“For Vincent, the heart of Jesus was the source of missionary zeal. For Louise, it was the font of a burning charity that was both affective and effective.”

by John Freund, CM | August 1, 2014 | Formation | 1 Comment
For nearly six months FamvVin has been offering a feature called “Saturday Study Hall” introducing and highlighting material found in the Vincentian Encyclopedia. We ask 30 seconds of your time…
by John Freund, CM | July 18, 2014 | Formation, Spirituality and Spiritual Practice, Vincentian Marian Youth | 0 Comments
by John Freund, CM | July 11, 2014 | Formation | 0 Comments
Judging those who are poor! Websites abound with discussions that imply judgments about those who are poor. What is Vincent’s perspective on judging those who are poor.
by John Freund, CM | June 27, 2014 | Formation, International Association of Charities - Ladies of Charity | 0 Comments
Catherine Harkins, the first Lady of Charity in the USA, had a vivid dream of St. Vincent walking through snow-covered streets and gathering neglected children under his cloak.
by John Freund, CM | Jun 20, 2014 | Formation, Spirituality and Spiritual Practice
“For Vincent, the heart of Jesus was the source of missionary zeal. For Louise, it was the font of a burning charity that was both affective and effective.”
by John Freund, CM | Jun 13, 2014 | Formation, Spirituality and Spiritual Practice
Former Superior General Robert Maloney offered the following insights on Vincent on the Trinity and Corpus Christi. As...
by John Freund, CM | Jun 6, 2014 | Formation
On this 70th anniversary of D-Day it seems fitting to repost an earlier offering from the series Saturday Study Hall -...
by John Freund, CM | Apr 11, 2014 | Formation
he challenge from Pope Francis is clear. "WAKE UP THE WORLD" “The church must be attractive. Wake up the world! Be witnesses of a different way of doing things, acting, living! (Show) it’s possible to live differently in this world.” "A charism needs to be “lived...
by John Freund, CM | Apr 5, 2014 | Formation
What makes a Vincentian campus Vincentian? This was the question Fr. Gregory Gay, CM addressed in his presentation at Niagara University the day before the installation of Fr. James Maher, CM as 26th President of Niagara University. His answer "Hard work and Sheer...
by John Freund, CM | Mar 28, 2014 | Formation
Phrase we have used in the Vincentian Family... do we know where they came from and what is their context? Leave God for God Turn the medal The poor are our Lords and masters Affective and effective love The poor evangelize us The poor are our judges The following...
by John Freund, CM | Mar 21, 2014 | Formation
Can you picture Vincent walking along the road to Paris? It was a relatively well traveled road with priests and officials. In your minds eye watch Vincent as he sees a victim of robbers lying by the wayside. Watch him as he approaches and sees, becomes moved by...
by John Freund, CM | Mar 14, 2014 | Formation
We are all on a spiritual journey. Abraham risked all to follow God's invitation even in advanced age. The disciples journeyed with Christ and found themselves in surprising places. So too Vincent. His journey took him seeking a life of security to following Christ...
by John Freund, CM | Mar 7, 2014 | Formation, Systemic change
"Change your way of thinking!" I was really struck the first time I realized that the root meaning of "metanoia" or "repent" was "change your way of thinking". Since then every Lent I try to look at what needs to change in my way of thinking about what God is asking...
by John Freund, CM | Feb 28, 2014 | Formation
Across the Vincentian Family there is a recognition of the importance of formation for service. Fr. Dennis Holtschneider does a very nice job of connecting service and reflection. As we continue to explore the resources of the Vincentian Encyclopedia there is a...
by John Freund, CM | Feb 21, 2014 | Formation
In days of yore saints were presented as living perfect lives from their first breaths. Today we are more sophisticated in recognizing that for most the path to holiness was a journey of many conversion moments. In our heads we know that Vincent and Louise were not...
by John Freund, CM | Feb 14, 2014 | Formation
“I think that we trivialize our charism and tradition, if we limit it to mean only works of service” Gertrude Foley SC