Labor Day, the beginning of the academic year, and the liturgical calendar (September 8) merge in drawing Antoine-Frédéric Ozanam to my mind at the beginning of September.

by Pat Griffin, CM | November 20, 2024 | Formation, Reflections | 0 Comments
Pope Francis’ most recent encyclical (Dilexit nos, “He Loved us,” October 2024) finds a welcome place in our Vincentian reflections.
by Pat Griffin, CM | November 6, 2024 | Formation, Reflections | 1 Comment
In the Gospels, Jesus mentions the “little ones” on several occasions. He says that they need to be treated with respect (Mt 18:10).
by Pat Griffin, CM | October 23, 2024 | Formation, Reflections | 2 Comments
Praying and preaching the psalms has been one of my great joys for many years. The opportunity to take a psalm and reflect upon its meaning has challenged me to study its context and appreciate its message.
by Pat Griffin, CM | October 9, 2024 | Formation, Reflections | 1 Comment
As Christians, we can pray with and for our Jewish brothers and sisters on these holy days. We can learn from their time of devotion and reflection.
by Pat Griffin, CM | Sep 13, 2023 | Formation, Reflections
Labor Day, the beginning of the academic year, and the liturgical calendar (September 8) merge in drawing Antoine-Frédéric Ozanam to my mind at the beginning of September.
by Pat Griffin, CM | Aug 30, 2023 | Formation, Reflections
The “spes gregis” was one of the earliest terms that I heard applied to my classmates and me when we entered the high school seminary.
by Pat Griffin, CM | Aug 16, 2023 | Formation, Reflections
A Scripture passage that frequently captures my Vincentian heart is that of the Transfiguration.
by Pat Griffin, CM | Apr 14, 2021 | Formation, Reflections
Psalm 19 points in a similar direction and enables us to continue to reflect on Joseph as a just man in relation to the law of his people.
by Pat Griffin, CM | Mar 31, 2021 | Formation, Reflections
Do you want to hear Joseph pray? You might begin with Psalm 1.
by Pat Griffin, CM | Mar 17, 2021 | Formation, Reflections
“We need only ask Saint Joseph for the grace of graces: our conversion” (PC p. 9).
by Pat Griffin, CM | Mar 3, 2021 | Formation, Reflections
“In every situation, Joseph declared his own “fiat,” like those of Mary at the Annunciation and Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane.”
by Pat Griffin, CM | Feb 17, 2021 | Formation, Reflections
Joseph, Vincent and Louise, Francis, and many others invite us to think about what is possible as we open our eyes to God’s grace for a different and better world.
by Pat Griffin, CM | Feb 3, 2021 | Formation, Reflections
Since Pope Francis declared this the Year of St. Joseph, I have given this figure of our faith some attention. I have invited Joseph into my world and sought his instruction.
by Pat Griffin, CM | Jan 20, 2021 | Formation, Reflections
In the current time with all our issues, St. Joseph can stand forth to teach us as a just man, as a worker and family man, as an obedient believer, and as a quiet person with an ability to listen.
by Pat Griffin, CM | Jan 6, 2021 | Formation, Reflections
My friends, the whole story during this holy season invites us to strengthen our faith within our closest community and to express it in the widest world.
by Pat Griffin, CM | Dec 23, 2020 | Formation, Reflections
This year something different in the Christmas readings captured my prayer and attention. Perhaps it suggests the times and the disposition of my mind and heart.