![A tragedy in Igarapé (Brazil)](https://b704496.smushcdn.com/704496/en/files/2022/01/Ft9-1080x630.jpg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1)
A tragedy in Igarapé (Brazil)
On Saturday, January 8, 2022, the rains that had been punishing our region since the first days of this year intensified.
![Cardinal Souraphiel calls for peace and forgiveness in Ethiopia](https://b704496.smushcdn.com/704496/en/files/2018/10/201810Souraphiel-1080x630.jpg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1)
Cardinal Souraphiel calls for peace and forgiveness in Ethiopia
The head of the Ethiopian Bishops’ Conference asks the faithful to ask God for the gift of forgiveness and peace in the country, where civil war has recently entered its second year.
![Being The Beloved (Isaiah 40:11: Lk 3:22)](https://b704496.smushcdn.com/704496/en/files/2016/02/mckenna-tom-reflections-featured-facebook-1.png?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1)
Being The Beloved (Isaiah 40:11: Lk 3:22)
A gift – something given over freely, with good will and coming not from obligation but from good will and esteem. It raises the question: of all the gifts to receive, which would be the most valuable and precious?
![If I were John the Baptist…](https://b704496.smushcdn.com/704496/en/files/2022/01/John-the-Baptist-FI-1080x630.jpg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1)
If I were John the Baptist…
In the back of my head, I have wondered why Jesus was baptized. After all, Jesus is the Son of God. He is sinless. There had to be something more.
![Traditions, Customs, and Habits](https://b704496.smushcdn.com/704496/en/files/2015/11/ross-reyes-dizon-sunday-readings-facebook.png?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1)
Traditions, Customs, and Habits
Jesus makes all things new. Hence, he questions traditions and customs, most of all, those that veil his true face. Jesus and his disciples are at a wedding. There too is his mother. And the wedding, no doubt, follows the traditions and customs of the Jews. But as...![Vincentian Prayer Images: One of the Great Saints of History XV](https://b704496.smushcdn.com/704496/en/files/2020/05/praying-our-heritage-featured-new-1080x630.jpg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1)
Vincentian Prayer Images: One of the Great Saints of History XV
While the rich have many persons to serve them, the poor have no servants but the Daughters of Charity.
![Mother Seton shrine launches initiatives to expand awareness of U.S. saint](https://b704496.smushcdn.com/704496/en/files/2022/01/seton-shrine-featured-1080x630.jpg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1)
Mother Seton shrine launches initiatives to expand awareness of U.S. saint
The National Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in Emmitsburg is launching a series of initiatives to expand awareness of first U.S.-born saint.
![Famvin Ireland Video Blog: Epiphany and New Year Reflection](https://b704496.smushcdn.com/704496/en/files/2022/01/Fr.-Paschal-Scallon-FI-1080x630.png?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1)
Famvin Ireland Video Blog: Epiphany and New Year Reflection
Fr. Paschal Scallon, Provincial of the Irish Province of the Vincentians, gives a short video reflection on the Epiphany and New Year.
![New Year’s Letter from Bro. Stockman, Superior General of the Brothers of Charity](https://b704496.smushcdn.com/704496/en/files/2022/01/Stockman-jan-22-fb-1080x630.jpg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1)
New Year’s Letter from Bro. Stockman, Superior General of the Brothers of Charity
First of all, we wish you all a blessed and peaceful 2022. Thank you for the many wishes we received and we hope to share with you that blessing and peace in the new year.
![A Vincentian Minute: Vincentians and Catholic Social Teaching – Intro](https://b704496.smushcdn.com/704496/en/files/2022/01/rooney-cst-featured-r-intro-1080x630.jpg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1)
A Vincentian Minute: Vincentians and Catholic Social Teaching – Intro
Fr. Rooney draws on a sketch of Catholic Social Teaching by former Vincentian Superior General Robert P. Maloney, C.M.