Reflections
A Vincentian View: The Holy Name of Jesus
by Pat Griffin, CM | December 8, 2021 | Formation, Reflections | 4 Comments
From the earliest days of my Catholic education, the good School Sisters of Notre Dame taught my young schoolmates and me to bow our heads when we said the name “Jesus.”
A Vincentian View: A Thankful Man
by Pat Griffin, CM | November 24, 2021 | Formation, Reflections | 2 Comments
In this year dedicated to St. Joseph, I have written several times on the way in which the Psalms can express the thinking and praying of the Holy Family.
A Vincentian View: The Guardian
by Pat Griffin, CM | November 10, 2021 | Formation, Reflections | 0 Comments
I like the term “guardian.” It has an association with St. Joseph. Frequently he receives the title “Guardian of the Lord” and “Guardian of the Holy Family.”
A Vincentian View: Go to Joseph
by Pat Griffin, CM | October 27, 2021 | Formation, Reflections | 0 Comments
In this year when Pope Francis has invited us to pay special assistance to the patriarch of the Holy Family, we have probably already heard the expression “Go to Joseph.”
A Vincentian View: The Better Part
by Pat Griffin, CM | Jul 20, 2022 | Formation, Reflections
One of Vincent’s instructions to the Daughters of Charity involved the decision on what to do when the obligation for prayer and the obligation for service collided.
A Vincentian View: Bearing the Marks of Jesus
by Pat Griffin, CM | Jul 6, 2022 | Formation, Reflections
Paul ordinarily employed a scribe to write down the letters that he dictated for the benefit of his local churches. Sometimes, however, he picks up the pen himself to write a last few lines.
A Vincentian View: The Body of Christ
by Pat Griffin, CM | Jun 22, 2022 | Formation, Reflections
On occasion, some college campuses run a program called “The Last Lecture.” We have done it a few times at St. John’s.
A Vincentian View: Thoughts on a Wedding
by Pat Griffin, CM | May 30, 2018 | Formation, Reflections
This past weekend, I once again had the opportunity to celebrate the sacrament of matrimony with a young couple. The experience remains foremost in my thinking in these days. I have found that my wedding homilies flow in a certain manner depending on the...
A Vincentian View: In-Between Times
by Pat Griffin, CM | May 16, 2018 | Formation, Reflections
Vincentian View: In-Between Times We sometimes refer to that period which is sandwiched between two events as an “in-between” time. The occurrences which flank this interval often provide its character and purpose. The unifying force of the interlude draws the two...
A Vincentian View: The Smell
by Pat Griffin, CM | May 2, 2018 | Formation, Reflections
Vincentian View: “The Smell” All of us have heard the by-now famous statement of Pope Francis at a Chrism Mass where he told the gathered priests “Be shepherds with the smell of the sheep.” To render “smell” as “scent” compromises the intent. The earthy...
A Vincentian View: Promises
by Pat Griffin, CM | Apr 18, 2018 | Formation, Reflections
Vincentian View: “Promises” I have been thinking about promises. On Easter Sunday, I joined with a Christian community in renewing my baptismal promises. I am sure that many of you did as well. I rejected Satan and his empty promises, and I confessed my belief in...
A Vincentian View: Peace Be With You
by Pat Griffin, CM | Apr 4, 2018 | Formation, Reflections
Vincentian View: “Peace be with you” If you have gotten messages from me, you will see that I most often finish my notes with “Peace” or “Peace in the Risen Lord” or some such variation on “peace.” Many people may feel that it is a left over from my hippie-days and...
A Vincentian View: “Your Paul”
by Pat Griffin, CM | Mar 21, 2018 | Formation, Reflections
Vincentian View: “Your Paul” At different times, many of us have probably considered the difference between: (a) reading a story and then seeing the movie; and (b) seeing the movie and then reading the story. I am sure that I saw the Sherlock Holmes movies before I...
A Vincentian View: The Power of Gentleness
by Pat Griffin, CM | Mar 7, 2018 | Formation, Reflections
Vincentian View: “The Power of Gentleness” Do you remember Aesop’s fable about the contest between the sun and the wind? They were arguing about who was stronger. They saw a man walking along the road and agreed that whoever could get the coat off his back was...
A Vincentian View: Founder’s Week
by Pat Griffin, CM | Feb 21, 2018 | Formation, Reflections
Vincentian View: "Founder's Week" In my day job, I am the Executive Director of the Vincentian Center for Church and Society (VCCS) at St. John’s University. That sounds pretty impressive and it does fill up a business card. In my office, I have a terrific Executive...
A Vincentian View: “Give me your tired, your poor”
by Pat Griffin, CM | Feb 7, 2018 | Formation, Reflections
Vincentian View: "Give me your tired, your poor" When I was in grade school, I memorized lots of material for different subjects. This included much of the Baltimore Catechism. One recalled poem has been making an appearance in my mind more frequently in these...