Each year at St. John’s University we celebrate Founder’s Week from September 20-27.
Vincentian View
A Vincentian View: The Company of Strangers
by Pat Griffin, CM | March 27, 2024 | Formation, Reflections | 1 Comment
Some years ago, I read a piece that discussed how much the modern world depends upon the work of strangers for its survival and wellbeing.
A Vincentian View: A Great Symphony of Prayer
by Pat Griffin, CM | March 13, 2024 | Formation, Reflections | 1 Comment
In preparation for the Jubilee Year 2025, Pope Francis has invited the Christian community to center 2024 around the theme of prayer.
A Vincentian View: The Transfiguration – Listen
by Pat Griffin, CM | February 28, 2024 | Formation, Reflections | 0 Comments
For the last years, I do not think that I have meditated on any theme more often that listening. Most recently, the line that ends the story of the Transfiguration has attracted me.
A Vincentian View: What a Difference a Day Makes
by Pat Griffin, CM | February 14, 2024 | Formation, Reflections | 0 Comments
Ash Wednesday follows Mardi Gras – “Fat Tuesday.” The days stand out as contrasts.
A Vincentian View: Lessons from Ozanam
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.
A Vincentian View: The Spes Gregis
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.
A Vincentian View: A Father had Two Sons
by Pat Griffin, CM | Sep 14, 2022 | Formation, Reflections
In recent years, when I have had the pleasure of reading the Gospel story of the Prodigal Son, I have gotten into the habit of giving special emphasis to the first words of the parable: “A man had two sons. . . .”
A Vincentian View: Embracing the Truth
by Pat Griffin, CM | Aug 31, 2022 | Formation, Reflections
This past weekend contained the “moving-in” days at St. John’s.
A Vincentian View: Being Vincent de Paul
by Pat Griffin, CM | Aug 17, 2022 | Formation, Reflections
“Being Vincent de Paul” can prompt our reflection. The intent, however, should not be to compare ourselves to him but to allow our love for the poor to be inspired by his witness.
A Vincentian View: Being Rich in What Matters to God
by Pat Griffin, CM | Aug 3, 2022 | Formation, Reflections
The blessing of abundance carries with it a responsibility. Jesus points out that truth when he tells the parable of the rich man with the abundant harvest.
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: A Vincentian Heart
by Pat Griffin, CM | Jun 8, 2022 | Formation, Reflections
Each year, St. John’s University organizes a program around the Vincentian Chair of Social Justice (VCSJ).
A Vincentian View: All Are Welcome
by Pat Griffin, CM | May 25, 2022 | Formation, Reflections
In the middle of the Acts of the Apostles (c. 15), we find one of the first issues of exclusion in the young Christian community.