their lives as part of their preferential option for the poor. Read their own words. It should take just about 40 seconds.
by John Freund, CM | Dec 12, 2018 | News, Systemic change, Vincentian Family at the U.N.
The Vincentian Family takes advantage of its NGO status at the UN to speak its truth about its experience with people suffering from unsheltered homelessness and lack of access to adequate housing.
by John Freund, CM | Dec 7, 2018 | Formation, Reflections, Spirituality and Spiritual Practice, Systemic change
This year my image of Advent is an image of expectant parents excitedly seeking, and rejoicing in, the evidence of life stirring in a womb of God’s people.
by John Freund, CM | Dec 5, 2018 | Formation, Reflections, Systemic change
Having a baby is a life-changer. It bears repeating. A baby changes everything. One baby changed everything – for everyone – literally!
by John Freund, CM | Nov 21, 2018 | Formation, Reflections, Systemic change
Mary’s thanksgiving hymn is actually a hymn celebrating God’s “systemic change” of seeing things as God sees things … and an invitation to live it in our lives.
by John Freund, CM | Nov 14, 2018 | Formation, Reflections, Systemic change, Vincentian Family at the U.N.
The Voice of the Poor, the wounded on the road to Jericho today. Some questions for digital passersby and good Samaritans.
by John Freund, CM | Oct 31, 2018 | Formation, Reflections, Spirituality and Spiritual Practice, Systemic change
We pray in thanksgiving for the privilege and responsibility of being able to organize as individuals politically. We pray that each of us, as citizens, feel compelled to exercise our right and responsibility to vote…
by John Freund, CM | Oct 24, 2018 | Formation, Reflections, Systemic change
What would you spend a billion on? Go ahead… let yourself dream a bit.
by John Freund, CM | Oct 17, 2018 | Formation, Reflections, Systemic change
Sometimes laughter can help us gain perspective on our efforts!
by .famvin | Oct 14, 2018 | Church, Justice and Peace, News
On this joyful day, a reflection for all Vincentians on Saint Oscar Romero and St. Vincent de Paul: hearers and doers of the word.