If you have ever seen Fiddler on the Roof, you may remember the prayer of Tevye.

by Pat Griffin, CM | July 2, 2025 | Reflections | 1 Comment
Last week, we celebrated the Sacred Heart of Jesus followed by the Immaculate Heart of Mary. It seems appropriate to link these two celebrations.
by Pat Griffin, CM | June 18, 2025 | Reflections | 1 Comment
This year’s observance of a “Jubilee of Hope,” our recent celebration of Pentecost, and last week’s memorial for St. Barnabas all tend in the same direction for me.
by Pat Griffin, CM | June 4, 2025 | Reflections | 0 Comments
I have been blessed with the privilege of visiting the Marian shrines at Lourdes and Knock several times. I have spent some hours in those special places of prayer.
by Pat Griffin, CM | May 21, 2025 | Reflections | 1 Comment
Sister Louise Sullivan, D.C has an article on “The Core Values of Vincentian Education” which provides my regular starting point when I speak of education as an important part of our charism and mission.
by Pat Griffin, CM | Feb 16, 2022 | Formation, Reflections
If you have ever seen Fiddler on the Roof, you may remember the prayer of Tevye.
by Pat Griffin, CM | Feb 2, 2022 | Formation, Reflections
This scripture reminds us of our responsibility to honor the prophets among us.
by Pat Griffin, CM | Jan 19, 2022 | Formation, Reflections
Whenever I have taught the Epistles of Paul or instructed lectors on these texts, I emphasize that one must read these letters as if they were addressed to oneself and to a Christian community gathered to hear them.
by John Freund, CM | Aug 3, 2015 | Formation
“Knowing Vincent” is the latest reflection in Father Patrick Griffin's series on Considering Consecrated Life. In the past month, I have been in a number of places where a particular presence has caught my eye. I have noticed on many shelves the fourteen volumes of...
by John Freund, CM | Jul 26, 2015 | Formation, Reflections
“Preferential Option for the Poor” is the latest reflection by Fr. Pat Griffin in his series Considering Consecrated Life Laudato Si’ has justifiably gotten a lot of attention. The emphasis in this document concerning the physical suffering of the poor because of the...
by John Freund, CM | Jul 20, 2015 | Formation, Reflections
Patrick Griffin CM continues his series on Considering Consecrated Life with this reflection on “One Heart” “We have only one heart. . .” (Laudato Si’, Pope Francis, 24 May 2015, 92) Laudato Si’ has challenged me both to meditate and to learn. I find myself...
by John Freund, CM | Jul 17, 2015 | Formation, Reflections
Mary in the Vincentian Spirituality - Griffin Mary - 12 page booklet - prepared for a mini-retreat for students in the Internal Seminary or Novitiate of the Eastern Province of the Congregation of the Mission by Fr. Patrick Griffin, CM. The main section of these...
by John Freund, CM | Jul 13, 2015 | Formation, Reflections
In “A Note to Vincentians” Father Patrick Griffin, CM continues his series of reflections "Considering Consecrated Life" Laudato Si’ merits a close and careful reading by Vincentians. Many, many paragraphs reflect a concern for the poor. With this encyclical Francis...
by John Freund, CM | Jul 6, 2015 | Formation, Reflections
“Baffled” - Pat Griffin continues his series "Considering Consecrated Life" You know how it is when you have a birthday party for a child. The room can overflow with balloons bobbing up from the chairs, streamers hanging from the ceiling, colorful centerpieces...
by John Freund, CM | Jun 29, 2015 | Formation, Reflections
With this reflection, Forgetting Who You Are - Pat Griffin CM continues his series "Considering Consecrated Life" Recently, a friend of mine said something which stuck in my mind. The guidance was not original or profoundly stated, but I heard its wisdom and warning...
by John Freund, CM | Jun 22, 2015 | Formation, Reflections
“A Vincentian Vernacular” Another reflection In Patrick Griffin's series "Considering Consecrated Life" For emphasis, we choose significant “years” to begin and end on certain dates. Thus, Pope Francis decided that the “Year of Consecrated Life,” would begin on the...
by John Freund, CM | Jun 15, 2015 | Formation, Reflections
I imagine the Lord God holding out an invitation: Write to me. Pen and paper are not the absolute needs, but the desire to speak fluently and to allow my heart to be revealed.