by John Freund, CM | Dec 31, 2016 | Formation, Reflections
Pope Francis and Vincent speak of peace in their worlds
by Javier F. Chento | Dec 31, 2016 | Formation, Reflections
Among the many messages that we share in these Christmas festivities, full of good wishes and hope, there is an image that captivated my heart: a manger set in an environment of debris and destruction. The nativity can be visited in the basilica of Santa Maria Sopra...
by Elizabeth Astridge | Dec 31, 2016 | Church, News, Pope
In a message from earlier this month, Pope Francis focuses on nonviolence for the 50th World Day of Peace, which is celebrated on January 1, 2017. On this occasion, I would like to reflect on nonviolence as a style of politics for peace. I ask God to help all of us to...
by Benito Martínez, C.M. | Dec 30, 2016 | Formation, Reflections
“I must tell you, my dear Sisters, what a consolation it is for me to see you living in your cloister on this journey as you did in the streets of Paris. […] Above all, since those people are not familiar with your poor way of life and your humble dwelling, do...
by Famvin Media Resources | Dec 30, 2016 | Formation
The following SlideShare presentation was adapted from a Prayerbook of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Council of Scotland. As we approach the end of the calendar year let us reflect on how we are doing as Vincentians. The reflection was intended for the SSVP but...
by Sharon Browning | Dec 30, 2016 | Formation, Reflections
Love in action is a harsh and dreadful thing compared to love in dreams. Fyodor Dostoevsky, The Brothers Karamazov Three days after Donald Trump won the election, there was an outpouring of love encircling him. It came from a surprising source: a women’s prison. Yes...
by Aidan R. Rooney, C.M. | Dec 29, 2016 | Formation, Reflections
Although the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord actually brings the Christmas season to an end, people quickly forget its meaning. Here’s a litany called “Now the Work of Christmas Begins” composed by Howard Thurman, an African-American theologian, educator, and civil...
by Aidan R. Rooney, C.M. | Dec 29, 2016 | Formation, Spirituality and Spiritual Practice
The other day, Philip Kosloski invited those in the Jesuit tradition to an annual examen (recalling of God’s activity and our response). Vincentians need it, too. Here is how an examen might look for Vincentians: After placing yourself in God’s presence, first...
by Sr. Margaret O’Dwyer, DC | Dec 29, 2016 | News, Vincentian Family at the U.N.
The Song, “The Twelve Days of Christmas,” was composed in 1780. It refers to the 12 days starting with Christmas and ending on the Feast of the Epiphany. I wondered what it might be like if there were a version for the UN…considering events in 2016 and what we might...
by Pat Griffin, CM | Dec 28, 2016 | Formation, Reflections
A Vincentian View A Christmas Homily: “Celebrating the Small” Each year before Christmastime in Advent, one of my brothers sends me four tickets to “The Messiah” at Lincoln Center. This gives me an opportunity to see this seasonal show with some of my confreres and...