Vincent’s life lessons
Do Vincentians Really Have the Smell of the Sheep?
by John Freund, CM | July 6, 2018 | Formation, Reflections | 0 Comments
The first time Pope Francis caught our attention with the image of the “smell of the sheep” was a mere two weeks after he became Pope.
Does the Daily News Overwhelm You?
by John Freund, CM | June 29, 2018 | Formation, Reflections | 0 Comments
We might not be able to accomplish as much as St. Vincent. But we can all do the next right thing… realizing something must be done and asking the Vincentian Question, WHAT MUST I DO?
Vincent Was a Life-Long Learner
by John Freund, CM | June 22, 2018 | Formation, Reflections | 1 Comment
There Must Be a Path Here…
by John Freund, CM | June 15, 2018 | Formation, Reflections | 0 Comments
Are there any events that in retrospect changed your life? Have there been times when you realized how much good came out of something that seemed so bad at the time?
![Send the Elevator Back Down](https://b704496.smushcdn.com/704496/en/files/2018/06/vincent-life-lessons-featured.jpg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1)
Send the Elevator Back Down
by John Freund, CM | Jul 13, 2018 | Formation, Reflections
Is sending the elevator back down enough? Thoughts on accompaniment.
![Send the Elevator Back Down](https://b704496.smushcdn.com/704496/en/files/2018/06/vincent-life-lessons-featured.jpg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1)
Do Vincentians Really Have the Smell of the Sheep?
by John Freund, CM | Jul 6, 2018 | Formation, Reflections
The first time Pope Francis caught our attention with the image of the “smell of the sheep” was a mere two weeks after he became Pope.
![Send the Elevator Back Down](https://b704496.smushcdn.com/704496/en/files/2018/06/vincent-life-lessons-featured.jpg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1)
Does the Daily News Overwhelm You?
by John Freund, CM | Jun 29, 2018 | Formation, Reflections
We might not be able to accomplish as much as St. Vincent. But we can all do the next right thing… realizing something must be done and asking the Vincentian Question, WHAT MUST I DO?
Pay attention to your experiences!
by John Freund, CM | Jul 30, 2016 | Formation, Reflections
In my years as a bishop, I have learned one thing. Nothing is more beautiful than seeing the enthusiasm, dedication, zeal and energy with which so many young people live their lives
Vincent, Frederic, the Dreams of Youth and WYD
by John Freund, CM | Jul 23, 2016 | Formation, Reflections
A question for us is what can we do to nourish those dreams in our Vincentian Youth and help them channel their energy.
GO To Where The Need Is
by John Freund, CM | Jul 16, 2016 | Formation, Reflections
Do I actively seek and welcome all to the table?
Vincent – balancing basics
by John Freund, CM | Jul 9, 2016 | Formation, Reflections
After 50 years of priesthood I still struggle with the issues of balancing basics. Having been ordained in 1965 I was quickly exposed to a spirit of activism. I remember being very caught up with the concept of “leaving God for God.” After all, Vincent expressed that...
St. Vincent, Kevin Spacey and sending the elevator back down
by John Freund, CM | Jul 2, 2016 | Formation, Reflections
An elevator goes up, goes down. People get on and off. I live in a large Vincentian community facility where at 78 I like to think I am in the mid-range age group of this community (okay maybe upper). It is no surprise that the elevator is crucial for so many of us....
Following Vincent – “Wherever He Went Good Things Happened”
by John Freund, CM | Jun 18, 2016 | Formation, Reflections
Let's get right to the point! Do good things happen wherever you and I go? Why is this question important? For at least two reasons! We call ourselves Christians, followers of Christ. And of him, it was said, "You know what has happened throughout the province of...
What was it like to learn from Vincent?
by John Freund, CM | Jun 11, 2016 | Formation, Reflections
You have seen the graphic for this series. What was is like to sit across the table from Vincent and learn from him? Each Tuesday the more pastorally concerned clergy would gather to learn from Vincent. Abelly states that more than 12,000 ordinands made their retreats...
How St. Vincent went from retail to wholesale
by John Freund, CM | Jun 4, 2016 | Formation, Reflections, Systemic change
The story of the impact of one of Vincent early sermons is well known in Vincentian circles, especially among the Ladies of Charity. Indeed, it is their “foundation story.” Four hundred years later that story is still being told. But it is a story with even wider...
The value of vulnerability… and eye openers
by John Freund, CM | May 28, 2016 | Formation, Reflections
Ever wonder what made Vincent Vincent? Here's a thought. The value of vulnerability and eye-openers. A few days ago I read a description of Jesus’ way of formation. It went something like this... When Jesus sent his apostles into society he insisted they be very...